SiGMA Europe 2023: A Triumphant Return to Malta

The 2023 SiGMA Europe Conference in Malta achieved colossal triumph, attracting an assembly of more than 25,000 participants for a week-long exploration into the realm of iGaming. The gathering vibrated with enthusiasm, presenting exceptional networking prospects, illuminating keynote presentations, captivating panel dialogues, and invaluable business relationships. The coordinators surpassed themselves, exceeding anticipations and then some.

The location, the recently unveiled Mediterranean Maritime Hall (MMH), furnished a breathtaking setting for the event. Featuring its dual stages, expansive outdoor dining zone, and abundant exhibition area, the MMH demonstrated itself as the ideal venue for this significant gathering.

The conference drew a roster of industry titans, encompassing CEOs such as Darryl Manning of Wicked Games and Alexandre Tomic of Alea, alongside prominent figures like serial entrepreneur David Meltzer and Soft2Bet CEO Uri Poliavich. This year’s SiGMA Group boasted its most extensive and diverse participation to date, with a substantial concentration of influential decision-makers and pioneering thinkers.

The concurrent AIBC Summit united specialists and trailblazers from the vanguard of emerging technologies. Speakers like Sara Al Madani, Tony Ventura, and Vinícius M. de Carvalho of Ikigai Ventures imparted their knowledge, enriching the already insightful event.

The quality of speakers throughout Malta Week was genuinely exceptional. Industry leaders like Uri Poliavich shared invaluable perspectives, with Poliavich underscoring his conviction that “excellence captivates notice.” The week stood as a testament to the potency of in-person engagement, nurturing collaboration and propelling the iGaming sector onward.

David Melzer, at one point, noted, ‘There’s a pattern I’ve observed among individuals who’ve accumulated substantial wealth and chosen to give back: they often exhibit happiness, ambition, and a commitment to empowering others. I’ve dedicated years to putting this principle of plentitude into action.’

And it’s evident. Tanja Dimitrijevic, Chief Legal Officer for Red Acre Group, also offered insights on the status of the regional sector. ‘Adopting groundbreaking technologies,’ she stated, alluding to the island nation’s legislative movements, ‘signals a future-oriented strategy in contrast to other legal districts.’

Naturally, such a gathering wouldn’t be complete without esteemed visitors. Maltese Prime Minister Robert Abela honored the event with his attendance, making a point to explore various displays showcasing leading-edge advancements from industry frontrunners. He stressed how the event reinforced Malta’s standing as a center for iGaming, underscoring SiGMA’s considerable contributions to the Maltese financial landscape. He conveyed the government’s ongoing dedication to backing the sector, including enacting a national esports plan and programs to foster education and sustained expansion within the digital gaming realm.

Other noteworthy participants included Silvio Schembri, the esteemed Minister for the Economy, European Funds, and Lands, along with Bernard Grech, the Opposition Leader representing the Nationalist Party. And let’s not overlook the Startup Pitch, perpetually a main attraction…

This years Malta Week witnessed 8BIT Gaming emerge victorious at the SiGMA Startup Pitch, enthralling the panel with their exceptional product that fuses novelty with a touch of the past. Concurrently, SharkGate secured the AIBC Europe Startup Pitch award, proclaiming, “Our objective is to enhance internet safety for all and aspire to transform the industry’s approach to security.”

The week also showcased the exhilarating “Moors” Centurion Fight Night, a memorable experience for numerous SiGMA participants. Orchestrated by MMA icon Roberto Gallo, the event reached its pinnacle with two remarkable championship bouts. Rafael Carvalho seized the Lightweight title from Marcelo Alfaia in a captivating clash, while Philip Douglas reigned supreme in the four-man competition, securing a unanimous decision triumph and the title of King of Malta at the Takali Basketball Pavilion.

The SiGMA group fully embraced networking events at meals and iGatherings, but that was merely the beginning. HighRoller.com raised the stakes with a charitable poker competition, providing both seasoned pros and amateurs a chance at winnings while supporting a worthy endeavor.

At the Luxol Sports Complex, the SiGMA Cup five-a-side match showcased impressive athleticism, while a 6km recreational run originating from the Grand Hotel Excelsior in Valletta presented breathtaking vistas of Malta’s historical capital.

For those favoring competition on the fairway, SiGMA Play arranged a VIP golf tournament at the Royal Malta Golf Club – an elegant gathering that was far from ordinary.

And let’s not overlook the excursions! Via both land and sea, participants witnessed the full magnificence of Malta’s captivating capital, a UNESCO World Heritage location overflowing with history and allure.