The International Canoe Federation will showcase how it sees paddle sports playing an important role in the future of gaming at the Olympic Esports Week in Singapore, starting Thursday. 

Imagine taking on fellow enthusiasts from all over the world, paddling on some of the most scenic and challenging waterways on the planet, from the comfort of your own home.  

The ICF is partnering with Better Than Life, the studio that developed Kayak VR: Mirage, a kayaking simulation game made for VR. Kayak VR: Mirage was the most downloaded VR title across all regions for PlayStation VR2’s launch. 

Together the ICF and Better Than Life aim to harness the best of both gaming and virtual sports. The ICF is fully committed to the IOC’s 2020+5 vision, and the role esports can play in welcoming new audiences to sporting activity.  

“We believe esports has the potential to show people around the world what a beautiful sport canoeing and kayaking is,” Richard Pettit, the ICF Secretary General said. 

“The popularity of Kayak VR confirms what we have always believed – that our sport captures the imagination of people from all ages, all around the world. 

“The Olympic Esports Week provides a chance to tap into some of the greatest minds in virtual gaming, and to showcase where we are with our exciting collaboration with Better than Life, and where we are going. Esports has so much potential, and we are determined to play our role in its development.” 

Esports was identified during the ICF’s recent Fit For Future review as a key area in developing paddle sports, and to attracting new fans and participants.  

The ICF will be part of the Free to Play programme in Singapore. Its booth will open from June 23 to the 25th. 

The Olympic Esports Series (OES) is a global virtual and simulated sports competition created by the IOC, and in collaboration with International Federations (IFs) and game publishers. 

The ICF is taking part in this event with Better Than Life as an exhibitor in the Free to Play Zone to introduce the potentials of paddling in Esports and has intentions to become part of the official programme for the future editions of the IOC Esports Week.  

The official competition programme which includes cycling, shooting, baseball, among others, started on March 1st when both professional and amateur players from around the world took part in qualification rounds across the featured games. 

The in-person finals will be contested at this week’s first ever Olympic Esports event. The event will be streamed live.