PAGCOR CEO Alejandro Tengco recognised for outstanding contribution to gaming at SiGMA Asia Awards
While the usual big names in gaming were out in full force at tonight’s SiGMA Awards, a new wave of fresh faces also enjoyed some well-deserved time in the spotlight. Held at the Conrad Hotel in Manila and hosted by Olga Yaroshevsky and Max Tiu, the ceremony added a touch of glamour, setting the stage for industry recognition as things warm up ahead of tomorrow’s conference.
Heading into the Forbes Ballroom for the welcome reception, an elegant networking event supported by 1xBet, guests enjoyed drinks while a violinist and painter set the mood for the evening to come. The artists were part of a duo called LIVEART – an interactive live-painting and experiential performance act produced by GUA Entertainment.
Tonight’s auction artworks were also on display at the venue, with each piece set to go under the hammer in aid of the SiGMA Foundation’s projects this year. Projects include initiatives devoted to providing better education and healthcare, as well as community enrichment for some of the most vulnerable people globally. Find out more about how you can contribute, sponsor, or take part in fundraisers by visiting the website.
The ceremony started with a fun raffle. Drawn live on stage, tonight’s prize featured an exciting helicopter ride over Manila. Later, a sumptuous sit-down dinner accompanied 28 diverse award categories. Crowning the winners list was Alejandro Tengco. The chairman and CEO of the Asian gaming regulator PAGCOR was recognised for his long-standing commitment to the industry here in the Philippines with the Outstanding Contribution to Gaming Award. The award was collected on his behalf by Daniel Cecilio, the Senior Vice President at PAGCOR.
Tengco is due to deliver a keynote address tomorrow during the opening ceremony at the SMX Convention Centre. The ceremony will also feature remarks from Maria Rachel Jimenez Arenas, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines, and SiGMA Founder, Eman Pulis.
Here are tonight’s winners:
Here are tonight’s winners:
Best Aggregator 2026
Winner: Light & Wonder
Best Casino Feature 2026
Winner: Age of the Gods by Playtech
Best Casino Operator 2026
Winner: PhilWeb
Best Crash Game Portfolio 2026
Winner: VeliPlay
Best Emerging Platform Provider 2026
Winner: Cubeia
Best Esports Provider 2026
Winner: Oddin.gg
Best Game Studio 2026
Winner: Megawin
Best Gaming Responsible Operator 2026
Winner: PhilWeb
Best Innovative Sportsbook Feature 2026
Winner: BetConstruct
Best KYC Solution 2026
Winner: Sumsub
Best Land-Based Game Feature 2026
Winner: Sheng Sheng Bu Xi by EGT
Best Live Casino Experience 2026
Winner: 247.live
Best live Casino Provider 2026
Winner: Evolution
Best Marketing Campaign 2026
Winner: These Paws are Made for Profit by Jinero
Best Payment Solution 2026
Winner: Nexton
Best Platform 2026
Winner: K36
Best Slot Game Provider 2026
Winner: Yellow Bat
Best Slot Games Newcomer 2026
Winner: OMNIPLAY
Best Sportsbook Operator 2026
Winner: ArenaPlus
Best Sportsbook Provider 2026
Winner: BETBY
Best Streamer 2026
Winner: ZenPro
Best UI/UX Platform Provider 2026
Winner: Golden Race
Breakthrough Sportsbook Operator 2026
Winner: Luckyi
Fastest Growing Operator 2026
Winner: BingoPlus
Best Next-gen Betting Product 2026
Winner: Prediction Markets Platform by SOFTSWISS
Sportsbook Player Experience Innovation Awards 2026
Winner: 2026
Winner: EGT Digital
Outstanding Contribution to Gaming 2026
Winner: Alejandro Tengco
With all 28 categories handed out, the hosts moved on to the Hall of Game. A special portion of the evening dedicated to honouring stand-out individuals who have set the gold standard for their sector. Honourees included Nilo Thaddeus Rodriguez and Evan Spytma.
Closing things off on a high note, a quiz delivered a final round of prizes – with a Rolex watch as first place, followed by an iPhone 17 and, in third, a VIP table at the SiGMA Official Party. Energy was high as guests lent into the friendly-competitive vibes, with spirited rounds leading to some light-hearted moments as tables slipped in and out of the lead.
The SiGMA Asia Awards are brought to you by BetConstruct Ai, an iGaming solutions company that was recently announced as the official partner for SiGMA’s full lineup of Award ceremonies this year.
