The conference is scheduled for Aug. 24-25 at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre A major theme of the conference is the emergence of modern sports heroes who balance traditional sports and gaming Riyadh: The New Global Sport Conference 2024, with the theme “The Future of Fandom,” will welcome more than 60 speakers and more than 750 delegates from sectors including gaming, esports, technology, sports, entertainment, business and investment. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport Scheduled for Aug. 24-25 at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre, the conference will feature discussions on fan engagement in sports and esports, the changing landscape of fandom, and its impact on the future of sports and entertainment. A major theme of the conference is the emergence of modern sports heroes who balance traditional sports and gaming. Speakers will address the global debate about the positioning, value and impact of esports athletes. With more than 3.4 billion gamers worldwide and an estimated 234 million esports athletes, competitive gaming has become a global phenomenon. Esports athletes exhibit the same dedication, discipline and physical skills as traditional sports stars, with rigorous training, strategic thinking, and the ability to perform under pressure. Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, said: “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, and a recognition of the stardom of esports athletes and the unmatched passion of esports fans. The conference and the visionaries attending it from all over the world will enable impactful discussions, networking, and collaboration to drive forward the future of esports.” Meanwhile, Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, added: “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.” NGSC aims to foster dialogue, partnership and innovation as traditional sports and esports merge. The conference will explore how esports and traditional sports can coexist and enrich the global sports community. Building on the success of its inaugural event, NGSC will feature sessions on the challenges and opportunities in creating a new global sporting legacy, the role of technology in competitive gaming, and storytelling in esports.