RIYADH: Riyadh didn’t just host a conference this weekend — it made history. Day One of the New Global Sport Conference 2025 (NGSC) transformed the Four Seasons Hotel into a global hub for the future of gaming, esports, and sports. More than 1,500 leaders, innovators, and creators from around the world came together to discuss one question: What comes next for the world of play?

And Saudi Arabia came to play in a big way. The Kingdom unveiled an ambitious master plan to solidify its position as a global esports powerhouse, announcing that the Esport Nations Cup will launch in November 2026 in Riyadh. The tournament promises to build national pride and deliver the kind of iconic moments gamers will remember for generations.

Prince Faisal bin Bandar, president of the Saudi Esports Federation, captured the transformation brought about by introducing international esports events to the Kingdom perfectly. “Three million people visited Riyadh in the middle of summer, despite the heat, to attend events like the Esports World Cup and the New Global Sport Conference,” he said. “These were times when, in the past, everything would shut down — restaurants, stores, hotels — but now, thanks to gaming and esports, the city is operating at full capacity.”

The investment driving this transformation is just as bold. Speaking at the conference, Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih said: “The gaming and esports sector is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, and the Kingdom views it as the ‘new oil,’ as it relies on our most important strategic resource — human capital.”

Another official added: “We are making massive investments in the esports sector because it connects technology, education, tourism, and innovation.”

The community-driven side of this growth is just as significant. Faisal Bin Homran, chief product officer of the Esports World Cup Foundation, highlighted the importance of building relationships with the players, producers and fans who make the ecosystem thrive.

“We are community-powered, and that’s what keeps us close to the players, clubs, publishers, and fans — whether they’re here on the ground or across the globe. By listening to what they want, we’ve been able to grow faster and build a stronger esports fandom in Saudi Arabia. This year alone, we saw over 200 clubs and 2,000 players from more than 100 nations participate, with over 10,000 players competing in qualifiers. It shows that, beyond prize money, the level of competition and passion for esports is higher than ever — and we’re proud to be part of that growth.”

That vision of progress and pride resonated throughout the conference. As Ralf Reichert, CEO of the EWCF, noted, “When nations compete, the rules remain the same, but the meaning rises. Victories happen; they are not just wins, they become national memories.”

Throughout the day, the sessions were as dynamic as the announcements. Ubisoft took the audience on a journey through its evolution from a small publisher to a global powerhouse, hinting at how legacy titles will continue to evolve for future generations. Industry experts explored how mobile platforms are now the backbone of global gaming growth, with one strategist emphasizing, “Mobile gaming isn’t the future — it’s the present. If you’re not building for the phone in someone’s pocket, you’re missing billions of players ready to connect, compete, and create.”

Others dove into the power of intellectual property, describing IP as “the currency of the next era of gaming,” fueling everything from collaborations to film and streaming adaptations.

The diversity of voices on stage reflected the global reach and potential of the industry.

Jumana Haj-Ahmad of UNICEF spoke about the social impact of gaming. “With around 3.3 billion gamers globally, gaming is more than entertainment; it’s a platform for learning and connection,” she said. “But that also means we must set global standards to ensure that every gamer’s experience is safe, inclusive, and impactful.”

Dan Clancy, CEO of Twitch, praised the region’s rising influence: “The Arabic community has showed active engagement on Twitch for years. It’s been incredible to finally support this community by localizing our platform. This isn’t just a market; it’s a vibrant, creative hub that’s influencing gaming culture globally.”

What truly stood out, though, was the energy pulsing through every corner of the venue. Between sessions, hallways became buzzing networking arenas where developers pitched ideas to investors, creators discussed collaborations, and thought leaders mapped out the next wave of innovation.

As the first day wrapped up, excitement filled the air with conversations echoing through the halls. Day two will highlight how AI and gaming are shaping the future of interactive communities and expanding the global game.

The next era of global gaming is being written in Riyadh. And for the gaming community, that means bigger stages, bolder opportunities, and stories that will define a generation.