The Ice Landmark Awards 2026 recognised individuals and organisations whose work has shaped the international gambling sector over extended periods, marking careers and businesses defined by sustained influence rather than short-term achievement. Presented during Ice Barcelona 2026 , the awards highlighted leadership across regulation, publishing, technology, events, and market development, reflecting the breadth of expertise that continues to define the industry.
Held alongside the second Barcelona edition of Ice, the ceremony took place as the exhibition again drew suppliers, operators, regulators, and service providers from across global markets. The setting reinforced the role of Ice as a long-established meeting point for both land-based and digital gaming, while the Landmark Awards focused attention on those whose contributions have helped build the sector’s current structure.
First introduced at IceE in 2019, the Landmark Awards were created to acknowledge long-term achievement across areas such as game development, legal frameworks, technology, sustainability, safer gambling initiatives, and industry organisation. The 2026 recipients reflected that remit through a mix of corporate anniversaries, individual career milestones, and institutional contributions spanning several decades.
Margaret Dunn, Portfolio Director for Ice, said the awards exist to recognise those who continue to influence standards and direction across the industry.
“The Landmark Awards shine a spotlight on the people and organisations shaping the gaming business,” Dunn said. “This year’s recipients embody the creativity, collaboration and entrepreneurial spirit that underpin the global gaming industry. They celebrate not only success, but the very spirit of the sector itself.”
Recognition spanning publishing, law, and market leadership
Several honours in 2026 focused on publishing and legal expertise that has supported industry development over time. Players Publishing marked 15 years of continuous activity as an independent gambling industry publisher, reflecting its sustained presence within specialist media. Philippe Vlaemminck, managing partner at Vlaemminck Law, received recognition for nearly three decades of involvement in shaping gambling regulation and legal structures across multiple jurisdictions.
Leadership within regional markets also featured prominently. Carlos Cardama, chief executive of GMB Brasil, was honoured for almost fifty years of advocacy and leadership within the Latin American gaming sector, reflecting his long-standing role in market development and industry representation.
Trade associations and professional organisations formed another part of the awards programme. Club de Convergentes marked ten years as a Spanish gaming association, while Asensi Abogados was recognised for twenty years of providing legal services focused specifically on the gambling sector. Their inclusion reflected the importance of advisory and representative bodies in maintaining regulatory dialogue and operational stability.
Technology, content, and events mark key anniversaries
Technology and content providers with long operating histories were central to the 2026 honours. GoldenRace marked twenty years of work in virtual sports and gaming content, while Play’n Go received recognition for two decades of game development that has influenced creative and technical standards in online gaming.
Major suppliers with global reach also featured. Novomatic was recognised forty-five years after its founding for its long-term international impact, while IGT marked fifty years of technological development and industry leadership. The awards also acknowledged the role of major industry events, with the Global Gaming Expo recognised as it reached its twenty-fifth edition in 2025, reinforcing its position within the international gaming calendar.
Electrocoin received recognition ahead of its fiftieth anniversary in 2026 for its contribution to the UK and European amusement sectors, while Ficom Leisure marked thirty years of operational experience across leisure and gaming environments. Amusnet was honoured for ten years of international growth and product development, reflecting its expansion across multiple markets.
Legacy and journalism acknowledged
The 2026 awards included posthumous recognition for Miquel Suqué Mateu (1962–2025), president of Casinos Grup Peralada, who was honoured as one of the most influential figures in Spanish and international gaming and hospitality. His inclusion highlighted the Landmark Awards’ focus on enduring legacy within both gaming and related sectors.
Industry journalism also received specific recognition. Pablo Zuppi, director at Yogonet Group, received The David Orrick Award for outstanding contributions to gaming journalism, acknowledging the role of specialist reporting in supporting industry transparency and informed discussion.
The ceremony took place as Ice Barcelona continued to reinforce its position as a central gathering point for the global gaming industry. Exhibitors highlighted the quality of engagement and the international scope of discussions throughout the event, underlining the commercial relevance of the show alongside its role in hosting industry recognition.
“ICE Barcelona has been a phenomenal show for Igt,” Phil O’Shaughnessy said. “There is no better forum for us to engage with customers from all over the world than being here at Ice. We’ve had a good flow of visitors to our stand every day, both in terms of quality and quantity. As Ice celebrates its second year here, Barcelona is really feeling like home. The Clarion Gaming team has done a brilliant job of positioning the event in this city. It really feels like we’re all building a history here.”
“It’s fundamentally important for us to gather here at Ice Barcelona in this centralised location with so many of our global customers, to present our new products and solutions across the gaming, digital, and fintech portfolio,” he continued. “It’s such a valuable event for us. I’d also like to thank everyone across our global customer base for their enthusiasm in attending Ice. At the end of the day, Igt is here to help make our customers successful and provide exciting experiences for their players. Here at Ice Barcelona, we’re achieving that. This is a very important show for us,” he concluded.
Through its 2026 edition, the Ice Landmark Awards again positioned Ice as a platform that reflects both the history and continuing evolution of the global gambling industry, recognising those whose long-term work continues to shape its direction.
Source:
Ice Landmark Awards 2026 celebrate the industry’s most influential leaders and companies, gioconews.it, 26 January 2026
