In a turn of events, organisers for the 2026 Commonwealth Games have decided not to feature esports as one of its medal event.
This is surprising as the previous 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham had it in the programmes. It also brought in a lot of success.
The Commonwealth Games Organising Committee has not given a reason as to why they have left out the event. BBC has also reported that the committee has decided against including it in future events.
The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) and the Global Esports Federation (GEF) organised the event for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Teams from all around the globe participated in the Birmingham pilot programme. After the event concluded, a CGF representative was hopeful for the future of esports and quoted as saying it was a success.
Esports is seen as the door for young people to be interested in the Commonwealth Games. Hundreds tuned in to watch games such as eFootball, Dota 2 and Rocket League.
Many are stumped as to why esports was not included in the 2026 Games events. Not only that, there are speculations that doping in esports is the reason for the decision. Moreover, year-round drug tests would be a problem.
Furthermore, reports say that the more conservative and senior members of the various Commonwealth Games country were not fond of that event.
CGF president Dame Louise Martin expressed optimism during the Birmingham event. She stated that the addition of esports to the official programme will pique the attention of young people who are less enthusiastic about conventional sports.