There’s been no shortage of feel good moments here in Sao Paulo following four packed days at BiS SiGMA South America. Now in its fourth year, the summit is enjoying the fruits of an early gamble on success. And with steady year-on-year growth as Brazil eases out of the grey zone and high demand from the industry, there’s no question that we’re right where the industry needs us to be.

From the appearance of sporting icons such as Formula 1 legend Rubens Barrichello and UFC champ Carlos Prates to bucket list networking activities, the summit has more than delivered on last year’s promise to be back and bigger than ever.

So let’s get into it. Here are the moments that made it to the SiGMA halls of fame.

sigma south america ribbon cutting ceremony

Networking that matters

From Brazilian BBQ and secret speakeasies to champagne on the green, this is how all events should begin. Forget dull smalltalk and stale bread baskets – the first day opened with networking that was fun, relaxed, and curated to bring the right people to the right place.

The Nexus Elite golf tournament offered high-level networking, with a full day of play on the green for 40 carefully chosen guests. An elegant sit-down lunch offered a welcome pause, while champagne stops throughout the course added a little luxury to the day.

Meanwhile our pre registration event was underway, with early badge collection points set up as part of an all-day welcome reception at Boteco São Bento in the Vila Madalena district. A traditional Brazilian BBQ with a live cooking station and DJ set the mood, and a specially curated drinks menu – created the perfect setting to connect while enjoying an authentic Brazilian experience.

A true bucket-list item, the iFLY Brazil experience ticked all the boxes for thrill-seeking delegates looking for something a bit different. This was one for the albums and had our guests talking about it long after feet hit the ground again.

Later, delegates stepped beyond the candy door into Sweet Secrets – a mysterious speakeasy-style bar oozing with vintage glamour and inspired by the smoky backrooms of 1960’s New York. Cocktails, secretive velvet corners – this was  the kind of night you’ll remember in flashes. What happens inside stays inside – some things just have to be experienced.

Empowering communities through collective action

Rounding off the first day, the SiGMA Awards opened its doors to a prestigious guest list that welcomed a number of delegations from gaming associations, ambassadors, and industry leaders. An elegant networking reception that later segued into a sit-down dinner and ceremony, before the community came together for a round of spirited bidding at the auction – ultimately raising almost €25,000 for charity. Hall of Game, also held during the evening, honoured standout individuals in the sector, including Almir Ribeiro, CEO of BetMGM Brazil, Oscar Orue, Paraguay’s National Director of Tax Revenue, and Cassio Filter of KTO.

The following day, the BiS Awards and Auction, shone the spotlight on Brazil’s rapidly growing betting and gaming industry, delivering awards to some of Brazil’s biggest companies, as well as six honorary awards for: Plinio Lemos, Amilton Noble, Ana Helena Pamplona, Ana Barbara Teixeira, Paulo Saad, and Witoldo Hendrich. A successful art auction raised 18,700 for SiGMA Foundation projects.

Entertainment also included a fun quiz night and raffle.

Delegates also had the chance to see for themselves the impact that community development projects can have. On the 6th, the Faculdade de Luta Sports School – a collaboration between the Centurion Association and SiGMA Foundation – celebrated its first anniversary with a special ceremony and martial arts demonstrations. In attendance were H.E John Aquilina, Ambassador of Malta to Brazil and Chile, SiGMA Group founder Eman Pulis, Carlos Cardama, founder of BiS SiGMA, and Roberto Gallo, founder and president of Centurion.

From the track to the octagon: Stars take the spotlight

Sports stars were out in full force over the three days of the summit. Joining the opening ceremony, F1 legend Rubens Barrichello delivered a passionate speech that looked back at his childhood and his road to success. Today he funnels his appreciation into action through philanthropic works with the INstituto Familia Barrichello.The Non Executive Director for SOFTSWISS also made summit history, driving his car through the expo floor as he made his way to the SOFTSWISS stand.

“I have been very fortunate in my life… I only got there because I received so much help. And today, my way is to give back. Who knows, maybe a partnership between the institute and SiGMA… one million… might turn into two million.”

Other sporting celebrities also made appearances on the expo floor, with footballers Zinho, Diego Lugano,Luizão, Vampeta, Müller, and Aloísio Chulapa participating in panels and interacting with fans and UFC champ Carlos Prates attracting crowds to the 1xBet booth.

Prates gave an insightful look into discipline, influence and the truth behind elite performance. As an ambassador for 1xBet as well as a professional fighter, he represents a bridge between sport, digital interaction and the storytelling of contemporary brands.

The floor also paid tribute to Pelé’s legacy. Courtesy of The Power Plugin, a dedicated Pelé museum installation offers a rare and reflective look into the career of one football’s greatest players through an exclusive collection of signed memorabilia.

And here’s one you never saw coming. For the first time ever, we  brought the fight to the expo floor. Featuring the traditional Centurion Grand Prix format, with two iconic fights taking place in the same night, a formidable lineup went head to head in a battle that rattled the sides of a custom-built octagon. Yuri Popeye eventually took the crown after beating out Luciano Oliviera after advancing through the semi-final against Guilherme Severo.

A sector in transition: regulation and responsibility take centre stage

Across three multi-lingual stages, panel tracks unpacked an industry that’s quite frankly having a bit of a moment. From responsible advertising to the convergence of land-based casinos into digital, to the impact of taxation Brazil’s regulated betting market, there was plenty to chew over.

As H.E. Lucimara Batista dos Reis, Consul and Chief Compliance Officer and AML at the Honorary Consulate of Brazil explained, “Brazil is living in a time of transition… gaming has always existed in Brazil, and today it’s moving to this regulated side. The responsible game is not punitive, it’s educational.”

 

 

The last day saw Felipe Fraga Gercossimo  crowned pitch winner on behalf of Dale Academy in a tense Startup Pitch battle that was held live on stage.

Next stop: Manila

BiS SiGMA South America will be back next year from 05 to 08 April, where an expected 17,500 delegates are expected to turn out for its fifth event to date – don’t miss the early bird offer on tickets – available for just a short time this month.. In the meantime the roadshow heads to Manila, for another edition of SiGMA Asia. The summit takes place from 31 May to 03 June at the SMX Convention Center in Manila.