Commonwealth Games 2022 will include computer-based 'esports'

If you thought beach volleyball and cricket were controversial inclusions to the Commonwealth Games, prepare to be surprised.

This year’s event in Birmingham will introduce video gaming to the list of sports.

Gaming, known officially as esports, will be included as a pilot event – and plans are being discussed for it to become a fully fledged medal discipline by 2026.

Sportsmail understands that confirmation is imminent following lengthy talks between the Commonwealth Games Federation and gaming chiefs.

While no medals will be up for grabs during the Birmingham pilot, which will be branded as the Commonwealth Esport Championships, its success or failure in drawing a younger audience to the Games will determine if it is added to the full programme in the next four-year cycle.

It is believed that the popular game Defence of the Ancients 2 (Dota 2) will be one of three titles to feature. Dota 2 is a complicated battle game in which two teams of five players fight as characters with unique abilities. A team wins by destroying the other side’s ‘ancient’, a large structure located at their base.

The bold move to include esports is sure to be viewed with cynicism by traditionalists. 

It follows indications from the new boss of the Games, Katie Sadleir, that the programme could see ‘dramatic change’ over the next decade as the event fights for its standing in the global sporting landscape.

Future hosts have already been told they will be given greater flexibility on which sports to include, with only athletics and swimming compulsory.

Speaking in December, when she said she was ‘open minded’ about esports, Miss Sadleir told the BBC: ‘We have been thinking about the creative ways we could pivot the Games to make sure it still