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ELA Games Received an Award for Leadership at the SBC Summit Malta

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May 5, 2026
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Following an incredible few days of industry connection and product presentations, it has been a triumphant week for the team at ELA Games wrapping up this year's SBC Summit Malta. The event proved to be an immensely rewarding outing for the studio and a platform to emphasize its commitment to narrative-rich game design and forge valuable relationships across the iGaming sector.

Shaping the Dialogue on Cinematic and Social Slots

Discussions at the event were decidedly forward-looking, captured perfectly by ELA Games’ centerpiece of the summit: the Casino Product Innovation & Content: The Future of Slots panel, which drew a full house on Wednesday afternoon. Senior Business Development Manager Peter Vonarshenko took the stage alongside fellow industry experts to explore the rapid transition toward cinematic and social slot experiences.

During the session, the panel covered a range of prominent trends dictating the future of casino entertainment. The conversation explored the transition toward episodic, narrative-led releases designed to build organic brand loyalty, alongside the growing necessity for authentic craftsmanship that respects the modern player's intelligence. The speakers also examined the rising demand for socialised play, agreeing that shared goals and community achievements must be integrated naturally into the gameplay space. 

Rounding out the discussion, the experts touched on the immense value of designing for "micro-audiences," emphasizing that studios taking creative risks to build distinct, unconventional worlds can successfully capture dedicated player bases that treat specific titles like cult classics.

Deepening Industry Ties Through Strategic Networking

The excitement from the panel carried over to the exhibition floor and networking events. Senior Account Managers Sadaf Ali and Tina Rednikina led an immensely successful outreach effort for the studio, connecting with a wide array of delegates, operators, and prospective partners.

Throughout the summit, the team held numerous productive meetings, providing the perfect opportunity to present ELA Games' inventive mechanics, such as the proprietary 'WinPot' feature. By showcasing recent success stories, including the performance of top titles like Buffalo Force and Piñatas Festival, as well as the engagement seen in award nominated releases like Joker Winpot, Shoot Happens, and Tea Party of Fortune, the studio was able to demonstrate how a focus on immersive entertainment generates enduring commercial success and player loyalty. These conversations also offered a great chance to discuss new games in the pipeline and alternative angles in design ELA is exploring.

The SBC Europe Awards

The SBC Awards Europe took place on April 30 at the Xara Lodge. Hosted by renowned sports broadcaster Alison Bender, the ceremony celebrated the operators, affiliates, and suppliers setting new standards across the industry.

ELA Games Leadership Celebrated in Powerful Night for the Studio

During an evening that placed a heavy focus on workplace culture, the ELA Games team took home a major award, with Business Development Team Lead Yaroslav Soloshenko securing the Manager of the Year title. This recognition showcases the studio's leading role in the industry and the exceptional internal culture steering the company forward. It amplifies its overall success, revealing how a solid foundation of studio leadership at ELA, along with Yaroslav's vital contributions, guides the team to its recent achievements and shapes its reputation for excellence. Earning this trophy places the studio among the biggest names in the space. The ELA Games team stood tall in the company leadership categories alongside Employer of the Year winner Betsson Group, with Yaroslav honored among some of the best individual leaders in the industry, including Alea’s Alexandre Tomic and Playtech’s Elena Rousseva, who were jointly awarded Leader of the Year. Being recognized shoulder to shoulder with these industry giants comes down to the entire team’s passion for the games they produce, starting from the very top.

About ELA Games

ELA Games is a slot provider in the iGaming industry, dedicated to creating a captivating experience for players through its premium slots. Since its formation in 2022, it has been working to establish a strong reputation in the sector through its games’ top-quality graphics, interactive nature, and innovative features. The provider's portfolio is fast-growing, and focuses on creating immersion through strong stories and narrative-led entertainment, alongside a wide range of other engaging titles.

About SBC Malta

SBC Summit Malta is a prominent iGaming, casino, and sports betting exhibition and conference held annually in Malta, one of the world's leading gaming hubs. Organized by SBC (Sports Betting Community), the event brings together approximately 6,000 industry professionals, including leading operators, affiliates, game developers, and regulators. The summit is renowned for its strong emphasis on product innovation, next-generation technology, and strategic marketing, providing a vital platform for comprehensive workshops, interactive exhibitions, and consequential networking that helps shape the future of the global gaming sector.