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 2024
Ebba Arnred, CMO, Play’n GO. Award: Leadership.
Ebba Arnred is the CMO and co-founder of Play’n GO, having joined the company at its inception in 2005. Over the course of the past 20 years, she has worked tirelessly to build the most respected brand in the iGaming Industry.
Under Ebba’s leadership, Play’n GO has never been afraid to stand apart from the pack. The company was years ahead of competitors when it came to focusing on regulated jurisdictions and mobile gaming.
A tireless and inspiring leader, Ebba created a strong brand proposition of Trust, Energy and Quality that reverberates internally through everything Play’n GO does, establishing the brand as one of the most recognisable in all of online casino.
Ebbe Groes, CEO & Co-founder, EveryMatrix. Award: Leadership
Ebbe is a pioneer in the gaming technology space, a quick-thinking entrepreneur with a successful track record in launching online ventures. He co-founded EveryMatrix in 2008 and since then has grown the business from a start-up to the fastest growing iGaming tech company, catering to multiple tier-1 casino and sports betting operators and WLA member lotteries.
Thanks to Ebbe’s vision EveryMatrix empowers clients to unleash bold ideas and deliver outstanding player experiences in regulated markets. The company has 1,000 employees across 13 countries and serves 300+ customers worldwide, including the regulated U.S. market.
Yurii Berest , CEO, DATA.BET. Award: Leadership.
Yurii Berest is the CEO of DATA.BET, a leading esports betting solutions provider. Yurii is a highly skilled leader with extensive technical expertise and over a decade of experience in the industry. With a background as a CTO, Yurii played a critical role in building companies from the ground up. His business sharpness has contributed to significant commercial success, with DATA.BET seeing consistent GGR growth of 75-80% and a profit growth of 90%.
He led different iGaming projects over the years, overseeing both the operational and developmental aspects of platforms. His expertise in team management, server automation, and system scalability helped him to build DATA.BET from scratch. His deep understanding of the betting and esports industries has enabled him to create a product that combines technological innovation with market needs.
Under his leadership, DATA.BET has become a trusted partner for top-tier operators, offering comprehensive solutions that drive engagement, flexibility, and market coverage.
Shae-Louise Eastman, Senior Account Manager, Pragmatic Solutions. Award: Rising star.
Shae-Louise Eastman is a dedicated Senior Account Manager at Pragmatic Solutions, bringing over 12 years of experience in the betting industry with a strong foundation in both B2C and B2B roles.
Having begun her career in B2C operations, Shae quickly advanced due to her commitment to excellence and her client-first approach, which led to her promotion into promotional management.
Now excelling in B2B account management, Shae’s role at Pragmatic Solutions centres on driving value for clients through her deep understanding of customer experience, marketing, and customer service.
Ani Mkrtchyan, Digitain, Chief Sales Officer. Award: Leadership.
Digitain promoted Ani Mkrtchyan to the position of Chief Sales Officer in 2023. Mkrtchyan previously held the role of Head of Strategy, which she held for three years. She joined the sportsbook and casino platform provider as a Sales and Business Development Manager in April 2018.
Ani has been responsible for engineering complex sales solutions for today’s multi-jurisdictional operators. She puts partners and our people first and strives to be the very best versions of ourselves and our partners in that delivery goal.
Under the dynamic leadership of Ani, Digitain has experienced a remarkable double-digit growth of 20% (2023 vs 2024) in a short span. Together with the broader team, she has fostered partnerships with over 180 operators across multiple regulated markets, contributing significantly to the company’s success.
As the Chief Sales Officer (CSO) at Digitain, Ani oversees the global sales strategy and expansion of the company’s presence and partnerships in various markets and regions for the leading software provider of the iGaming industry. My mission is to drive growth and value for Digitain and its stakeholders, leveraging my expertise and passion for the iGaming industry.
Jonathan Crook, Team Lead, Account Management, Betsoft. Award: Leadership.
Jonathan Crook is a dedicated and results-driven leader who has made a significant impact as Team Lead of Account Management at Betsoft. His deep understanding of client needs and strong focus on relationship-building have strengthened Betsoft’s partnerships and driven consistent growth across key markets.
Jonathan leads with empathy and collaboration, creating an environment where his team feels supported and motivated to excel. His approachable nature and proactive problem-solving skills ensure that everyone can contribute and thrive, making him a trusted mentor and a role model for others.
Stuart Trigwell, Director of Business Development, Play’n GO, Award: Business development.
As Director of Business Development, Stuart Trigwell has been instrumental in Play’n GO’s impressive entry and growth in the US.
This has seen the casino entertainment powerhouse acquire licenses in five US states. Over the past 12 months, Stuart and his team have landed blockbuster partnerships with the likes of DraftKings, PokerStars, Rush Street Interactive and BetMGM over the past 12 months.
Stuart has also led Play’n GO into Africa for the first time, going live with Betway in South Africa earlier this year.
Aside from helping the company expand into new regulated markets, he is also diversifying Play’n GO product offering beyond iGaming. This included a ground-breaking, first-ever land-based launch with William Hill in the UK in 2023, with more to follow over the coming months.
Stuart Trigwell is Director of Business Development at Play’n GO, with a focus on new markets including the company’s launch into the United States. He was previously responsible for some of Play’n GO’s largest European partnerships.
He has over 10 years’ experience working within the industry and has enjoyed a successful career working at the English Football League managing commercial relationships, as well as being a sports television broadcaster.
Flavia Georgescu, Head of Business Operations, Pragmatic Solutions. Award: Leadership.
Flavia Georgescu currently serves as the Head of Business Operations at Pragmatic Solutions, where she has been instrumental in the company’s remarkable growth trajectory over the past five years. With a strategic and solution-oriented approach, she has overseen the implementation of process optimisation initiatives and the execution of operational strategies that have enabled Pragmatic Solutions to scale efficiently, even as it expanded into new markets.
Flavia’s academic background includes an MBA and BBA from the Academia de Studii Economice din București, which underpins her comprehensive approach to business planning, financial management, and team leadership, and over 15 years of diverse experience in business operations across various industries, including a substantial focus on fintech. Known for her analytical skills and her ability to foster a collaborative environment, Flavia’s dedication to operational excellence has established her as a driving force behind Pragmatic Solutions’ success.
Natalie Loshatynska, Head of PR & Marketing, DATA.BET.
Award: Marketing.
Natalie Loshatynska is a professional in the field of public relations and marketing, with over five years of experience in managing PR teams and developing communication strategies.
Currently serving as Head of PR & Marketing at DATA.BET, Natalie has played a pivotal role in building a marketing team from scratch and crafting effective marketing campaigns that have positioned the company as a top player in the esports betting industry.
Prior to joining DATA.BET, Natalie held a Team Lead of PR department role at Soft2Bet, where she started from customer support department and grew to managing the PR team and significantly contributed to the company’s media presence.
Her experience in launching websites, driving social media growth, and engaging with industry leaders enabled her to gain valuable expertise in betting sectors and iGaming, which she shares with European and Latin American media.
Andrew Pink, Head of Brand & Communication, Play’n GO. Award: Marketing.
Andrew Pink’s path into the iGaming industry wasn’t typical. He transitioned via a successful career as a professional volleyball player, even representing Team GB at the 2012 London Olympics. Various roles including a stint at Camelot eventually led him to Play’n GO, where he has served as Head of External Communication since 2021.
Andrew has quickly made a name for himself as a comms head who isn’t afraid to go off message in an industry often overly concerned with fitting in with the crowd.
Under his guidance, Play’n GO has taken firm and public stances on issues such as responsible gambling, while the company’s brand continues to rise via partnerships and initiatives never-before-seen in the sector, including most notably a landmark partnership with a Formula 1 team.
Chris Nikolopoulos, Chief Commercial Officer, BETBY. Award: Business development.
Chris Nikolopoulos is Betby’s Chief Commercial Officer, where he plays a key role in driving the company’s global expansion with its operator-focused sports betting solutions.
Before joining Betby, Chris held senior commercial positions at EveryMatrix, Playson, and Altenar. His deep dive into Betby’s products and services allowed him to quickly build a comprehensive understanding, forming the bedrock of his successful career.
His journey within the company showcases his adaptability and willingness to embrace change, consistently evolving with the dynamic nature of the iGaming industry.
Maria Bashkevich, Head of Marketing, Uplatfrom. Award: Marketing
The mastermind behind all marketing strategies, propelling Uplatform to the forefront of the iGaming industry.
With Maria’s innovative approach, we’ve witnessed significant growth in their digital presence.
She’s also orchestrated every successful participation in multiple exhibitions, making Uplatform shine in the offline world. She’s not just a leader; she’s the heartbeat of Uplatform’s marketing triumphs!
Alexandra Breinig, Casino Sales Manager, Everymatrix. Award: Business development.
After working for several years in FinTech and AdTech companies across North America and Europe, Alexandra joined the dynamic world of iGaming in 2018 and has since worked for various industry-leading B2B providers offering omni-channel payment, player account management, and casino aggregation solutions in both regulated and emerging markets.
She joined the EveryMatrix team in 2022, and currently works as a Casino Sales Manager for the Casino Business Unit where her extensive knowledge of turnkey operations, player journeys, engagement & loyalty, and regulatory compliance allow her to support casino operators with best-in-class services tailored to match their project needs.
Eva Berkova, Chief Operations Officer, BETBY. Award: Operations.
Eva Berkova has over 15 years of experience working in IT companies, primarily focusing on the B2C sector with some exposure to B2B. Her expertise has always centered around operational roles, working closely with HR, Finance, Legal, and Administrative departments.
She started her career around 15 years ago working in financial markets, including stock exchanges, shares, financial instruments, and hedging, within a family office setup. At the same time, she handled operational matters for the main company, further honing her skills.
Eva’s career has steadily evolved, and she has now held the position of Chief Operating Officer at BETBY for the last five years, after amassing over five additional years of experience in similar roles.
Silvia Gusella, Game Developement Manager, WorldMatch. Award: Leadership.
Silvia plays a pivotal role in shaping WorldMatch’s game development, bringing creativity and innovation to the forefront. Her leadership drives the collaboration with global graphic studios, producing games that reflect the cultural diversity of players worldwide. Silvia’s keen focus on market trends and competitor analysis allows her team to stay ahead in an ever-evolving industry.
Her approach to game design is highly structured, starting with the concept phase where Moodboards and Storyboards guide the vision. She works to strike the perfect balance between the creative storylines, ensuring an engaging and rewarding player experience. Silvia’s team also takes great care in crafting immersive sound effects and background music, further enriching the gameplay.
With an eye on both creativity and logistics, Silvia manages the annual release schedule of WorldMatch games, coordinating marketing and certification processes. Additionally, she leads special projects, ensuring that games are tailored to meet specific operator demands. Through her leadership, Silvia ensures that every game is finely crafted and memorable.
Otto Bonning, Head of Sales, DATA.BET. Award: Business development.
Otto Bonning is a seasoned sales, business development, and client relations professional with over 15 years of experience across various sectors, including sports betting, esports, and brand partnerships.
Currently, Otto is Head of Sales at DATA.BET. His background includes key roles at ParlayBay and Genius Sports, where he honed his skills in driving growth and establishing strategic connections.
Before transitioning into business development, Otto was a professional golfer for 10 years, competing on prestigious tours such as the Europro Tour and the European Challenge Tour, which gave him deep insights into the sports industry and the needs of athletes and organizations.
Since joining DATA.BET, Otto has been instrumental in expanding the company’s client portfolio and showcasing its capabilities as a leading esports solutions provider. His focus on building strong relationships, identifying new revenue streams, and promoting esports’ business potential makes him an invaluable asset to the company’s growth strategy.
Michele Nodari, Technical Manager, WorldMatch. Award: Leadership.
Michele is Technical Manager at WorldMatch since 2010. He is not only a highly skilled and experienced technical manager, but he is also known for his dedication and ability to handle complex challenges.
His leadership style is defined by a deep commitment to both his team and the company’s goals, often going above and beyond to ensure that projects are completed on time and with exceptional quality. Michele is highly regarded for his problem-solving skills, and he has a knack for finding efficient solutions even under pressure, ensuring that both the technical and operational aspects of WorldMatch’s IT infrastructure run smoothly.
Despite the high demands of his role, Michele maintains a focus on continuous learning and improvement, both for himself and his team. He’s known for his hands-on approach, actively participating in strategic decisions while being willing to roll up his sleeves when needed. This combination of technical expertise, leadership, and personal commitment has made Michele an invaluable asset to WorldMatch.
Ivan Rozic, Head Of Sales, EveryMatrix. Award: Leadership.
Ivan Rozic has enjoyed a rapid rise up the iGaming ranks and now proudly leads the sales team of OddsMatrix, EveryMatrix’s growing sportsbook division.
Ivan began his career in banking with an internship in the Central Bank of Bosnia &Herzegovina. After a successful stint at the institution he moved to the telecommunications industry where he held senior Business Development roles at global communication enterprise Infobip.
The iGaming industry came calling in 2018 when he joined solutions supplier NSoftmaking a quick impression to become SVP Sales and Marketing. In 2021 he joined OddsMatrix as Sales Manager, three years on he now leads the department and has been at the forefront of major client wins including Bet-at-home and the Hungarian Lottery.
Thomas Donson, Head of Trading at DATA.BET. Award: Leadership.
Thomas Donson is a highly experienced professional with nearly 20 years in the iGaming industry. He began his career in customer service for a leading UK-based bookmaker, later transitioning to IT and live trading, where he witnessed the rapid rise of live betting.
His broad experience spans working with large Western European companies, including Pragmatic Play, and innovative startups, giving him a unique perspective on the industry.
In recent years, Thomas has focused on sportsbook trading, using his deep expertise to lead the development of DATA.BET as Head of Trading. His deep understanding of both classic and esports markets has allowed him to stay ahead of industry trends and deliver impactful results.
His contributions to the industry have been recognized through interviews in leading outlets such as SBC Media and Esports Bets, where he shares his insights on market trends.
Riccardo Golia, RGS and Compliance Manager, WorldMatch. Award: Leadership.
Riccardo brings a strategic vision and technical rigor to his role, ensuring that each part of the online games developed at WorldMatch is seamlessly integrated and highly efficient. His deep understanding of the Remote Gaming System (RGS) architecture, combined with his focus on dynamic configuration and automation, allows for smoother workflows and faster time-to-market. Riccardo is particularly adept at optimizing processes, cutting down on manual work and potential errors, which positively impacts both the development phase and the certification process.
Beyond his technical contributions, Riccardo fosters a culture of precision and collaboration within his team. He ensures that the system’s health is continually monitored, and that any issues are quickly addressed. His leadership in project and risk management, along with his commitment to training and team-building, creates a strong foundation for success. With a focus on leveraging the collective technical skills of his team, Riccardo plays a key role in driving innovation, ensuring flexibility, and maintaining full control over the development and release of WorldMatch’s games.