Not even the sporadic showers over the last few days could dampen the mood here in Manila. Now in its fourth year, the summit is enjoying the sweet summer fruits of an event that has triumphed through adversity.
Our beginnings were less than auspicious. The paint was fresh on the walls of our new office, and everything was on track for the inaugural launch of SiGMA Asia in 2020 – set to be our first foray outside of Malta. No one expected a pandemic to turn up. The events industry ground to a halt and our path inevitably had to take a different turn.
Happily, in 2023 we were back, armed with a new kind of experience, and determined to double down on our efforts to leave no stone unturned in the launch of our first event for the Asian markets. The industry was eager to get back into the swing of things too, with the first show serving as an important bridge between East and West.
In 2026, the Philippines remains a leader amongst its peers. Strong engagement. Lucrative when it comes to revenue potential. And a clear legal framework that champions regulated gambling. Where better to hold SiGMA than here in Asia’s highest performing jurisdiction?
We’ve done our calculations and SiGMA Asia 2026 is estimated to have welcomed around 7.8 thousand international delegates over the last few days, with the company expecting this figure to nearly double next year to 12,000.
There’s a lot to unpack – so let’s get into it. Here are the moments that made it to the SiGMA halls of fame.
Getting into the swing of things
Great networking is our speciality. From high-level conversations on the green to easy conversation over a plate of good food, we had your social calendar covered this week. Following an opening party on the 31st of May, we started the month of June with a full blast of activities.
Most delegates started their day with a stop at the Conrad Hotel to pick up their badge ahead of the conference. Meanwhile, exhibitors toured the expo floor at the SMX Convention Centre to put the finishing touches on their booth.
For platinum ticket holders looking for high-level networking and a bit of sport, the SiGMA Nexus Elite Golf Tour hit the spot. Held at Club Intramuros, the 18-hole course was a site for sore city eyes. Lush tree-lined greens set amidst historical fortifications make this one of the most beautiful courses in the country. The site of a Rolex on the prize table wasn’t a bad view either. Breakfast and lunch were served, while irresistible champagne stops along the course made for a pleasurable day amongst fellow C-levels.
Guests in the mood for something a little less competitive headed down to Manila Bay. And what better way to start your week than with a gentle two-hour cruise. A glass of crisp white hit the spot as they headed out to find the sea breeze.
As is tradition, we closed the curtains on the first day with an elegant awards ceremony at the Conrad Hotel. Beyond celebrating the industry, the event also cheered on the SiGMA Foundation. A charitable art auction raised €17,000 through bids, with companies such as OneHazel, Finera, Malta Media, and Z-Gaming lending their support. The National Lottery of Liberia also came through, bidding on two items – Bel Sison’s Hello Kitten sculpture, and Ian Inoy’s Lucky Knot painting. In a show of thanks, the companies will receive the value of their bids back in media spend with SiGMA.
Highlights of the night included an award to PAGCOR CEO, Alejandro Tengco, recognising his outstanding contribution to gaming, a fun quiz with a Rolex up for grabs, a raffle, and a special round of honourary awards during Hall of Game.
SiGMA Poker Tour Manila
Running alongside the SiGMA Asia event, the SiGMA Poker Tour was in town for its second Asian edition. Its most ambitious tour to date, SPT Manila delivered the goods when it came to excitement – and of course, prize pools.Hosted at City of Dreams in Manila from the 30th to 04 June, players competed for 2026’s largest prize pool – with PHP 20 Million overall guaranteed. The SPT is back in September with its Mexican debut.
From Keynotes to Closing Night: Highlights from SiGMA Asia 2026
The first day of the conference opened with a special welcome ceremony that included a ribbon cutting and several keynotes from prominent figures – including PAGCOR CEO, Alejandro Tengco and Deputy Speaker, the Hon. Maria Rachel Arenas.
Speaking to the morning crowd, Tengco said that, “The true measure of this industry is not simply its size or rate of expansion, but our ability to ensure that gaming remains properly regulated, socially responsible, and more importantly, genuinely beneficial to the communities we all serve.”
At a time of uncertainty, gatherings such as the SiGMA Asia Summit are more important than ever, Tengco went on to say.
“Events like this allow regulators, operators, vendors, and stakeholders to come together, not merely to discuss opportunities, but to address challenges collectively and decisively. PAGCOR has always recognised the importance of the gaming industry as a critical source for government funding and a true partner in nation-building.“
“We hope that there will be another conference next year and in the many years to come,” he concluded warmly.
Deputy Speaker Hon. Maria Rachel Arenas, meanwhile, highlighted the transformative power of breakthrough innovations to reshape societies – particularly AI.
“It is redefining how we work, learn, create, and make decisions, ” she said. The question before us, Arenas emphasised, is no longer whether AI will transform our societies. The question is whether we will shape the transformation wisely.
Later that day, over 40 ambassadors and consuls based in Manila gathered for a special Malta Day celebration to commemorate Sette Giugnio that was hosted by the Maltese Embassy to the Philippines. Present were key figures, such as H.E Ambassador of Malta to China and the Philippines, John Busuttil, Dr Regina Jacinto Barrientos, Malta Consul for Manila, and Maria Andrelita S. Austria, Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Economic and Cultural Diplomacy, Traditional food was served, and young musicians from the youth orchestra played a selection of Maltese music.
Also taking place during SiGMA Asia was the Global Gaming Awards Asia-Pacific 2026. Prior to the announcement of the ten category winners, SiGMA Founder, Eman Pulis shared his thoughts on stage.
“We’re back, he said, stronger, and leading the pack in bringing the community to Asia, he said”
“With 8 summits annually, we are the only conference producer covering the whole globe. Our mantra, he went on to say, is to promote the idea that regulated gaming is the only way to go.”
The event concluded with SiGMA’s legendary closing event. Manila is a city that some say never sleeps. Its streets hum with an after-dark energy that filters a gritty, underground street style into an electric nightlife culture. Neon lights bleed onto the streets, and old school hip hop, smooth jazz and pop mingle with superclub beats. Speakeasy bars, Shanghai-style art deco saloons, cool rooftop clubs – good times really don’t discriminate.
It’s here – in the heart of the city at BSK Manila – that SiGMA Asia hosted its official party, brought to you by 747.live. Cool city vibes, with references to old-school Pinoy hip-hop culture – all set to the rhythm of DJs John Odin and SEHEN.
SiGMA Asia returns in June 2027 to the tune of 12,000 delegates. A special offer on tickets is currently available, but not for long. Catch it before it’s over.
