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Legendary skater and entrepreneur to keynote at SBC Summit
Renowned professional skateboarder turned entrepreneur and iconic video game legend Tony Hawk is slated to deliver a keynote address to 25,000 attendees, at the upcoming SBC Summit.
The keynote titled: “Tony Hawk – What Keeps The Wheels Turning on a Global Brand” is scheduled to open the second core day of the event, which is taking place at the Feira Internacional de Lisboa between the 24th and 26th of September. The highly anticipated keynote will occur on the Super Stage, located in the MEO Arena.
Hawk will offer delegates an in-depth overview of his illustrious career, covering his introduction to the professional sports arena as a teenager, his landmark partnership with Activision game studios, and the founding of his iconic sporting brands. He will also share strategies for maintaining relevance through brand reinvention, providing insights into his approach to sustaining success and innovation over the years.
In anticipation of his upcoming address, Hawk expressed: “I am excited to be headlining SBC Summit in Lisbon this September. Although the worlds of skateboarding and gambling might seem very different, I believe many parallels and lessons can be very relatable to companies in this industry.
“Whether it is forming long-lasting partnerships, establishing a successful and recognisable brand or maintaining relevance in a predominantly digital world, my story can provide valuable insights for all those attending.”
Born in the Golden State of California on May 12, 1968, Tony Hawk received his first skateboard, a blue fibreglass Bahne, from his brother at the age of nine. By the age of 11, Hawk began entering local skateboarding competitions, and in 1982, at just 14 years old, he officially became a professional skater. He signed with the Powell Peralta professional team and starred in the famous Bones Brigade videos, marking the beginning of his illustrious sporting career.
The subsequent 23 years, saw Hawk win 73 competitive titles, including being named the ‘National Skateboard Association (NSA) Vert Champion’ for 12 consecutive years and earning 16 “X Games” medals. Hawk further cemented himself as an innovator of the sport by inventing more than 80 unique skateboarding tricks. Among these tricks are the ollie-to-Indy, the gymnast plant, the frontside 540-rodeo flip, and the Saran wrap.
In one of skateboarding’s defining moments, Hawk executed a 900 twist (2 1/2 turns) at the 1999 X Games, a feat that had never been performed before. In 2003, Tony officially retired from competitive skating.
Away from the deck, Hawk continued to grow the sport with a variety of successful partnerships and branding deals. In 1992, Tony founded Birdhouse Skateboards (originally Birdhouse Projects) with ex-Powell Peralta professional skateboarder Per Welinder. In 1998, Hawk and his family created Hawk Clothing, a line of children’s skate apparel, and in 1999, he founded the media company 900 Films. In 2002, he established The Skatepark Project (formerly the Tony Hawk Foundation), a nonprofit skateboarding organisation that helps communities build public skate parks for youth in underserved communities.
Tony Hawk’s most successful partnership came in 1999 when he teamed up with global gaming giant Activision to release Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. Activision went on to release 16 more video games under the ‘Tony Hawk’ name and reported a staggering $1 billion in sales, making it one of the most successful video game franchises of all timeBorn in the Golden State of California on May 12, 1968, Tony Hawk received his first skateboard, a blue fibreglass Bahne, from his brother at the age of nine. By the age of 11, Hawk began entering local skateboarding competitions, and in 1982, at just 14 years old, he officially became a professional skater. He signed with the Powell Peralta professional team and starred in the famous Bones Brigade videos, marking the beginning of his illustrious sporting career.
The subsequent 23 years, saw Hawk win 73 competitive titles, including being named the ‘National Skateboard Association (NSA) Vert Champion’ for 12 consecutive years and earning 16 “X Games” medals. Hawk further cemented himself as an innovator of the sport by inventing more than 80 unique skateboarding tricks. Among these tricks are the ollie-to-Indy, the gymnast plant, the frontside 540-rodeo flip, and the Saran wrap.
In one of skateboarding’s defining moments, Hawk executed a 900 twist (2 1/2 turns) at the 1999 X Games, a feat that had never been performed before. In 2003, Tony officially retired from competitive skating.
Away from the deck, Hawk continued to grow the sport with a variety of successful partnerships and branding deals. In 1992, Tony founded Birdhouse Skateboards (originally Birdhouse Projects) with ex-Powell Peralta professional skateboarder Per Welinder. In 1998, Hawk and his family created Hawk Clothing, a line of children’s skate apparel, and in 1999, he founded the media company 900 Films. In 2002, he established The Skatepark Project (formerly the Tony Hawk Foundation), a nonprofit skateboarding organisation that helps communities build public skate parks for youth in underserved communities.
Tony Hawk’s most successful partnership came in 1999 when he teamed up with global gaming giant Activision to release Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. Activision went on to release 16 more video games under the ‘Tony Hawk’ name and reported a staggering $1 billion in sales, making it one of the most successful video game franchises of all time
Rasmus Sojmark, CEO & Founder of SBC added: “Tony Hawk is undoubtedly one of the most iconic athletes of the 20th century. Not only did Tony revolutionise the world of skateboarding, but through strong branding, incredible athleticism, and genre-defining video games, he brought skateboarding into mainstream pop culture.
“There are certainly many lessons to be learned from this legend, and I am extremely excited to witness Tony’s headline keynote on the Super Stage.”
Operators and affiliates can apply for free passes to the event. Operators can visit here, while affiliates are urged to click here.
The wider industry can secure their spot at the upcoming SBC Summit with a special offer granting access to all three core days of the event, including the exhibition floor, conference content, and evening networking parties, all for the discounted price of just €300.
The post Legendary skater and entrepreneur to keynote at SBC Summit appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Endorphina Unleashes Bear Spirit to Double Winnings
In the misty forest at dawn, a mysterious howl pierces the silence. What mysteries does the seemingly ordinary forest hide? And what is the source of that howl?
Big Brown is an online slot from the provider Endorphina featuring 6 reels, 4 rows, and 4096 fixed pay ways. The slot takes players through the beaten forest pathways, introducing them to different woodland creatures. By befriending the animals players will summon the strength and wisdom to track down this mysterious creature and uncover secrets deep in its lair.
As a mix of mystic and animal slots, Big Brown provides an unparalleled gaming experience that immerses players in an entirely secluded world. Big Brown features Scatters and two different Expanding Wild symbols – the Brown Bear and the Raging Bear. In this slot, the Raging Bear can double winnings and multiply multipliers! Furthermore, Big Brown also features Free Spins where an Expanding Wild symbol is guaranteed to appear.
Dedicated to innovation and unparalleled gaming experiences, Endorphina provides players with award-winning slots that instantly grab attention. At Endorphina, we supply player favorites and best-in-class games, constantly raising the bar in game development. Take a sneak peek at our multi-product portfolio and explore the endless possibilities with Endorphina slots!
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Marina Nahhas Celebrates 8 Years of Growth With ProgressPlay
As ProgressPlay marks its 12th anniversary, the company reflects on a journey defined by resilience, innovation, and remarkable leadership. At the heart of this transformation is Marina Nahhas, whose inspiring career trajectory exemplifies ProgressPlay’s core values of excellence and customer focus.
Marina Nahhas joined ProgressPlay in 2016, stepping into the dynamic iGaming industry with a passion for building relationships and driving results. Her expertise in customer service, team building, and strategy quickly became apparent, earning her recognition and steady promotions within the company.
By 2019, Marina took on a pivotal role in the B2B division, a move that not only marked a milestone in her career but also set the stage for ProgressPlay’s rapid growth. Her transition into B2B sales and account management brought a fresh vision to the company, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner for online gaming operators.
Marina’s tenure in B2B has been marked by outstanding achievements. Between 2019 and 2023 as Head of Sales, she led the addition of over 90 new brands to ProgressPlay’s platform, a testament to her ability to identify opportunities, onboard new partners, and foster long-term loyalty.
Her strategic initiatives underpinned several groundbreaking innovations that solidified ProgressPlay’s industry leadership:
Standalone Platform Services: Offering unparalleled flexibility for clients to customise their offerings.
Compliance Leadership: Navigating the complexities of regulatory landscapes to ensure safe and legal operations globally.
Enhanced Gamification Features: Boosting player engagement with innovative tools such as points, badges, and rewards.
In 2024, Marina stepped into the role of Head of B2B Sales & Marketing, cementing her status as a trailblazer in the iGaming industry. Her responsibilities now extend to managing a global sales pipeline, negotiating partnerships, and representing ProgressPlay at flagship events such as ICE London, SiGMA Asia, and SiGMA Europe.
With Marina’s guidance, ProgressPlay has not only expanded its portfolio to include thousands of games but also refined its reputation for delivering tailored solutions that empower its clients to succeed.
Marina’s journey from a VIP Account Manager to a pivotal leadership role showcases her resilience and dedication. Her Master’s degree in Medical Microbiology from Queen Mary University of London has equipped her with a sharp analytical mindset, further enhancing her ability to strategise and lead.
Marina’s philosophy centres around empowering ProgressPlay’s partners, fostering trust, and ensuring operational excellence. Her unwavering commitment has made her a linchpin in ProgressPlay’s continued success and a source of inspiration for colleagues and industry peers alike.
As ProgressPlay celebrates this milestone, the company looks to the future with optimism. With Marina Nahhas at the helm of its B2B division, the company is poised to maintain its upward trajectory, staying ahead of industry trends and driving innovation.
“Innovation, integrity, and customer focus are at the heart of everything we do,” Marina says. “ProgressPlay’s journey is only just beginning, and I’m excited to continue driving our growth alongside our amazing team and partners.”
As ProgressPlay celebrates its anniversary, it does so with gratitude for the visionary leaders who have shaped its story and excitement for the opportunities that lie ahead.
Reflecting on Marina’s contributions, Itai Loewenstein, ProgressPlay’s CEO, shared, “With Marina Nahhas steering ProgressPlay’s B2B future, the company is well-positioned to remain a dominant force in the ever-evolving iGaming industry.”
The post Marina Nahhas Celebrates 8 Years of Growth With ProgressPlay appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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EGT’s “Bell Link 2” made its debut in Germany as a special wide-area installation
EGT’s “Bell Link 2” linked-progressive multigame made its German debut in all four sites of the Casino SH Group. The latest addition of the bestseller “Bell Link” series went live on October 1, 2024 as a very special wide-area linked-progressive edition, called the “Schleswig-Holstein Jackpot”.
A total of 16 premium G 50 J2 St cabinets located in Casino Schenefeld, Casino Kiel, Casino Lübeck and Casino Flensburg, are offering a first ever globally-linked GRAND level progressive jackpot with a guaranteed starting value of 100.000,00 EUR, which can be won in any casino, at any time and with any bet.
Additionally, the concept offers a locally-linked MAJOR level progressive jackpot and two bonus prizes in each individual casino, which also can be won at any time and any bet.
Emilia Tomachinska, Managing Director of the E-Systems GmbH, EGT’s distributor in the German speaking regions of Europe, commented: “I am very proud that Casino SH once again trusted us and we were able to launch this captivating product, which will hopefully be a great addition to their gaming floors. After 13 years, in which a number of EGT products have been constantly demonstrating a rock-solid performance, the time was finally right for a very special product like the “Schleswig-Holstein Jackpot”. I believe that this installation will further strengthen our fruitful partnership and I hope that it will open the door for even more interesting and high-potential collaborations like this in the future.”
Rainer Schepull, CEO of the Casino SH Group, shared: “We are very glad to have realized this idea together with our long-term partners E-Systems and EGT. Our cooperation with them has always been on the highest level, and with this project – from start to finish – they both proved their professionalism once again. The new ‘Schleswig-Holstein Jackpot’ immediately caught the attention of our visitors and now we can’t wait for our first 6-digits GRAND JACKPOT WINNER! We all here at the Casino SH Group are very excited to find out when, in which casino location and who will hit it!”
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