Esports World Cup Conference in Riyadh Features Global Sports Leaders

The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) is preparing for one of the biggest gatherings in global sports and esports. The New Global Sport Conference 2025 (NGSC 2025) will take place on August 23–24 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Riyadh, coinciding with the Closing Weekend of the Esports World Cup.

Good to know

• Over 1,500 founders, investors, and creators are expected to attend.
• Leaders from Sony, SEGA, Bandai Namco, LA28 and more will be speaking.
• The event will include keynotes, private forums, panels, and roundtables over two days.

The conference has lined up some of the most respected figures in both traditional sports and esports. Magnus Carlsen, five-time World Chess Champion and ambassador for the Esports World Cup, will be there to discuss how chess continues to expand its presence in digital platforms.

Peter Moore, former CEO of Liverpool FC, former EA Sports President, and current owner of Santa Barbara Sky FC, will also take the stage. Moore has a unique perspective on how traditional sports and esports overlap. He said:

“Esports and traditional sports reflect the same energy; tribal loyalty, elite competition and global reach. I’ve seen how a full stadium and a full Twitch stream trigger the same elevated heartbeat. The smartest clubs and brands are building bridges and owning their audiences on the pitch and on screen.”

Adding to the line-up, Pete Radovich, Emmy-winning Vice President of Production and Senior Creative Director at CBS Sports, will share insights into how esports is reshaping the way fans watch competitions.

“After years producing global events in football, tennis and basketball, I’m looking forward to joining NGSC 2025 to explore how esports is changing the viewing experience,” Radovich said. “Today’s audiences want new formats, interactivity and authenticity, all things the esports world is pioneering in the broadcast space.”

Traditional and Digital Sports Are Merging

Carlsen’s participation highlights the role of chess in this evolving sports landscape. Once seen as purely traditional, chess now attracts millions online through streaming and global tournaments. The game was officially included in the Esports World Cup 2025, making its presence at NGSC even more relevant.

The speaker list also includes Casey Wasserman, LA28 Olympic Games Chairman, and esports leaders such as Victor Goossens, Founder and Co-CEO of Team Liquid, and Danny Tang, Co-Founder and CEO of Hero Esports.