There was no shortage of memorable moments in São Paulo after four intense days of BiS SiGMA South America.
This year, the summit reaps the fruits of an initial successful investment in the local market.
With consistent year-on-year growth, driven by regulation and high industry demand in Brazil, there is no doubt that the event has proven to be exactly where the sector needs it.
With the presence of sports icons, such as Formula 1 legend Rubens Barrichello and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) champion Carlos Prates, as well as exclusive networking experiences, the edition exceeded expectations and established itself as the biggest in the event’s history.
How strategic networking and social engagement dictated the pace of the event
The experience started with a focus on high-level connections. The first day opened with networking designed to bring together the right people in the right places.
The Nexus Elite golf tournament offered a full day of matches for 40 select guests, while the official reception at Boteco São Bento, in Vila Madalena, combined traditional Brazilian barbecue with music and early credential collection.
The agenda also provided adrenaline at iFLY Brazil and immersion at Sweet Secrets, a secret bar inspired by the backstage of 1960s New York.
In the field of recognition and social impact, the first day was crowned by the SiGMA Awards, followed by a charity auction that raised almost €25,000 for social causes.
The Hall of Game panel also honored prominent executives in the sector, including Almir Ribeiro (CEO of BetMGM Brasil), Oscar Orué (National Director of Tax Revenue of Paraguay) and Cassio Filter (KTO).
The following day, the BiS Awards celebrated the largest companies in the country and presented honorary awards to leaders such as Plinio Lemos, Amilton Noble, Ana Helena Pamplona, Ana Barbara Teixeira, Paulo Saad and Witoldo Hendrich.
A second art auction raised a further €18,700 for SiGMA Foundation projects.
Participants were also able to see the impact of these social actions up close during the one-year celebration of the Faculdade de Luta Sports School.
Sports stars, live fights and the focus on sector regulation
Sports idols were out in force during the three days of the fair.
At the opening ceremony, Rubens Barrichello gave a passionate speech about his childhood and journey to success.
The former driver, who also serves as Non-Executive Director of SOFTSWISS, made history by driving his car through the pavilion to the brand’s stand.
“I’ve been very lucky in my life… I only got there because I received a lot of help. And today, my way is to give back. Who knows, maybe a partnership between the institute and SiGMA… one million… could turn into two million”, declared Barrichello.
The space also hosted football stars such as Zinho, Diego Lugano, Luizão, Vampeta, Müller and Aloísio Chulapa, as well as an installation from the Pelé museum.
Bringing the action inside the fair for the first time, the Centurion Grand Prix format erected an octagon in the pavilion for real MMA fights, where Yuri Popeye took the crown after beating Luciano Oliveira.
At the 1xBet stand, UFC champion Carlos Prates attracted crowds when he spoke about discipline and high performance.
While the entertainment was in full swing, the three simultaneous stages focused on the technical and legal transition of the market.
Topics such as responsible advertising, taxation and the convergence of physical casinos to the digital environment dominated the agenda.
As explained by H.E. Lucimara Batista dos Reis, Consul and CCO (Chief Compliance Officer) of AML at the Honorary Consulate of Brazil:
“Brazil is going through a moment of transition… gambling has always existed in Brazil, and today it is moving towards this regulated side. Responsible gambling is not punitive, it is educational.”
The fair ended with Felipe Fraga Gercossimo becoming the winner of the Startup Pitch battle for Dale Academy.
Next editions
BiS SiGMA South America already has a return date: April 5th to 8th, 2027. Don’t miss the advance ticket purchase offer available for a limited time this month! Before that, the global roadshow heads to the Philippines, where SiGMA Asia will take place between May 31st and June 3rd.