Rules Rewritten: Industry legends Peter Moore & Ralf Reichert Reframe Sport and Esports at NGSC 2025

As Riyadh hosted the closing weekend of the Esports World Cup 2025, the New Global Sport Conference (NGSC 2025) emerged not just as another industry summit, but as a vibrant crossroads for sport, gaming, and innovation.

Among its standout moments was a powerful session titled “Rules Rewritten”, featuring Ralf Reichert (CEO, Esports World Cup Foundation) and Peter Moore (ex-CEO of Liverpool FC and current owner of Santa Barbara Sky FC). Their shared legacy of nearly 15 years of friendship and collaboration added depth to a conversation that felt, at once, like history in motion and a blueprint for tomorrow.

When Two Worlds Merge

Ralf Reichert opened the panel by championing Riyadh’s ambition:

“As the boundaries between sports, e-sports, entertainment, and technology dissolve, this event becomes the premier global stage for leaders to explore new horizons and create groundbreaking collaborations.”— Ralf Reichert

He recalled how the Esports World Cup aimed to create an athlete-first experience:

“Our number one priority was that the players come here, have a great time, learn about the country, and enjoy the hospitality… I think, number one, we are clearly seen as the tournament that takes best care of the players… They said this was one of the best, if not the best tournament they ever attended.”— Ralf Reichert

Moore's Perspective: Esports Meets Traditional Sport

Peter Moore brought a unique football-industry perspective into the esports arena:

“Saudi Arabia is the only country in the world that has an esports strategy as part of Vision 2030... Esports will open the Kingdom’s arms to the world... I leave here blown away by what this country can do.”— Peter Moore

His words underlined that esports is no longer a fringe interest, it’s central to Saudi Arabia’s global sporting vision.

The Real Power of “Rules Rewritten”

What made this moment so compelling isn’t just the stature of its speakers, but the narrative they wove:

- Convergence of Cultures: The panel married traditional sports heritage with esports’ agility and digital reach. This convergence is no longer theoretical it’s unfolding on stages like NGSC.

- Saudi Arabia at the Helm: The Kingdom positioned itself as both host and visionary architect, showcasing how sport and esports collaboration can drive forward a national cultural strategy.

- Human Stories, Not Just Strategies: From praising hospitality to acknowledging player experiences, the panel reminded attendees why this go-big mentality matters for games, for athletes, for economies.

Crafting the Future Together

Beyond the session, NGSC 2025 thrummed with energy. Conversations rippled through closing-night dinner tables and parking lot sidelines; newly made connections will shape partnerships for years to come.

Riyadh wasn’t just a host city. It became a bold statement: the global sports and esports narrative is being rewritten and Saudi Arabia is scripting it.