After hosting one of the most spectacular Tetris events, the iconic game now aims for an even loftier ambition: becoming an Olympic esport. With Tetris’ increasing popularity and competitive appeal, its creators are planning to push the game into the Olympic spotlight.
Tetris Sets Its Sights on the Olympics
Earlier this month, the 2025 Red Bull Tetris World Final in Dubai dazzled spectators as competitors transformed the Dubai Frame into an epic battleground. Maya Rogers, CEO of The Tetris Company, shared that their ambition includes securing Tetris as an official Olympic esport within the next one to three years. According to her, Tetris’ family-friendly nature makes it an ideal candidate for the Olympics. The dream is to see Tetris recognized alongside traditional sports on the Olympic stage.
Henk Rogers, Tetris Founder, echoed these sentiments, aiming to make Tetris the world’s first “Olympic-style esport.” However, he acknowledges the need to make the game more spectator-friendly, suggesting enhancements like replay systems to help audiences better grasp the players’ extraordinary skills.
A Rocky Start to Esports and the Olympics’ Relationship
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) debuted its Olympic Esports Series in 2023 but faced criticism due to the absence of major titles like League of Legends and Dota 2, citing their violent nature. In collaboration with Saudi Arabia, the IOC planned a larger Olympic Esports Games, initially set for 2025, but postponed to 2027. Despite the recent termination of their deal, the IOC remains committed to exploring new approaches for integrating esports into the Olympic framework.