RIYADH: The Next World Forum, an esports and gaming event in Riyadh that will bring together sector leaders and experts from around the world, “is a platform for ushering in a new era in the phenomenal growth of the industry.”

This is according to Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, who said that there are significant opportunities for investors in this nascent sector.

More than 1,200 delegates from across the globe are expected to attend the in-person event.

The gathering takes place at the Four Seasons Hotel in Riyadh on Sept. 7 and 8.  Delegates include ministers of sport, investors, gamers, developers, tech providers, start-ups, public sector representatives, brands and advertisers, publishers, broadcasters, and members of federations and leagues.

Prince Faisal said: “In an era where the ability to meet in person to share ideas and collaborate has never been more important, the Next World Forum bridges the gap between virtual-world creativity and real-world development. There are numerous high-level opportunities, that can genuinely shape the future of esports and gaming, which will emanate from the Next World Forum.

“I am hugely excited about the conversations that will be taking place in Saudi Arabia, a nation that truly embodies the spirit of transformation and progressive action. In esports and gaming, we are always seeking game changers — and the Next World Forum is a platform for ushering in a new era in the phenomenal growth of the industry that we all love and cherish.”

The forum will also feature gaming masterclasses, bilateral meetings, and bring to a close Gamers8 which is currently being held at Boulevard Riyadh City until Sept. 8.

Speakers at the Next World Forum include Chester King, CEO of British Esports and vice-president of the Global Esports Federation; Mario Pérez Guerreira CEO, MENA & Partner, GGTech; Sayo Olowabi, secretary general, Africa Esports Development Federation; Grant Johnson, chairman and CEO, Esports Entertainment Group; and Prof. Glenn Platt, Armstrong Chair in Emerging Technology, co-founder and director of Esports Program, Miami University.

Other delegates who will attend are David Schulman, shareholder, Greenberg Traurig; Boris Mayencourt, president, E-LVETS & Swiss Esports Federation; Emmanuel Oyelakin, president, Africa Electronic Sports Association; Mo Fadl, chief publishing officer, Bright Star Studios; Madiha ‘Madi’ Naz, esports athlete and esports relationship agent, Division; Philip Wride, CEO, Cheesecake Digital; Noura Al-Aquil, chief customer officer and head of strategy, SAP; and Mark Cai, content creator, Esports and Gaming.