'Next World Forum' Discusses Gaming and Esports Sector in Riyadh

The Saudi Esports Federation logo
The Saudi Esports Federation logo
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'Next World Forum' Discusses Gaming and Esports Sector in Riyadh

The Saudi Esports Federation logo
The Saudi Esports Federation logo

The Saudi Esports Federation will launch the "Next World Forum" on August 30 and 31 in Riyadh, at the conclusion of the activities of the largest event for games and electronic sports in the world, "Gamers8: The Land of Heroes."

The forum will discuss promising opportunities in the fast-growing gaming and esports industry worth more than $170 billion globally, exceeding the worth of both the film and music industries.

Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan, Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation's Board of Directors, said that the current edition of the forum tackles challenging questions about the gaming and esports industry, as it convenes leaders of the sector and related sectors.

The first day of the forum will see a panel discussion entitled: “Acquisition: Legal Aspects of Corporate Acquisition of Game Studios," then a session about “Electronic Games, the Economy of the Future," followed by a session “From Pixels to the Podium: Studying the Relationship between eSports and the Olympic Games," in addition to a session on “Stagnation of E-Sports: Is the Story Over?”.

On its second day, the forum will witness a session titled "The Impact of Politics on Electronic Games," a session entitled “Challenges Women Face in Achieving Leadership Roles in the World of Electronic Games," and then a session about “Analyzing the Mental and Physical Health of Esports Players" and a keynote session entitled “Better Digital Governance in Metaverse and Blockchain."

The winners of the "Gamers Season Awards for Clubs" will be announced during the "Next World Forum," which is an innovative method for awarding rewards and an updated system that will constitute a quantum leap in the world of electronic sports.



Germany Looking to Book Spot in Euro 2024 Knockout Stage with Another Win against Hungary

Germany's goalkeeper Manuel Neuer smiles during press conference of the German national soccer team in Herzogenaurach, Germany, Monday, June 17, 2024. (dpa via AP)
Germany's goalkeeper Manuel Neuer smiles during press conference of the German national soccer team in Herzogenaurach, Germany, Monday, June 17, 2024. (dpa via AP)
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Germany Looking to Book Spot in Euro 2024 Knockout Stage with Another Win against Hungary

Germany's goalkeeper Manuel Neuer smiles during press conference of the German national soccer team in Herzogenaurach, Germany, Monday, June 17, 2024. (dpa via AP)
Germany's goalkeeper Manuel Neuer smiles during press conference of the German national soccer team in Herzogenaurach, Germany, Monday, June 17, 2024. (dpa via AP)

Germany faces Hungary on Wednesday in Stuttgart in their second Group A match. Germany tops the group after beating Scotland 5-1 in the opener while Hungary lost 3-1 against Switzerland. Kickoff is at 6 p.m. local time (1600 GMT). Here’s what to know about the match:

Match facts:

— Victory for Germany would all but guarantee a spot in the knockout stages and it would definitely advance if Switzerland also beats Scotland in the other group match.

— Another defeat would not end Hungary’s chances as it could still claim one of the four best third-place spots up for grabs.

— Germany is winless in its last three meetings against Hungary and was beaten 1-0 in the last game between the two teams, in September 2022.

— Germany had to twice come from behind when the teams met in the group stage at the last European Championship. That was the teams’ first competitive meeting since the 1954 World Cup final, won 3-2 by West Germany.

Team news:

— Hungary coach Marco Rossi is hopeful French-born midfielder Loic Nego will have recovered to face Germany after he was only fit for a place on the bench against Switzerland.

— Germany has reported no injury concerns.

By the numbers:

— Germany’s five goals scored against Scotland leaves it just one short of its best-ever group stage tally at the European Championship, when it scored six at Euro 2020.

— Hungary midfielder Ádám Nagy, who turned 29 on Sunday, could make his eighth tournament appearance if he plays against Germany. That would be a new record for Hungary, breaking the joint mark Nagy holds with former captain Ádám Szalai.

— Germany’s victory over Scotland saw the team win its European Championship opener for a record-extending eighth time.

What they’re saying:

“Hungary is an unpleasant opponent, they can sometimes be wild and they’re difficult to get a hold of. There are a lot of free spirits out there” — Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann.

“We beat them (Germany) in 2022, so I’m sure it will be an extra motivation for them. They’ll be thinking: ‘Not again.’ But it’s clear from the first game that this Germany side is a completely proposition to what they were back then or even last year.” — Hungary forward Martin Ádám.

“On the pitch you felt how every single one of our players was annoyed that we conceded. That is a good sign. Scoring goals is nice, but we are thinking defensively and want to have stability at the back.” — Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.