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| (Image Source: Global eSports Federation) |
The Riyadh 2023 Global eSports Games (#GEG23) made waves across Saudi Arabia last December 12-16, 2023 at the prestigious SEF Arena in Riyadh. The Global eSports Federation (GEF)’s flagship eSports event, hosted by the Saudi eSports Federation (SEF), #GEG23 is the third edition of the annual global event following the resounding success of Singapore 2021 and Istanbul 2022. With over 950 athletes from over 100 nations and territories registered for the qualifiers, 240 athletes from 56 nations and territories were able to compete in the World Finals showcasing their prowess in DOTA 2 (Valve), eFootball™️ 2024™️ 2024 (KONAMI), PUBG MOBILE (KRAFTON & Level Infinite), and Street Fighter 6 (Capcom), making the Global eSports Games as a firmly established cornerstone in the ever-expanding world of professional gaming.
During the Opening Ceremony held on the first day of the #GEG23 World Finals, GEF President Chris Chan set the tone for the event during the Opening Ceremony, stating, “Today is a historic day for eSports and sports, and our #worldconnected community. It signals the coming together of people from every continent on earth, bridging tradition and innovation, while looking ahead to the dynamic opportunities for a brighter future.” SEF Chairman HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud echoed the sentiment, stating, “This flagship event is one of the upmost significance as well as a truly global spectacle that enables us to captivate people while further uniting the #worldconnected eSports community. The Games showcase nothing short of an extraordinary display of excellence, proving that passion and skill are the ultimate currencies for driving advancement, bridging cultures, and inspiring greatness.” The #GEG23 commenced with the 11th GEF Board Meeting where HRH Prince Faisal was welcomed as an Honorary Member of the GEF Board, followed by the fourth GEF General Assembly which ultimately saw Chris Chan being elected to a second term as President of the Global Esports Federation while a round of candidates, approved by GEF’s Executive Committee, were elected by the full General Assembly to the GEF Board, adding expertise and valuable global perspectives.
GEF Chief Executive Officer Paul J. Foster, who graced the General Assembly, expressed his enthusiasm and optimism for the present and future of the Federation as well as the dynamism and energy that Saudi Arabia has brought during #GEG23. Foster shared, “We are so thrilled to be here in Riyadh at this time, in this incredible capital that is emerging before our very eyes, literally. I’ve been here 12 times in 12 months, and I love it. The physical architecture, the energy of the place and time, the people, the enthusiasm, and the united spirit around Vision 2030, to which GEF wants to play its part. But it’s also important because of the impact that the Global eSports Games will have on the region, and worldwide. At a time when there is multiple conflicts and disharmony, this is a harmonizing factor, something we just love. Together with HRH Prince Faisal and his team, we have a connection that moves in perfect harmony, because we are united by shared values and vision. Prince Faisal talks about gaming as a unifying force for good. Of course, there are challenges, we want to do so much – but Saudi Arabia is a place that is delivering on its promises. I have suggested to our community that it’s very impactful that we are here now. I think we will look back and say, ‘We were there’.”
GEF’s highly successful third annual flagship Global eSports Games provides an ideal setting to reflect on what has been achieved as the organization enters its fifth year. Foster said, “We feel very grown up, all of a sudden. Four years feels start-up-ish. You can’t say that after five. As CEO, I get a sense of chapter change. We are calling this GEF 5.0 and we are focusing on our fifth universal value, innovation. Now we can say the foundations are well in place. We’ve got incredible partnerships with UNESCO. We were at the UN General Assembly in New York where I gave the UNDP Youth Award. That was a great moment among so many great moments. Thanos Karagrounas, GEF Executive Director for Strategy and Impact, has joined the UNESCO Chair on Governance and Social Responsibility. We had the Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Science of UNESCO, Gabriela Ramos, hosting UNESCO’s Global Sports Conference, MINEPS, attended by the GEF, and expressing her excitement for the European Games eSports Championships. It speaks volumes for our organization’s beliefs. Then layer in the Olympic Partnerships, the European Games in Katowice, Poland, the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile. Santiago was a real highlight, with our athletes being part of national delegations, wearing the uniform, staying in the Pan American Village. The IOC President Thomas Bach visited us at the Pan American eSports Championships Marquee at the Santiago National Stadium. We are very proud of that. Sometimes we make it look like that, but this was all part of a hard journey. I had to go to Santiago with a vision and share it with Panam Sports. Some of them had never heard of esports or didn’t have a great perception of it. But after speaking to them, it was unanimously voted for inclusion. GEF has often done things that are not easy.”
With foundations in place, the GEF will continue to innovate and grow at a lightning pace. Foster shares, “President Chris Chan has just been unanimously re-elected and it was an amazing moment for him. The entire GEF General Assembly rallied to support him. That speaks to our stability, credibility, legitimacy, and prestige, to have a man of decades of experience in the Olympic movement, leading our Board. That is complemented by a remarkable Board of 28 people, from every continent on earth, with backgrounds in sport, eSports, business, and education. They are giving their heart and soul to the emergence of eSports. It also gives us a foundation for innovation. Our work is a resource, available in service to our community. This year was all about making an impact, but 2024 will be the year we move towards innovation. It’s right across the organization, every vertical, how we think about every aspect from an innovative perspective. It’s a lighthouse, a vision setter, not a fixed policy. I’m excited that Eric Brinkley, our Director of Programs and Content, has now been appointed as Commissioner of the Global eSports Tour. We could be looking at 10 to 12 events, across the world – the best titles, the best players, and teams. We’ve got great brands and organizations behind us. And with our credibility, cities, and countries want us to come and host events.”
The GEF community was updated on the successes of the inaugural European Games eSports Championships (#EGE23) in Katowice and the Pan American eSports Championships (#PEC23) that concluded in Santiago, Chile recently. On the other hand, the GEFcon featured engaging discussions on innovation, technology, inclusivity, and global impact with prominent figures from various fields sharing insights. Topics ranged from eSports innovation and technology to active inclusivity and the global impact of eSports. In addition to the thrilling competition and thought-provoking discussions, #GEG23 provided spectators the GEFestival experience and enjoyed a taste of Saudi hospitality in an al-fresco area with live music, live cooking demonstrations, camel and falcon photo opportunities, a traditional costume section immersing visitors in the rich heritage and culture of Saudi Arabia, and an Arabic calligraphy station providing attendees a personalized masterpiece and capturing the essence of Saudi culture.
With the support of Presenting Partner Savvy Games Group, Nexus Partner Qiddiya, Strategic Partners stc play and KFC, and Main Partner TCL, the Riyadh 2023 Global eSports Games was truly an extraordinary spectacle like no other. Expect the Global eSports Games to deliver an unstoppable action-packed professional gaming extravaganza and non-stop fun beyond eSports in the coming years when it is slated to take place in China, the UAE, and even the United States of America. For those who want to catch up on what they have missed at #GEG23, you can relive all the action that happened in the five-day eSports extravaganza in Riyadh on Global eSports Federation's official YouTube channel.
