The second edition of the New Global Sport Conference 2024 (NGSC24) commenced on Saturday in Riyadh, bringing together global leaders from esports, sports, technology, and entertainment. Held under the theme “The Future of Fandom,” the two-day event explores trends and strategies to enhance fan engagement and build passionate communities. According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the conference underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to leading the global gaming and esports industry, aligning with Vision 2030 goals to diversify the economy and empower youth.
Context and Background
Saudi Arabia has emerged as a powerhouse in esports, driven by a national strategy under Vision 2030. The Kingdom aims to become a global hub for gaming and esports, leveraging its young population and technological infrastructure. The NGSC24 builds on the success of the inaugural event, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s role in shaping the future of sports entertainment.
With over 3.4 billion gamers and 234 million esports players worldwide, the sector has evolved from a niche hobby into a global phenomenon. This growth presents opportunities for investment, sponsorship, and innovation, areas where Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a leader.
Key Details
The first day featured a session titled “Gaming and Sports as the Kingdom’s Gateway to the World,” with notable speakers including Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation (SEF); Eng. Abdullah bin Amer Al-Swaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology; Adwa Al-Arifi, Assistant Minister of Sports for Sports Affairs; Brian Ward, CEO of Savvy Games Group; Arnold Hur, CEO of Gen.G Esports; and Mike Milanov, Chairman of the Advisory Board for Gaming and Esports at Qiddiya city.
Another session, “How Esports is Shaping the Next Chapter of Olympic History,” discussed esports’ integration with traditional sports. Participants included Ser Miang Ng, Vice President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC); David Lappartient, IOC member and President of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI); Abdulaziz Baeshen, CEO and Secretary General of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC); and Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation.
The conference also hosted four other sessions with entrepreneurs, experts, and global CEOs from various sectors. Sunday’s agenda includes six additional sessions focusing on esports’ positive impact on other industries and its evolution into a global phenomenon.
Implications and Impact
The NGSC24 highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in global sports and esports. By hosting such events, the Kingdom attracts international attention, fosters partnerships, and showcases its capabilities in event management and technology. This aligns with Vision 2030’s goal to diversify revenue streams and create job opportunities for Saudi youth.
Moreover, the conference facilitates knowledge exchange, enabling Saudi entities to learn from global best practices and integrate them into local initiatives. The presence of IOC representatives signals esports’ potential inclusion in future Olympic events, a development that could further elevate Saudi Arabia’s status in the sports world.
Vision 2030 Alignment
Saudi Arabia’s national strategy for gaming and esports, under Vision 2030, aims to position the Kingdom as a leader in this dynamic industry. The NGSC24 exemplifies this commitment by bringing together global stakeholders to shape the future of fandom. As Saudi Arabia continues to invest in esports infrastructure and talent, it reinforces its role as a global hub for innovation and entertainment, contributing to the Kingdom’s long-term economic and social goals.
20 Questions
Q1. What is the New Global Sport Conference 2024?
A1. The New Global Sport Conference 2024 (NGSC24) is a two-day event held in Riyadh under the theme “The Future of Fandom,” focusing on trends and strategies in sports and esports to enhance fan engagement and build global communities.
Q2. When and where did NGSC24 take place?
A2. NGSC24 kicked off on Saturday, August 24, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and ran for two days, concluding on Sunday, August 25, 2024.
Q3. Who are some key speakers at NGSC24?
A3. Key speakers include Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, Eng. Abdullah bin Amer Al-Swaha, Adwa Al-Arifi, Brian Ward, Arnold Hur, Mike Milanov, Ser Miang Ng, David Lappartient, Abdulaziz Baeshen, and Ralf Reichert.
Q4. What was the theme of NGSC24?
A4. The theme was “The Future of Fandom,” exploring how sports and esports can deepen fan engagement and foster passionate global communities.
Q5. What session discussed gaming as a gateway for Saudi Arabia?
A5. The session “Gaming and Sports as the Kingdom’s Gateway to the World” highlighted how gaming and esports can connect Saudi Arabia globally and drive economic diversification.
Q6. How is esports shaping Olympic history?
A6. A session titled “How Esports is Shaping the Next Chapter of Olympic History” discussed esports’ integration with traditional sports and potential inclusion in future Olympic events.
Q7. How many gamers and esports players are there worldwide?
A7. There are over 3.4 billion gamers and approximately 234 million esports players globally, making esports a major phenomenon.
Q8. What is Saudi Arabia’s national strategy for gaming and esports?
A8. Under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has implemented a comprehensive national strategy to become a global leader in gaming and esports, focusing on investment, innovation, and youth empowerment.
Q9. What is the role of the Saudi Esports Federation?
A9. The Saudi Esports Federation (SEF), chaired by Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, supports the growth of esports in Saudi Arabia and represents the Kingdom internationally.
Q10. How does NGSC24 benefit Saudi Arabia’s economy?
A10. NGSC24 attracts international attention, fosters partnerships, and showcases Saudi capabilities in event management and technology, contributing to economic diversification and job creation.
Q11. What other sessions were held on the first day?
A11. Besides the two main sessions, four other sessions featured entrepreneurs, experts, and CEOs from esports, sports, technology, entertainment, business, and investment sectors.
Q12. What will happen on the second day of NGSC24?
A12. The second day will feature six sessions focusing on esports’ positive impact on other industries and its evolution from a niche subculture to a global phenomenon.
Q13. Who represented the International Olympic Committee at NGSC24?
A13. IOC Vice President Ser Miang Ng and IOC member David Lappartient participated, highlighting esports’ growing relationship with the Olympic movement.
Q14. What is Savvy Games Group’s role in Saudi esports?
A14. Savvy Games Group, led by CEO Brian Ward, is a key investor in gaming and esports, supporting Saudi Arabia’s goal to become a global hub for the industry.
Q15. How does NGSC24 align with Vision 2030?
A15. NGSC24 supports Vision 2030 by promoting economic diversification, youth empowerment, and Saudi Arabia’s leadership in global sports and esports.
Q16. What is Qiddiya city’s involvement in esports?
A16. Qiddiya city, with Mike Milanov as Chairman of its Advisory Board for Gaming and Esports, is developing a major hub for gaming and esports as part of Saudi Arabia’s entertainment infrastructure.
Q17. How does esports drive change in traditional sectors?
A17. Esports influences strategic planning, investment, broadcasting rights, sponsorship, marketing, and event management, transforming these sectors and creating new opportunities.
Q18. What is the significance of the Esports World Cup Foundation?
A18. The Esports World Cup Foundation, led by CEO Ralf Reichert, organizes global esports events, with Saudi Arabia hosting the Esports World Cup, further establishing its global presence.
Q19. How does NGSC24 promote fan engagement?
A19. NGSC24 explores strategies to enhance fan engagement, such as interactive experiences, community building, and leveraging technology to connect with audiences worldwide.
Q20. What is the expected outcome of NGSC24?
A20. NGSC24 aims to foster collaboration, share insights, and drive innovation in sports and esports, positioning Saudi Arabia as a leader and shaping the future of fandom globally.
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