Esports will no longer be part of the Asian Games programme after the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 edition, with the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) preparing a separate continental competition for esports and mind sports. Kuwait has been confirmed as the host of the inaugural Asian Esports and Mind Sports Games in 2027.
Asian Games to End Esports Run After 2026
The Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games will be the final edition featuring esports under the current OCA arrangement. The decision to remove esports was approved by the OCA Executive Board in November 2024 following a proposal from its Esports, Martial Arts and Mind Sports Committee.
Esports has been part of the Asian Games programme in different forms. It appeared as a demonstration sport at the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Games before becoming an official medal event at the Hangzhou Asian Games, held in 2023.
The 2026 edition features 11 esports medal events, with titles including League of Legends, Honor of Kings, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, PUBG Mobile and Puyo Puyo Champions.
Kuwait to Host New Asian Esports Games
The OCA has signed the Host City Contract with Kuwait to stage the first Asian Esports and Mind Sports Games in 2027.
Around 4,000 athletes are expected to participate in the new event. However, the OCA has not yet announced the complete programme, esports titles or detailed competition schedule.
The new competition will combine esports with mind sports. Reports have mentioned sports such as chess, go, checkers and bridge, although the final programme is still to be announced.
A New Platform for Asian Esports
The new event will give esports its own dedicated continental competition rather than keeping it within the wider Asian Games programme.
The OCA said the new Games are intended to create more opportunities for athletes and support the development of esports and mind sports across Asia.
The OCA is also discussing the possibility of the Philippines hosting the second edition in 2029. A decision is expected at the OCA General Assembly in Doha in 2027.
What Happens to Esports After 2026?
The transition means esports will have a new competition structure from 2027, but several details remain open. The OCA has yet to reveal the games, qualification system, dates and full format for the Kuwait event.
For now, the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games remain the final Asian Games edition featuring esports under the current arrangement, while Kuwait prepares to host the first dedicated Asian Esports and Mind Sports Games in 2027.