Turki Al-Sheikh Tops Influential List in American Magazine
Turki Al-Sheikh, the head of the Saudi General Entertainment Authority (GEA), has emerged as the most influential figure in the world of boxing according to the 2024 list published by the renowned American sports magazine, “Sports Illustrated.”
The list highlighted several achievements of Turki Al-Sheikh,
as reported by the Saudi Press Agency, stating: “His Excellency, Advisor Turki bin Abdulmohsen Al-Sheikh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), topped the list of the most influential figures in the world of boxing for 2024, according to Sports Illustrated (SI), one of the leading sports magazines in the United States. This recognition continues the extensive and unlimited support from His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister – may God protect him – and aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which gives exceptional attention to sports with the aim of promoting a healthy lifestyle, developing sports infrastructure, and attracting global events, contributing to sustainable development and enhancing the Kingdom’s position on the international stage.”
The magazine released its annual list of the most powerful and influential figures for the year, a
long-standing sports reference with over 70 years of history. Al-Sheikh was ranked first, ahead of
heavyweight world champions like Britain’s Tyson Fury and Ukraine’s Oleksandr Usyk, alongside
Rakan Al-Harthi, the executive member of the Sealla Company.
The list also included two of the world’s top boxing promoters, Britain’s Eddie Hearn and Frank
Warren, as well as Mauricio Sulaiman, the President of the World Boxing Council.
Sports Illustrated praised Al-Sheikh’s efforts in promoting boxing globally, noting that “his efforts
in 2024 have reached new horizons, making him recognized as one of the most influential figures
in sports, alongside the best boxers, and his sports goals are an integral part of Vision 2030.”
