Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – August 24, 2024 – Former Manchester United and France football star Patrice Evra boldly claimed that esports could become “10 times bigger than football” during the New Global Sport Conference 2024 (NGSC). Evra, who is widely regarded for his success in traditional sports, highlighted the immense potential of esports during a panel discussion on Saturday.
Evra, 43, a UEFA Champions League and five-time Premier League winner, spoke passionately at the conference held at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh At Kingdom Center. The session, titled ‘Becoming a Modern Sports Hero – Sports, Gaming, and the Relentless Pursuit of Excellence,’ also featured Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo, a Brazilian national and renowned Counter-Strike II player for FURIA Esports.
The panel explored how modern sports icons have redefined excellence in their respective fields, drawing parallels between traditional sports and competitive gaming. The discussion delved into the mindset, dedication, and strategies that elevate athletes and esports professionals to the top of their games.
With the global gaming community now numbering approximately 3.24 billion and continually expanding, Evra, who was capped 81 times for France, believes that esports can surpass football in popularity.
“Without hesitation, esports can be bigger than football—esports can be 10 times bigger than football,” Evra stated on the sidelines of the conference. “This is the new generation. Don’t forget, old school, our parents didn’t let us play (gaming), so we couldn’t do it. This generation wants gaming. It can be bigger than football 100%. You can see the fans in the arenas where all these gaming competitions happen, like at the Esports World Cup in Riyadh.”
Evra also emphasized the commitment of esports professionals, noting, “The professionals train eight hours per day; footballers train two, maximum three hours per day. It’s going to be so big.”
FalleN, 33, echoed Evra’s sentiments, sharing his own journey in esports. “I started playing when I was a kid. I was part of the first generation who knew what esports could be. I’m very happy I pursued my dreams and very happy to be here now,” he said.
The second edition of NGSC, themed ‘The Future of Fandom,’ is hosting over 60 global speakers, 200 CEOs, and 1,200 attendees. Thought leaders from the worlds of gaming, esports, technology, sports, entertainment, business, and investment have converged at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh to discuss the future of competitive gaming and entertainment.
Aligned with Saudi Arabia’s National Gaming and Esports Strategy, which aims to position the Kingdom as a global gaming and esports hub by 2030, NGSC continues the legacy of the successful Next World Forum events. The conference features sessions on crafting a new global sporting legacy, the role of technology in competitive gaming, and the evolving art of storytelling in esports.
The second and final day of NGSC 2024 will take place on Sunday, August 25, promising more insights and discussions that will shape the future of global esports.
For more information and updates, please visit the New Global Sport Conference website.
