This is the conference responsible for the biggest deals in esports

The New Global Sport Conference is quickly establishing itself as the place where the most important deals in the world of gaming, esports and sports are struck. Despite being only a couple of editions old, the conference has already been the catalyst for high-profile partnerships, such as the collaboration between Savvy Games Group and Niantic or the agreement to to incorporate chess into the Esports World Cupboth boosted by this event.

Held annually in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the conference aims to bring together the most influential people in the gaming, esports and sports sectors.with the intention of connecting these three industries and fostering mutual learning and growth.

From its inception, the New Global Sport Conference positioned itself as a platform that unites leaders from across the industry, and in 2024 became the largest esports conference in the world. We bring together not only representatives from the esports ecosystem, but also from the gaming, sports, entertainment, investment and technology sectors, exploring the intersection between all these fields.

Hans Jagnow, Director of Special Projects, Esports World Cup Foundation

Bringing these key industries together allows attendees to make connections that would otherwise be difficult to achieve. And yet, these connections make a lot of sense. Esports have revolutionized the way competition is broadcast, introducing innovations that traditional broadcasters are now beginning to embrace. In turn, the expertise of traditional sports professionals can offer invaluable insights to their esports counterparts.

Bringing three industries together is no easy task, but it is necessary. Esports needs a forum in which to mature. Gaming needs a space to connect with adjacent sectors. Especially after the COVID pandemic, the esports industry lacked a large B2B event to meet. In the meantime, both gaming and esports are eager to learn more about disruptive developments in esports and explore new avenues of collaboration. We are addressing key industry issues such as investment and financing, new product concepts and how to prepare your business for the future. NGSC is the answer to that need.”

Hans Jagnow, Director of Special Projects, Esports World Cup Foundation

The conference has also facilitated great deals and collaborations. Although the case of chess at the EWC and the agreement between Savvy and Niantic are the most visible, hundreds of partnerships have been forged at NGSC over the past few years.. With such a wide variety of guests, you never know who you might meet at NGSC… and from there, previously unthinkable business opportunities may arise.

Now, the conference is gearing up for its third edition, which will be held from August 23-24 in Riyadhcoinciding with the closing weekend of the Esports World Cup. More than 1,500 industry professionals are expected to attend this year’s event.. In addition to pure networking, the agenda will include panels, roundtables and keynotes from industry legends who will offer exclusive insights into their respective disciplines.

This year’s edition will feature Peter Moore (former CEO of Liverpool FC and EA Sports executive), chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen and renowned video game developer Hideo Kojima, who will share their knowledge with attendees and help advance the dialogue between their respective industries. The full list of speakers includes other leading names in gaming, esports and sports who will discuss the future of these sectors.

For the first time, we will broaden our perspective beyond the short and medium term to look at how these industries could evolve between now and 2050. Through keynotes, high-level panels and exclusive conversations, the program will explore the future of gaming IP, the intersection of esports and sports, the role of governments and global institutions, and the transformative impact of mobile, artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure.

Hans Jagnow, Director of Special Projects, Esports World Cup Foundation

It will likely be a while before the deals that will be negotiated in Riyadh in the coming weeks come to light – and some may never be made public – but the legacy of this conference will be felt for years to come in the gaming, esports and esports sectors. With record attendance expected for this edition, the event could be key in defining the future of esports for years to come.