The 2023 SiGMA Europe Conference in Malta was a major triumph, attracting a substantial gathering of more than 25,000 participants to the island nation in the Mediterranean. The event, a central meeting point for iGaming experts, was alive with activity as attendees seized the chance to connect, participate in discussions and presentations, and engage in commerce. The venue, the Mediterranean Maritime Hub, was converted into a vibrant hub for the sector, featuring dual stages, al fresco dining, and an expanded exhibition area.
The notable lineup of participants included prominent industry personalities such as chief executives Darryl Manning (Wicked Games) and Alexandre Tomic (Alea), seasoned business builder David Meltzer, and Soft2Bet head Uri Poliavich. The conference also drew specialists from the burgeoning technology realm, with presenters like Sara Al Madani, Tony Ventura, and Vinícius M. de Carvalho from Ikigai Ventures.
The insightful discussions and panel sessions provided valuable insights into the trajectory of iGaming. Uri Poliavich’s statement struck a chord with many: “Excellence garners notice” – a clear appeal for elevated benchmarks within the sector.
David Melzer reiterated this feeling, noting:
“Individuals of affluence and charitable nature I’ve encountered have been nothing short of joyful. Their zeal is infectious, motivating others to, in turn, motivate a wider audience. This principle of plentifulness has been my guiding light for many years.”
Offering her insights on the status of the regional market, Tanja Dimitrijevic, Chief Legal Officer at Red Acre Group, commented on the island chain’s legal developments:
“Adopting groundbreaking technologies demonstrates a position at the forefront compared to other legal territories.”
## Malta’s Gaming Expertise Spotlighted by Officials
The gathering was honored by the appearance of Robert Abela, the country’s leading official. Prime Minister Abela walked the vibrant exhibition space, interacting with vendors presenting state-of-the-art innovations from top businesses within the field. He stressed that gatherings like SiGMA reinforce Malta’s standing as a global frontrunner in gaming, underscoring the sector’s substantial input to the nation’s financial well-being. Moreover, he restated the government’s dedication to ongoing support of the industry, encompassing the execution of a nationwide competitive gaming plan and programs designed to cultivate education and expansion within the digital gaming arena.
Further illustrating the event’s significance, Silvio Schembri, Minister for Economic Affairs, European Union Funding, and Territorial Resources, along with Bernard Grech, Head of the Opposition for the Nationalist Party, were also present.
## Emerging Companies Take the Forefront
This years Malta Week was a flurry of action, culminating in the triumphant comeback of the SiGMA Startup Pitch competition, where 8BIT Gaming took home the grand prize. Their offering, praised for its excellence, ingenuity, and retro appeal, clearly struck a chord with the adjudicators, securing their victory on the SiGMA platform. The concurrent AIBC Europe Startup Pitch saw SharkGate emerge as champions. “Our goal is to create a safer online world for all, and we plan to transform how the sector tackles security,” a jubilant SharkGate team member expressed.
**MMA Takes the Spotlight: CFC 16 – “Mursa” Centurion**
SiGMA’s premier event coincided with the exhilarating “Mursa” Centurion, a Centurion FC event spearheaded by Roberto Gallo. This MMA spectacle offered SiGMA participants an unforgettable encounter, witnessing the annual Centurion spectacle up close. The co-main event showcased two captivating matches: Rafael Carvalho defended his light heavyweight title against Marcelo Alfaia in a commanding display. The evening concluded with a four-man tournament, where Philip Douglas emerged triumphant after a series of impressive victories, earning the title of “King of Malta” at the Takali Basketball Pavilion.
**Additional Highlights to Discover**
Aside from the networking possibilities at extravagant dinners and iGatherings, SiGMA truly outdid itself with its supplementary activities.
HighRoller.com put on an exhilarating charitable poker competition featuring rewards for eliminating well-known participants and guests.
The SiGMA Cup 5-a-side match at Luxol Sports Club proved to be a lively affair, as was the 6km Fun Run originating from the Grand Hotel Excelsior in Valletta and concluding in Malta’s ancient capital.
Additionally, SiGMA Play sponsored a VIP golf tournament at the Royal Malta Golf Club, providing a more laid-back, yet equally captivating, function.
Lastly, excursions through Malta’s enchanting capital, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, by both land and sea, granted attendees the opportunity to soak in the wonders of this historical metropolis.