Thomas Bach appeared via hologram at the Olympic Esports Week Opening Ceremony ©IOC

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach appeared at the Olympic Esports Week Opening Ceremony via hologram with the event using "innovative technologies to celebrate where the physical and virtual worlds meet".

The inaugural event officially began at the Suntec Centre in Singapore where Bach welcomed crowds prior to competition in 10 events from the Olympic Esports Series.

"The next days will be a time to make history - a celebration of the best of virtual sport and esports - a time for the players to showcase their excellence and their passion for sport," said Bach.

"To all the players: now is your moment to shine.

"Always compete in the spirit of excellence, respect and fair play.

"Because being a true champion is about so much more than winning.

"My heartfelt thanks and congratulations go to the Organising Committee, the Singapore public authorities and the National Olympic Committee of Singapore for their great support to prepare the stage in such an excellent way for the players."


The Ceremony was led by creative director Beatrice Chia-Redmond and included a performance from Singaporean musicians ShiGGa Shay and Aisyah Aziz, and a specially curated poem written by Adam Tie and performed by Gosteloa Spancer.

In addition to the holographic projection, laser projection mapping and automation were also deployed for the show.

Each of the 10 events in the Olympic Esports Series which are representing archery, baseball, chess, cycling, dance, shooting, sailing, motor sports, taekwondo and tennis, were introduced.

"Thank you for giving Singapore another great opportunity to co-create a stunning event with the IOC after the inaugural Youth Olympic Games Singapore 2010," said IOC vice-president Ser Miang Ng.

"Singapore is a country with one of the best technology and innovation ecosystems, and we are honoured to be at the centre once again of such an innovative event and exciting milestone in Olympic Esports Week, helping to bridge the gap between sports, esports and games."

In addition to the Olympic Esports Series, several exhibition events are taking place in titles such as Rocket League, NBA2K23, and Street Fighter.

Competition is set to begin tomorrow with Zwift, Tic Tac Bow, Virtual Regatta, and Just Dance finals.