From the 7th to the 8th of May, the Mediterranean Conference Center in Valletta, Malta, transformed into the global hub of iGaming innovation at NEXT Summit Valletta, and BETBY made a memorable mark with a powerful blend of star power, strategic thought leadership, and engaging tournament action.
A Star-Powered Keynote: Magnus Carlsen on Strategy, Chess, and iGaming
The highlight of BETBY’s presence was the appearance of Magnus Carlsen, five-time World Chess Champion and BETBY’s global brand ambassador, who captivated the audience as the headline speaker of the summit.
In an exclusive fireside chat titled “iGaming Chess World Championships, Hosted by Magnus Carlsen & BETBY,” Carlsen joined NEXT.io co-founder and managing-director Pierre Lindh on stage to explore the synergies between chess, poker, and iGaming.
The chess GOAT shared personal reflections on his journey from prodigy to world champion, discussed how strategic thinking shaped his mindset, and drew parallels between classic board games and modern betting dynamics, offering a unique perspective that resonated deeply with both chess lovers and iGaming professionals.
Watch Magnus Carlsen at NEXT Summit Valletta:
Blindfold Brilliance: A Tournament Like No Other
Magnus Carlsen’s keynote was followed by a thrilling showpiece: a blindfold chess match against the winner of the inaugural iGaming World Chess Championship, a tournament hosted by BETBY in partnership with the Malta Chess Federation.
Open to all delegates, the tournament offered a rare opportunity to go head-to-head in a high-stakes strategic challenge, with the once-in-a-lifetime prize being a live match against Carlsen himself. The tournament underscored BETBY’s commitment to creativity, innovation, and connecting gaming communities in new and exciting ways.
Thought Leadership in Action: Spotlight on Latin America
Continuing its thought leadership momentum, BETBY’s Chief Commercial Officer, Chris Nikolopoulos, took the stage on the second day of the event, contributing to a high-level panel discussion titled:
“LATAM – A flash in the pan or a long-term powerhouse?”
Sharing the stage with fellow industry leaders, Nikolopoulos provided insights on the evolving dynamics of Latin America’s iGaming market. Topics included Brazil’s standout role, the growth potential in Colombia and Peru, and strategies for balancing short-term success with long-term sustainability.
His participation cemented BETBY’s position as a key voice in the global conversation about emerging market opportunities and investment strategies.
At the Heart of Innovation and Connection
NEXT Summit Valletta 2025 was a celebration of innovation, connection, and cross-industry creativity, with BETBY standing at the heart of it all.
From inspiring keynotes and a groundbreaking tournament to meaningful conversations and strategic insights with both existing and potential partners, the event reinforced BETBY’s position as a bold, forward-thinking leader in the iGaming industry.
To learn more about their vision and solutions, visit BETBY.
About Betby
Betby is a leading B2B provider of top-tier sports betting services, renowned for its groundbreaking technology and dedication to excellence. Betby’s team of industry veterans tap into their knowledge and expertise to deliver a premium, adaptable, and scalable sportsbook platform tailored to meet the varied demands of operators across the globe. From dynamic in-play betting options to robust risk management tools and ground-breaking AI tools, Betby is committed to propelling the success of its partners in the rapidly evolving landscape of online sports betting.