With ICE Barcelona looming on the horizon, so too is the industry’s most prestigious awards ceremony – the Global Gaming Awards. Fira Barcelona Gran Via did not disappoint at last year’s ICE. The new location, not a 10-minute drive from the nearest airport, offers up to 240,000 sq feet of space. While both this and last year have yet to utilise the full extent of the venue, it is certainly roomier than the halls of ExCel London, which despite offering 100,000 sq feet of space, simply became too small.

Of course, between the eye-catching stands, colourful cocktails and celebrity appearances, the Global Gaming Awards are also a standout on day one of ICE week. The event offers networking, entertainment and the chance to leave with an Award symbolic of the highest quality a gambling industry company can provide.

Every year, the Awards bring something new to the table. The industry never stays still, after all, so neither can the accolades up for grabs.

In the May/June 2024 edition of Gambling Insider we described crash games as a “growing phenomenon,” being simple in design yet wildy lucrative in their execution. Since its inception in 2017, the genre has skyrocketed – and Crash Game of the Year will now land on the Global Gaming Awards stage.

Breakthrough Company of the Year, launched at the 2024 Awards show, will also make a return this year. Providing an opportunity to spotlight new and emerging brands, this category highlights the continuous shifting of the industry landscape, and the talent that may soon come to define the industry.

The Awards have also updated to better reflect today’s gaming market. For instance, he retail and online sports betting operator categories will now be merged in the Sports Betting Operator of the Year Award.

Of course, we will be keeping on staple categories such as Land-based Casino of the Year, Online Slot of the Year and Executive of the Year. Last year, The Hippodrome Casino took home the Casino of the Year prize. Executive Chairman Simon Thomas thanked the team, stating: “What we do is entertain London fantastically, and we’re very proud of what we do.” Online Slot of the Year went to Light & Wonder’s Squid Game: One Lucky Day. Said iGaming CEO Simon Johnson: “For a company that says it’s all about the games, it’s wonderful to have all of our hard work recognised.”

Executive of the Year, the ceremony’s only Award to recognise individuals, was won in 2025 by Soft2Bet CEO & Founder Uri Poliavich. One of three Awards claimed by the supplier that year, Poliavich said he felt “amazing,” and spoke of the hard work and recognition the Award symbolised.

“Barcelona has proven itself a more than fitting new home for ICE, and I am excited to host our second Global Gaming Awards EMEA event at The Market Restaurant at Fira Barcelona Gran Via,” said Global Gaming Awards Event Manager Mariya Savova. “To each and every one of you who has been Shortlisted this year, congratulations. 2025 has been anything but slow, and to stand out among the crowd is an accolade to hold with pride. Thank you for making the EMEA region the lively, fast-paced, innovative hub that it is, and I wish you all the best in your nominations.”

Alongside networking opportunities, the Global Gaming Awards is set to offer entertainment and refreshments before the main presentation. 2025 saw live music, with the grand piano doubling as a complimentary drinks station. 2026 is set to host something new and exciting too – though you will have to wait and find out what it is!

As the newly formed Global Gaming Insider, we are proud to power the Global Gaming Awards in this new era.