Saudi Arabia to Host Next World Forum with Participation of Esports Leaders, Experts

Saudi Esports Federation (SEF) Chairman Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan. (SEF)
Saudi Esports Federation (SEF) Chairman Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan. (SEF)
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Saudi Arabia to Host Next World Forum with Participation of Esports Leaders, Experts

Saudi Esports Federation (SEF) Chairman Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan. (SEF)
Saudi Esports Federation (SEF) Chairman Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan. (SEF)

The Next World Forum, an esports and gaming forum that will bring together sector leaders and experts from around the world, will be held in Riyadh from September 7 to 8 September, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

The global gaming and esports community will gather to discuss the development of this vibrant and flourishing sector.

More than 1,200 delegates from across the globe will gather in Riyadh to discuss the most pertinent issues in esports and gaming at the in-person Forum.

With a highly impressive list of speakers, invitees include ministers of sport from various leading nations, investors, gamers, developers, tech providers, start-ups, public sector representatives, brands and advertisers, publishers, broadcasters, and federations and leagues.

The Next World Forum, which will be organized by the Saudi Esports Federation (SEF), additionally brings the curtain down on the phenomenally successful season of Gamers8, the biggest esports and gaming event worldwide, which is currently being held at Boulevard Riyadh City.

SEF Chairman Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan said: "The Next World Forum is an opportunity to shape the future agenda of esports and gaming, including the complete capture of full sector growth through investment and collaboration."

"It is imperative that we propel a gaming and esports sector that offers rich opportunities for industry and governments while meeting and exceeding new expectations from gamers around business models," he added.

"In pursuing that quest, Saudi Arabia, which has an aim to become not just one of the global leaders in esports and gaming, but the global leader, is a fitting host for the Next World Forum," he stated.

High-level speakers at the Next World Forum include Prince Faisal; Chester King, CEO, British Esports & Vice-President, Global Esports Federation; Mario Pérez Guerreira CEO, MENA & Partner, GGTech; Sayo Olowabi, Security General, Africa Esports Development Federation (AEDF); and Grant Johnson, Chairman and CEO, Esports Entertainment Group.



Antonelli Named as Hamilton’s Replacement at Formula 1's Mercedes

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli of Italy walks down stairs for the first free practice ahead of the Formula One Italian Grand Prix race at the Monza racetrack, in Monza, Italy, Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli of Italy walks down stairs for the first free practice ahead of the Formula One Italian Grand Prix race at the Monza racetrack, in Monza, Italy, Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
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Antonelli Named as Hamilton’s Replacement at Formula 1's Mercedes

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli of Italy walks down stairs for the first free practice ahead of the Formula One Italian Grand Prix race at the Monza racetrack, in Monza, Italy, Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli of Italy walks down stairs for the first free practice ahead of the Formula One Italian Grand Prix race at the Monza racetrack, in Monza, Italy, Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

Teenager Kimi Antonelli has been named as Lewis Hamilton’s replacement next year at Mercedes, a day after his Formula One debut ended in the 18-year-old driver hitting the wall.
Antonelli took over for George Russell in the opening practice session for Sunday’s Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
But his much-anticipated first appearance lasted fewer than six laps, and only 10 minutes, after he lost control of his Mercedes at the Parabolica, sliding backwards through the gravel and into the tire barrier.
Team principal Toto Wolff said Saturday the crash would have no impact on Antonelli’s F1 chances, and confirmation of his elevation as a junior driver with the team was confirmed ahead of final practice at his home event.
“It is an amazing feeling to be announced as a Mercedes works driver alongside George for 2025,” said Antonelli. “Reaching F1 is a dream I’ve had since I was a small boy."