The 5 Star Top 20 Award is the most prestigious accolade that recognises individuals in iGaming.
We aim to uncover and celebrate people who inspire success.
These Awards are not a popularity contest, to win you must impress a panel of esteemed, influential judges all of whom are industry experts. The judging is a robust, credible and transparent two-step process involving pre-scoring and judging sessions where your entry will be discussed in detail.
5 Star Top 20 Awards winners 2025
Tom Light, CEO, FIRST Best in Sports.
Award: Leadership.
Tom Light is the Founder and CEO of FIRST – Best in Sports, one of the fastest-growing sportsbook technology suppliers in global iGaming.
A veteran of over 20 years in the industry, Tom began his journey at SBTech, where he helped drive global expansion and product innovation, including the launch of Pulse Betting, before playing a key role in the company’s $3.3bn merger with DraftKings.
In 2023, Tom launched FIRST with a mission to redefine what a Tier-1 B2B sportsbook supplier could be.
Under his leadership, the company has scaled to 500+ employees, €100m+ in B2B revenues, and a footprint spanning 40+ operators in Brazil and 35+ clients globally.
Recognised among the iGaming 40 Under 40 and a frequent keynote speaker on innovation and regulation, Tom is widely regarded as one of the defining figures in sportsbook technology – combining product mastery, strategic vision, and transformative leadership that continues to shape the future of iGaming.
Johan Törnqvist, CEO, Play’n GO.
Award: Leadership.
For more than two decades, Johan Törnqvist has championed the idea that long-term sustainability, not short-term gain, should be the foundation of the industry. As with much of what Törnqvist and Play’n GO do, what started out as a revolutionary idea is now becoming widely accepted.
Under his stewardship, Play’n GO has become the world’s leading supplier for regulated markets, active in more than 35 jurisdictions, proving that entertainment and responsibility can go hand in hand.
Törnqvist has consistently taken the bold, unconventional path.
Years before smartphones transformed daily life, he committed Play’n GO to building mobile-first casino content. When regulation was still an afterthought for most, he staked the company’s future on working only in licensed markets.
His vision has always been clear: build the most entertaining games in the market, and do so sustainably. That often means making tough choices, like the company’s refusal to build Bonus Buy mechanics into its games. That ethos has produced a portfolio of 400+ titles that are beloved worldwide.
A servant leader to his core, Törnqvist empowers teams to thrive. Even as Play’n GO has grown to 700+ employees, its culture of passion, creativity, and inclusivity has never wavered.
With the company expanding rapidly across Europe, North America, Latin America and beyond, Törnqvist’s approach now provides a blueprint for a responsible and thriving industry.
Nicole Borg, Head of Legal – IP & Brand Protection, ARRISE powering Pragmatic Play.
Award: Legal and compliance.
Nicole Borg brings a wealth of expertise to the iGaming sector, with a proven track record of safeguarding the highest legal standards.
Nicole’s career began with an internship at the Malta Gaming Authority, where she honed her craft and gained invaluable insights within one of the industry’s most reputable regulatory bodies.
Nicole quickly rose through the ranks after joining as Legal Counsel in 2022, with her unwavering commitment to excellence driving her progression to Head of Legal – IP & Brand Protection, where she spearheads efforts to protect the brand identity of Pragmatic Play, one of the iGaming industry’s most prominent leaders.
Yurii Berest, CEO of DATA.BET.
Award: Leadership.
Yurii Berest is the CEO of DATA.BET, a sports betting solution provider. As a former CTO he steered the company from an esports-first into a full three-vertical sportsbook.
A key pillar of Yurii’s approach is engineering excellence. He personally championed the launch of our upgraded Single Page Application (iFrame).
The SPA delivers clean architecture, ease of integration (up to a week), and unmatched flexibility.
Yurii also prioritizes process automation and AI across trading and operations, elevating reliability while offloading the team from routine task.
By forging deep collaborations with official data providers (e.g., BETER, GRID, Genius Sports), he facilitates the expansion of DATA.BET’s coverage.
This richer supply side translated directly into demand side gains: a broader, more competitive catalog for operators, stronger positioning in deals, and a clear uplift in client acquisition, GGR, and operational profitability.
The launch of sports vertical was a strategic pivot taking place in May. Under Yurii’s leadership, the team reoriented the solution into a unified sportsbook stack.
Another strategic move expanded sportsbook into the casino segment, addressing revenue lost without betting. This move has already proven successful. Since the launch, our casino partner list has been actively expanding (VulkanVegas, VerdeCasino, and HitnSpin).
Yuliya Tytsakovska, Senior Account Manager, Betsoft Gaming.
Award: Rising star.
Yuliya Tytsakovska is a Senior Account Manager who loves helping clients succeed and making work a positive, collaborative experience. Known for her approachable style and practical thinking, Yuliya quickly builds strong relationships with clients and colleagues alike.
She manages high-profile accounts, finds smart solutions to challenges, and supports her team with guidance and encouragement. Always open-minded and enthusiastic, Yuliya combines professionalism with personality, making her a respected and valued figure in the iGaming industry.
Hamish Carr, Head of Business Development, at ARRISE powering Pragmatic Play.
Award: Business development.
Hamish Carr has held key sales roles in iGaming, progressing from Business Development Manager to leading the department.
Prior to that, he has had experience in advisory roles at KPMG, and sales roles in the luxury yachting world.
He has a proven track record of consistently exceeding sales targets and creating cohesive teams that achieve their KPIs with regularity.
Anastasiia Sozonik, Marketing, PR, and Event Manager, Uplatfrom.
Award: Marketing.
Anastasiia Sozonik is a Marketing, PR, and Event Manager at Uplatform with more than six years of experience in the iGaming industry and over thirteen years of hands-on creative experience in total.
She is responsible for planning and delivering Uplatform’s presence at major global expos, managing everything from concept creation to full onsite execution.
Her work includes setting the creative direction for each booth, coordinating production, and ensuring that every detail comes together smoothly.
Anastasiia is known for developing fresh, engaging booth themes for every event, creating spaces that stand out visually and offer visitors a clear sense of Uplatform’s personality.
Her organisational skill, creativity, and commitment to quality have made her a key figure in shaping Uplatform’s event identity across international markets.
Thanks to her leadership, Uplatform’s booths have become a highlight at many of the industry’s largest exhibitions.
Alina Famenok, CEO, Already Media.
Award: Rising star.
Since 2021, Alina Famenok has guided Already Media from challenger into one of iGaming affiliations biggest success stories. Today, she leads a team of more than 350 around the world, delivering more than 120,000 monthly FTDs to partners in a diverse spread of markets.
It is her leadership and approach which has really made the difference. Her strong focus on technology, including in-house data collection, dedicated R&D and a smart use of AI, has powered Already Media’s rapid expansion. As has the culture of independent thinking she has fostered, which encourages the exploration of unique solutions.
Under Alina’s leadership, Already Media invests significantly in high-quality content. The company is not afraid to acquire high-profile brands where it can add value, as seen with PokerListings and Live Casino Comparer.
She has also emerged as one of the most prominent thought leaders in the space. Her LinkedIn posts generate hundreds of engagements each week, and one Russian-language interview on YouTube last year has been viewed almost 200,000 times.
With Already Media continuing to scale, receiving more than 20 million visits to its assets in 2024, Alina is showing that a new approach to iGaming affiliation can help drive significant growth.
Andy Huang, CEO, TaDa Gaming.
Award: Leadership.
Spearheading a dynamic team of multi and inter-disciplinary talent in iGaming, Andy is leading one of the most exciting and innovative new companies delivering online social games for millions globally.
TaDa Gaming’s success has been shaped by Andy’s two decades at Taiwan’s leading professional game development company.
With skills encompassing online gaming, social games and game development, reinforced with strategic vision, innovation and effective communication, he has quickly led TaDa to become one of iGaming’s most talked about brands.
Andy is behind the commitment to build TaDa as a company known for always delivering visibly fair, creative and innovative gaming experiences across regulated markets.
From unique fish-shooting titles, 200+ slots and crash games to high impact gamification tools, Andy has positioned TaDa to be an able and committed partner for tier one casino operators and aggregators globally.
Daniel Yeganeh, Head of Commercial Operations at ARRISE Powering Pragmatic Play.
Award: Rising star.
Daniel Yeganeh serves as the Head of Commercial Operations at ARRISE, leveraging over 10 years of iGaming industry experience to drive meaningful change and balance company needs from a cross-departmental and client-first perspective.
Daniel started his career in the financial industry as a Sales Manager before transitioning into iGaming. He has since held positions including Head of Customer Support, Casino Manager, Key Account Manager, and Affiliate Program Manager, representing both large and small operators across various global markets.
An adaptability and commitment to success, combined with his educational background in computer science and programming, made him the perfect fit to connect technical and commercial departments as the company continues to evolve in line with ever-changing industry challenges.
Jake Davey,Team Lead Account Manager, Betsoft Gaming.
Award: Leadership.
Jake Davey is a dedicated and results-driven professional currently serving as Team Lead, Account Management at Betsoft.
His journey within the company reflects continuous growth, strong performance, and a natural ability to lead. Starting as Senior Account Manager, Jake quickly distinguished himself by managing key accounts with precision, foresight, and an unwavering commitment to client satisfaction.
His ability to nurture long-lasting relationships, identify strategic opportunities, and deliver measurable commercial results positioned him as a standout performer within the team.
Following his consistent achievements, Jake was promoted to Team Lead, where he now plays a pivotal role in shaping the performance and development of the Account Management department.
He brings structure, clarity, and a collaborative mindset to his leadership, ensuring his team feels supported and equipped to meet the evolving demands of the iGaming industry.
Jake’s professionalism, integrity, and strong interpersonal skills have earned him the trust of colleagues, partners, and stakeholders alike.
His progression at Betsoft is a testament to his work ethic and his capacity to drive positive impact across all areas of responsibility.
Danil Emelyanov, Head of AI, BETBY.
Award: Product and innovation.
Danil Emelyanov, Head of AI at BETBY, has built a remarkable career driven by data, innovation, and strategic insight.
With over five years in marketing, he developed a strong business mindset before transitioning into analytics within the casino sector, gaining deep technical and operational expertise. Since joining BETBY in 2018 as a Data Analyst, Danil has advanced to lead roles, effectively bridging business and technology.
His appointment as Head of AI in 2024 marks the natural evolution of his passion for data-driven innovation, where he now drives BETBY’s AI initiatives to enhance intelligence, performance, and industry leadership.
Stian Enger Pettersen, Head of Casino, EveryMatrix.
Award: Leadership.
Stian is an exemplary leader whose vision, innovation, and technical expertise have made a profound impact on the iGaming industry. Since joining EveryMatrix in 2015, he has played a central role in transforming the Casino division into a powerhouse of engagement, growth, and operational excellence.
Under his guidance, the business achieved record-breaking growth in 2024, surpassing 6 billion monthly game rounds and €6 billion in turnover, and contributed to winning several prestigious industry accolades — including Casino Software Supplier, Aggregator Platform, and Multi-channel Provider of the Year (twice).
A pioneer in product innovation, Stian spearheaded the design and development of a comprehensive 360-degree bonusing suite, focusing on three key pillars: personalised player experiences, responsible gaming, and cost-efficient operations. His forward-thinking approach also led to the creation of a new bonus abuse prevention tool, reinforcing EveryMatrix’s leadership in sustainable gaming.
Through strategic partnerships with brands like BetGoodwin, Pinnacle, Veikkaus, DraftKings, Golden Nugget, BetMGM, and Rush Street, Stian continues to drive measurable success and set new benchmarks for excellence in the iGaming sector.
Andrea Boratto, CEO, WorldMatch.
Award: Leadership.
Andrea studied at the University of Padua (mechanical engineer) and after he enters the military school for engineering officers of the Italian Army.
He served as a paratrooper lieutenant and after the military leave, Andrea founded WorldMatch, becoming one of the first real pioneers in the industry.
After bringing WorldMatch to Malta he contributed to the first draft of the Malta regulations on gambling, even auditing some of the technical key points. Since 2001 he has been the CEO of WorldMatch and still to this day is constantly working to strengthen the company’s name and offer all over the world.
For more than two decades Andrea has been guiding WorldMatch to maintain its spot as a leading company in the gaming industry.
Kseniia Mamedova, Team Lead B2B Casino, Uplatform.
Award: Leadership.
With over eight years of experience in the gambling industry, Kseniia has built a proven track record in player retention, client management, and operational leadership.
She began her career as a Customer Support Specialist in a large project focused on the Russian market. Within six months, she transitioned to the Retention Department, where she spent more than four years developing VIP player management strategies.
During this time, she successfully reactivated high-value players generating over €100,000 in profit, managed the company’s most profitable clients, and helped establish key retention processes that enhanced player engagement and long-term value.
In 2022, Kseniia joined Uplatform, starting as an Account Manager responsible for the company’s top two projects across multiple geographies. Her results and leadership quickly earned her a promotion in 2023 to lead three core areas: Casino, Affiliate Program, and Retention.
Currently, she oversees delivery processes and client service across the Casino and Affiliate Program divisions, contributes to product development, and drives continuous improvements in efficiency and service quality.
Alin Vădan, Founder, DevHub.
Award: Business development.
Alin Vădan’s story is one of transformation, vision, and human-centered leadership. What began 7 years ago as a small project rooted in marketing and audience understanding has evolved into DevHub, a technology company delivering full-cycle software solutions and cultivating some of Romania’s most engaged tech teams.
Alin’s professional philosophy was forged through experience. After the early closure of his first business, he took a step back and joined a UK-based firm, working from the ground up.
Alin designed an operational culture where feedback is direct but constructive, resources are always available, and psychological safety is non-negotiable. The result is a workplace that not only attracts talent but retains it, a rarity in the competitive industry.
Yet beyond tech, what defines Alin’s success is his people-first approach. Employees benefit from structured growth programs, certifications, private healthcare, daily company-provided lunches, and on-site perks such as a dedicated barista and fitness support through 7Card. Fridays at DevHub end with games, laughter, and community, tangible proof that performance and well-being can coexist.
Alin’s vision for leadership goes beyond business growth. He believes that true innovation stems from empowerment, giving people the clarity and freedom to make decisions and learn from mistakes. This philosophy has shaped DevHub’s internal development programs, its expanding cross-city teams, and its reputation for being a place where professionals don’t just work, but thrive.
Ilya Ossipov, Team Lead Project Manager, Upatform.
Award: Product and innovation.
Ilya Ossipov is an experienced project and product leader currently serving as Team Lead of Project Managers at Uplatform. With over five years in the iGaming B2B sector, he has built a career on connecting innovation with execution.
At Uplatform, Ilya leads the coordination of cross-department projects, ensuring that every product development cycle reflects both operational precision and creative ambition.
Previously, at Slotegrator, he advanced from Senior Technical Support Specialist to Client Delivery Manager, gaining deep insight into product architecture, delivery pipelines, and client success. This technical-to-strategic progression defines his leadership style: analytical, collaborative, and relentlessly focused on improvement.
Ilya is passionate about process innovation, product scalability, and empowering teams to think beyond traditional boundaries.
His work continues to enhance Uplatform’s ability to deliver advanced, adaptable, and business-driven solutions to partners worldwide.
Alexandra Krone, Managing Director, GAMOMAT.
Award: Leadership.
Dr Alexandra Krone is an exceptional leader whose strategic foresight, empathy and value-driven mindset have transformed GAMOMAT into one of the most respected employers in the iGaming industry.
With a clear understanding that the iGaming industry must continuously adapt to dynamic market conditions, Alexandra initiated a strategic restructuring at GAMOMAT. She established a new C-level management board and built in-house software development and marketing teams that did not previously exist.
Her leadership combines strategic competence with a deep human touch, ensuring that every business decision is guided by GAMOMAT’s core values of fairness, transparency and diversity.
Shortly after joining, Alexandra led a company-wide review of GAMOMAT’s corporate values, resulting in five core principles and a Code of Conduct that authentically define the company’s identity.
These values – open communication, feedback culture, curiosity, trust and reliability – serve as the foundation for a strong, people-centric organisation. Under her guidance, human resources management has been aligned with these principles, making them tangible in everyday operations and embedding them throughout the entire employee life cycle.
Her approach to leadership is practical, consistent and inclusive. She introduced a value-based recruitment process to eliminate bias and ensure fair hiring decisions.
She also developed innovative People & Culture programmes such as the GAMOcademy – a learning platform that empowers self-directed development – and GAMOlog, an annual development dialogue that fosters transparent feedback and career growth.
In 2020, Alexandra implemented a flexible hybrid working model that enables employees to work from anywhere in Europe.
This forward-thinking initiative has enhanced employee satisfaction and positioned GAMOMAT as a pioneer of modern workplace flexibility.
Ivan Ivanov, Head of Sports Operations, FIRST – Best in Sports.
Award: Rising star.
Ivan Ivanov is the Head of Sports Operations at FIRST – Best in Sports, where he oversees operational delivery, trading support, and cross-functional performance across one of the industry’s most integrated sportsbook suppliers.
With over a decade of experience in sports data and operations, Ivan previously served as Director of Data Operations and GM of Genius Sports’ Sofia office, managing a global workforce of 400+ across two continents. His leadership focused on process optimization, data reliability, and team scalability – all of which laid the foundation for his transformative work at FIRST.
Since joining FIRST in 2024, Ivan has driven the company’s Operational Excellence Program, aligning departments around unified KPIs and building a framework that supports growth across Latin America and Europe.
He is recognized for his ability to lead high-performance teams, build robust delivery systems, and turn complexity into clarity.
Ivan is based in Sofia and continues to shape the operational core of one of iGaming’s most ambitious sportsbook suppliers.
Kirill Nekrasov, Head of Sportsbook , BETBY.
Award: Product and innovation.
Kirill Nekrasov, Head of Sportsbook at BETBY, is a visionary driving the evolution of sports and esports betting.
Since 2014, he has pioneered live esports betting and built the first dedicated esports trading division in the CIS. Joining BETBY in 2022, Kirill transformed its esports offering into a flagship global feed, powering operators across multiple regulated markets.
He has led the creation of innovative products, including micro-betting, bet builders, and advanced chess betting.
A frequent industry speaker and contributor, Kirill’s leadership and innovation continue to position BETBY at the forefront of sportsbook performance and next-generation user engagement.