Best iGaming
Experts Annual Awards 2026
An open, international award recognising the analysts, publishers and consultants whose passion and expertise define iGaming — and amplifying the reach of the publications that matter.
Why this award exists
The Best iGaming Experts Annual Awards highlights the contribution of the people whose main passion and area of expertise is iGaming. Built on openness and an international outlook, the award also reserves a dedicated Rising Star category — so the stage belongs not only to established names, but to fresh voices and young talent.
Best iGaming Expert 2026
For consistent, verifiable expertise that practitioners across markets rely on.
Voice of the iGaming Industry
For the publications, talks and commentary that carried the industry conversation this year.
Rising Star
A dedicated category for fresh voices and young talent entering the field.
Road to August 1
The 2026 Winners
Announced on August 1, 2026, after three rounds of jury deliberation — one winner in each of the three categories.
Leo K. Weber
DACH market specialist whose analysis of German, Austrian and Swiss regulation is read by operators and affiliates alike.
Lorenzo Vitali
Editor-in-chief of one of Italy's most popular gambling publications and the author of academic research on gambling.
Jan Woźniak
Product Owner at SOFTSWISS who builds casino products by day and advises casinos and software developers on theirs.
The 2026 Finalists
Eight experts made the 2026 shortlist. The jury assigned the categories during deliberation and named one winner in each on August 1 — the other five keep the status of Finalist 2026.
Leo K. Weber
iGaming expert and DACH market specialist with a track record of translating regulatory shifts in Germany, Austria and Switzerland into clear, actionable analysis. A dedicated industry educator, Leo has built a substantial following on X, where his threads on licensing, compliance and market entry are widely shared by operators and affiliates alike.
Lorenzo Vitali
Editor-in-chief of one of Italy's most popular gambling publications, Lorenzo combines day-to-day editorial leadership with a serious academic footprint. A published publicist and author of peer-reviewed research on gambling, he has spent years raising the standard of iGaming journalism in the Italian market.
Mike Betoray
Betting and sports expert specialising in football predictions. Mike is known for data-driven matchday breakdowns and transparent post-analysis of his own calls — an approach that has earned him a loyal audience among bettors who value method over hype.
Jan Woźniak
Founder and owner of his own ventures in the gambling space, Jan works on both sides of the table: building products and advising others on theirs. As an expert consultant to casinos and casino software developers, he brings rare hands-on operator experience to product, platform and go-to-market decisions.
Lina Murphey-Gaelle
Speaker and long-time advocate for the legalisation of iGaming. Lina is a familiar presence on the international conference circuit, where she argues for regulated, transparent markets — bringing policy makers, operators and player-protection advocates into the same conversation.
Markus Komovic
Independent consultant to gambling companies and a regular industry speaker. Markus advises operators and suppliers across markets, and takes his conclusions to the stage — turning consulting practice into talks the industry actually uses.
Giulio Caruso
Slot designer and creator of a gambling-focused project for the Italian audience. Giulio represents a new generation of talent in iGaming — combining game design craft with content that makes the mechanics of modern slots understandable to everyday players.
Vasco Oliveira
Editor-in-chief, freelancer and dedicated iGaming enthusiast. Vasco leads editorial work for the Portuguese market, where his reviews and guides are known for a rigorous, reader-first approach — turning a genuine passion for the industry into some of the most trusted iGaming content in the language.
Judged by the industry
The shortlist went to an expert jury on July 17. Over three rounds of structured discussion, closed on July 31, the panel settled on one winner per category. The decision was published on this site on August 1.
Vera Vilchek
National Gambling Authority
Gregory Matesienkevic
Gambling SEO&PPC Club — CEO, Galaxticion LTD
Nick LeBraune
Charity & Non-Commercial Dept, NDA iGaming Holding
Craig Himsworthy
iGaming Expert, Journalist
Latest from the awards
The 2026 winners: Leo K. Weber, Lorenzo Vitali and Jan Woźniak take the top honours
Three rounds of deliberation are over — the jury has named one winner in each of the three categories.
Read moreJury deliberation begins: three rounds to decide the 2026 winners
The expert jury has received the shortlist and opened the first of three deliberation rounds.
Read moreThe 2026 shortlist is here: eight experts, three categories
Following five weeks of nominations, eight finalists advance to jury deliberation.
Read more
