The relationship between the Olympic Movement and Esports to be discussed at the Next World Forum

We are back with one of the topics that has given a lot to talk about this 2023, and it is that in the second edition of the Next World Forumto be held between August 30-31 at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh.there will be a round table where the first round table Olympic Esports Weekheld in Singapore in June, where 10 virtual and simulated sports were present.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has stated that it was a successbut he had to face criticism from fans for the introduction of titles such as Tic Tac Bow, which are not considered esports, and the omission of others such as Dota 2, League of Legends or Counter-Strike.

Vincent Pereirahead of virtual sports and video games at the IOC, will be part of the panel that will discuss the extent to which the IOC’s virtual sports and video games Olympic Esports Week can be considered as e-sports. On the other hand, the executive director of AFK Esports, Matthew Woodsthe team’s executive director CSGO’s Ninjas in Pyjamas, Hicham Chahine; the Director of Corporate Communications of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, Abdulaziz Albaqousand the Commercial Director of Nielsen, Timo Kruegerwill also contribute their ideas.

Other topics to be addressed within the Next World Forum program include. challenges facing women in video game leadership and the analysis of the mental and physical health of gamers. of esports.

It will also highlight the Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in e-sports.with the holding of the Global Esports Games in Riyadh this year. This reflects its aim as a key destination for sporting events, although it has drawn criticism, which opponents see as an attempt to sporting window dressing on the regime’s human rights record.

The president of the Saudi Esports Federationthe prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultansaid the Next World Forum discussions will help shape the future of e-sports.

The Next World Forum’s 2023 program is specifically designed to pose vital and challenging questions for the video game and eSports industry that will spark thought and lead to meaningful action. As leaders from our industry and partner sectors gather in Riyadh for two days of enlightening discussions and bright ideas, we ask them to think about how best to positively influence the future of video gaming and eSports. Doing so will help create and shape a more progressive and prosperous future for us all.

Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, President of the Saudi Esports Federation