From a small gathering of visionaries to a global powerhouse in gaming, SiGMA’s phenomenal ten-year journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Alex Tomic, a thought leader and brand ambassador in the gaming industry, joined 8457.me to reflect on ten years of the SiGMA conference in Malta. Having attended every conference, Tomic shared his perspective on its growth from a minor event to becoming a major gaming industry player.

From humble beginnings to a global stage

“It’s definitely a milestone,” Tomic shared, recounting the event’s early days. “Nobody believed in SiGMA or [its founder] Eman Pulis back then.” The show initially faced stiff competition from established events like the Malta iGaming Seminar (MIGS) which was backed by industry giants KPMG. Despite the scepticism, SiGMA defied expectations.

Tomic recalls the days of the very first conference, where he and a colleague shared a booth with a competitor. “Since then, we’ve been part of every single year, growing from small beginnings to having larger booths. We’ve attended more shows which have generated more exposure and leads.”

Major success sees the event outgrow its roots

The 2024 SiGMA Europe summit skyrocketed beyond all expectations. It hosted an extraordinary 27,000 attendees, testimony in itself to SiGMA’s evolution. Held in the Malta Maritime Hub (MMH) that was specially converted, the event underscored its global impact whilst emphasising the challenges that come with such exponential growth.

“Malta, unfortunately, can’t sustain SiGMA anymore,” Tomic acknowledged. “Last year, it became evident that the island’s infrastructure struggles to handle an event of this magnitude. The logistics of hosting thousands of delegates strained local resources.”

This exponential growth, while a mark of success, has brought challenges to Malta’s infrastructure, leading to an exciting new chapter. To address this, SiGMA recently announced a strategic move by relocating its flagship European summit to Italy from 23 to 26 November 2025. However, Malta will remain a mainstay of its portfolio hosting the Euro-Med summit from 1 to 4 September 2025.

Dual path for growth

SiGMA’s decision to expand to Italy reflects its commitment to growth while preserving its Maltese roots. “It’s a beautiful combo,” Tomic commented. “Malta retains its significance, while Italy offers new opportunities for expansion.”

For many, SiGMA’s identity remains deeply tied to Malta. Tomic explained, “SiGMA’s DNA is Maltese. The name itself stands for ‘Summit in iGaming in Malta.’” This move is a forward step and ensures that the event’s legacy continues to flourish.

Legacy worth celebrating

Reflecting on SiGMA’s journey, Tomic likened it to the “American Dream.” This is a story of ambition, resilience and success. is a testament to a visionary and charismatic leader in Eman Pulis and is proof of what determination can achieve.

As SiGMA looks to Italy for the next chapter, it continues to push boundaries, innovate, and inspire. Malta will continue to play a vital role, hosting specialised events and remaining an essential part of the organisation’s DNA.

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