RIYADH: The New Global Sport Conference 2024 on Aug. 24 and 25 is set to discuss Saudi Arabia’s historic hosting of the inaugural Olympic Esports Games next year.
This comes in the wake of the recent announcement by the International Olympic Committee to partner with Saudi Arabia for 12 years to host the games.
The NGSC conference will have 60 speakers and more than 1,200 leaders from the esports, gaming, business, entertainment, and mainstream esports realms, including over 200 of the world’s most prominent CEOs.
The panel discussion titled “A Historic Convergence of Esports,” will explore the integration of esports into the Olympic movement.
Ser Miang Ng, vice president of the IOC, said: “The decision to create the Olympic Esports Games marks a historic moment that will profoundly impact both the Olympics and the world of esports.
“This is a recognition of the skill, dedication, and athleticism of esports players, who will have the opportunity to write their names in history as the first winners of the Olympic Esports Games next year in Saudi Arabia.
“The world will witness esports’ true impact as players across the globe come together to compete at the highest level, showcasing their talents on the grandest stage.”
David Lappartient, IOC member and chair of the IOC Esports Commission, and president of Union Cycliste Internationale, said he was looking forward to the discussions.
“Esports is a rapidly growing field that resonates deeply with younger generations worldwide, and it is only fitting that it takes its place on the Olympic stage, where the world’s best athletes come together in the spirit of excellence and fair play.”
He added: “We are thrilled to have Saudi Arabia as the host of this groundbreaking event, especially when looking at the Kingdom’s remarkable growth in esports, sports, and entertainment, which is a testament to its readiness to host such a spectacular event.”
Abdulaziz Baeshen, secretary-general and CEO of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, said this was a milestone achievement for sports globally.
“The creation of the Olympic Esports Games represents a monumental opportunity in sports and gaming and marks a historic step forward for the Olympic movement, with Saudi Arabia at the forefront as an important driving force.”
He said it aligns with the Kingdom’s National Gaming and Esports Strategy, launched in 2022, and is set to continue the sector’s growth in the country.
“Beyond giving esports athletes a chance to represent something much bigger than themselves by competing for their countries in 2025, this is also an opportunity for Olympic values to reach and inspire an entirely new audience.”
Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, said: “The recent announcement of the Olympic Esports Games is a true testament to the global impact of esports and its status as a new and serious global sport.”
He added: “The first New Global Sport Conference in 2023 proudly unveiled the Esports World Cup — currently being hosted to global acclaim in Riyadh —so it is fitting that this year’s edition provides another momentous step on Saudi Arabia’s esports journey.”
