This week, a list of the 100 most relevant people in the global iGaming industry was published by Malta-based iGaming Express. So far, 90 names have been announced and the Top 10 should be announced soon.
According to the portal, the objective is not only to evaluate the achievements, but also the way they were implemented and their positive impact on the sector.
“More important than being president of a large group – what counts is ethics, responsibility and positive impact. As an industrial sector, we do not believe that the ends justify the means”, appears in the official description of the ranking.
The aim is to create a gaming environment based on values, where discussions are relevant and culture always triumphs. The Top 100 includes businesspeople, investors, presidents, directors, managers and activists.
Furthermore, the group promises to release the list annually with the aim of “valuing the actions of all the people who influence the image of the iGaming industry around the world”.
Highlights from the list of the most influential in the iGaming industry
The list already revealed can be accessed HERE. However, it is worth highlighting some names that directly impact the Brazilian and Latin American gambling sector, such as André Gelfi (82nd), Stephen Crystal (79th), Eman Pulis (50th), Ramiro Atucha (38th) and Neil Montgomery (36th ).
Check out the official presentations of the mentioned personalities:
André Gelfi – 82nd place
A respected figure in the Brazilian industry, he serves as Managing Partner of Betsson in Brazil and President of the Brazilian Institute of Responsible Gaming (IBJR). He has been instrumental in driving the development and regulation of responsible gaming in Brazil. Its efforts are focused on creating a sustainable and safe market for businesses and consumers in the country’s rapidly developing iGaming market.
Gelfi’s career in the games industry spans over 20 years, during which he has gained extensive international experience. His work with IBJR also involves collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure Brazil’s sports betting market adopts best practices.
Gelfi emphasizes the importance of integrating consumer protection into the market’s regulatory framework from the beginning, aiming to make Brazil a successful reference in gaming regulation around the world.
Stephen Crystal – 79th place
The Founder and CEO of SCCG Management, a consultancy specializing in the casino and iGaming industries. With over 30 years of experience in the gaming industry, Crystal has served in a variety of roles, including President and CEO of numerous casino holding companies and public gaming technology companies.
His experience spans a wide range of areas including sports betting, iGaming, sports marketing, affiliate marketing, technology, intellectual property protection, product marketing, esports, capital formation, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, casino management and governmental and legal affairs.
Throughout his career, Crystal has been instrumental in advising on gaming project financing and merger acquisitions totaling over $4 billion. He is also an experienced speaker and participant at international gaming conferences.
Eman Pulis – 50th place
Founder of Grupo SiGMA, a media and events company focused on sectors such as gaming, digital health, digital marketing and emerging technologies. He founded SiGMA in 2014, initially a small startup that has since expanded to become a significant player on the global stage with events on continents including Asia, Africa, the Americas and Europe.
Pulis is known for his innovative approach to different industries, which he considers essential to promoting growth and new business opportunities. This philosophy is evident in its inception across multiple verticals within the SiGMA Group, such as AIBC, Med-Tech World and AGS, each focusing on specific facets of technology and innovation.
Currently, he is more focused on the Ikigai Ventures project. This project brings together a group of industry experts, builders and operators.
Ramiro Atucha – 38th place
Ramiro Atucha is the face not only of Vibra Gaming, but also of the entire iGaming industry in the LATAM markets. With over 20 years of business experience, including over 10 years specifically in iGaming, he has acquired the skills necessary to become a true industry leader.
Neil Montgomery – 36th place
Founder and managing partner of the Brazilian law firm Montgomery & Associados. He played a unique role in defining the regulatory landscape for the iGaming and sports betting sectors in Brazil. Montgomery’s office has been actively involved in discussions and analyzes regarding legalization and regulation in the country.
Montgomery was involved in the legislative process that led to the approval of Bill 3,626/2023 by the Chamber of Deputies, which regulates online betting. Montgomery’s contributions go beyond legal advice, as he actively participates in public debates and panels that discuss the future of gaming regulation in Brazil.
It emphasizes the need for a legal framework that provides security for both investors and bettors, with the aim of promoting a healthy and sustainable gaming environment.
