New Global Sport Conference to Explore the Rise of Esports Athletes as Modern Sport Heroes
The New Global Sport Conference 2024 (NGSC), themed ‘The Future of Fandom,’ is set to host more than 60 global speakers and over 750 delegates from various sectors including gaming, esports, technology, sports, entertainment, business, and investment. The conference will take place at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre on August 24-25.
The NGSC will feature a series of discussions focusing on fan engagement in sports and esports, the evolving landscape of fandom, and its significant impact on the future of sports and entertainment. A key theme of the conference will be ‘The rise of modern sports heroes who balance traditional sports and gaming.’ This will address the global debate around the positioning, value, and impact of esports athletes.
With over 3.4 billion gamers worldwide and an estimated 234 million esports athletes, competitive gaming has become a global phenomenon. Esports athletes demonstrate the same dedication, discipline, and physical prowess as traditional sports stars, with rigorous training regimens, strategic thinking, and the ability to perform under pressure.
HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, emphasized the transformative power of esports: “Esports is not just a game; it is a movement that is reshaping the landscape of sports and entertainment. The New Global Sport Conference is a testament to the growth and importance of this industry, recognizing the stardom of esports athletes and the unmatched passion of esports fans. The conference and the visionaries attending it will enable impactful discussions, networking, and collaboration to drive forward the future of esports.”
Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, highlighted the athleticism of esports competitors: “Esports athletes have proven time and again that they possess the same qualities as traditional sports stars. They train hard, compete fiercely, and inspire millions of fans around the world. The New Global Sport Conference is crucial in recognizing their contributions and setting the stage for the future of sports. Esports athletes are real athletes, esports fans are as passionate and loyal as any sports fans, and esports is the new global sport.”
As traditional sports and esports converge, NGSC is at the forefront of this transformation, fostering dialogue, partnership, and innovation. The conference aims to build the foundations for a future where esports and traditional sports coexist, enriching the global sports community.
Building on the success of its inaugural event last year, NGSC continues the path forged by the successful 2022 and 2023 editions of the Next World Forum. Under one exclusive banner, NGSC will hold sessions highlighting the challenges and opportunities in crafting a new global sporting legacy, the role of technology in shaping the future of competitive gaming, and the art of storytelling in esports.
For more information and updates on the event, please visit the New Global Sport Conference Website.
