The 2023 SiGMA Europe Conference in Malta was a resounding success, attracting a vast gathering of more than 25,000 participants. This year’s event was a flurry of connections, insightful presentations, and industry excitement, surpassing all projections.
The Mediterranean Maritime Hub (MMH) proved to be an ideal setting for the conference, morphing into a dynamic center of prospects and advancement. Featuring its two platforms, spacious outdoor dining space, and an unprecedented number of vendors, the MMH delivered an engaging encounter for everyone.
The event drew a prestigious roster of industry leaders and emerging talents, including chief executives like Darryl Manning of Wicked Games and Alexandre Tomic of Alea. Pioneers like seasoned entrepreneur David Meltzer and Soft2Bet CEO Uri Poliavich imparted their wisdom, with Poliavich emphasizing that “excellence attracts notice.”
The conference extended beyond the gaming sector. The AIBC Summit, occurring simultaneously, convened specialists from nascent technology fields, showcasing speakers like Sara Al Madani, Tony Ventura, and Vinícius M. de Carvalho of Ikigai Ventures.
David Melzer understands this concept personally. “Individuals of affluence engaged in charitable acts have consistently struck me as joyful, driven, and motivators for others to do the same. Consequently, I’ve committed years to making this concept of plentiful wealth a reality,” he shared.
Tanja Dimitrijevic, Chief Legal Officer at Red Acre Group, contributed to the dialogue surrounding the status of the regional sector. “Adopting cutting-edge technology demonstrates a progressive outlook compared to other regions,” she noted, referencing legal developments on the island.
**Noteworthy Attendees**
Maltese Prime Minister, Robert Abela, honored the event with his attendance, visiting the numerous displays showcasing advancements spearheaded by top industry firms. He commented that the gathering served as evidence of Malta’s standing as a global frontrunner in the gaming sector, with SiGMA playing a substantial role in the Maltese financial landscape.
He went on to highlight the government’s ongoing financial support of the sector, including the enactment of a national esports plan and various programs to encourage education and continuous growth within the digital gaming field.
Also present were the Honorable Silvio Schembri, Minister for the Economy, European Funds and Lands, and Bernard Grech, Opposition Leader for the Nationalist Party.
**Emerging Company Presentation**
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This years Malta Week witnessed the grand comeback of the eagerly awaited SiGMA Startup Pitch contest, where 8BIT Gaming emerged triumphant amidst a field of tough competitors. Their creation, an homage to the classic era of gaming, captivated the judges with its excellence, ingenuity, and vintage allure, earning them the coveted first place on the SiGMA platform.
Concurrently, at the AIBC Europe Startup Pitch, SharkGate seized the ultimate prize. Their acceptance remarks carried a potent declaration: “We envision a more secure online world for all and aspire to transform how sectors approach safeguarding.”
**Clash of Titans: CFC16 – Centurion “Mursa”**
SiGMA Week also served as the backdrop for the exhilarating Centurion “Mursa,” a combat sports spectacle presented by Roberto Gallo. This gripping event, occurring in tandem with the primary conference, attracted a sizable assembly of SiGMA participants keen to observe the ferocity of the Centurion fight series.
The evening showcased two main attractions. The initial bout saw Rafael Carvalho secure the light heavyweight championship in a confrontation against Marcelo Alfaia. The atmosphere reached a boiling point with the four-man grand prize, culminating in Felipe Douglas’s remarkable double triumph. His undisputed victory by decision bestowed upon him the title of “King of Malta” within the confines of the Takali Basketball Pavilion.
**Further Highlights Await**
Past the numerous upscale networking occasions relished by the SiGMA group amidst opulent meals and iGatherings, the summit presented a dynamic schedule of engagements.
HighRoller.com organized a gripping charitable poker competition, setting prominent participants and guests against one another with rewards at stake.
The SiGMA Cup, a five-person soccer match, unfolded at the Luxol Sports Club, while a 6km Fun Run commencing from the Grand Hotel Excelsior in Valletta and meandering through the ancient core of Malta’s metropolis injected an energizing aspect to the gathering.
A VIP golf contest, backed by SiGMA Play, transpired at the Royal Malta Golf Club, introducing a dash of relaxed, yet equally unforgettable, rivalry to the events.
Through journeys by both land and water, Malta’s enchanting capital, a UNESCO World Heritage site immersed in history, was showcased in all its splendor.
