In an exclusive interview for GMB, Anton Chumel, CEO of Champion, explores the innovative impact of the company in the iGaming industry. The executive highlights the brand's commitment to launching two new games monthly, its expansion into new markets, and discusses the strategic importance of the regulated market in Brazil, in addition to Champion's adherence to local certifications.
Known for its immersive gaming experiences, Champion has built a strong presence in Europe, Latin America, and Central Asia, with a diverse portfolio of over 80 games. Looking ahead, the company plans to double its game release rate in 2024 and is particularly excited about its upcoming releases, including "Safari Ways Deluxe" and a new crash game.
From recent brand releases to ambitious goals and its localization approach in new markets, including recent licenses in Romania and Curaçao, this interview provides a comprehensive view of how Champion is shaping the future of gaming.
Champion's localization strategy, which includes adapting games to meet regional preferences and regulatory standards, is crucial for its success in diverse markets, such as Latin America. As Champion continues to gain global prominence with its innovative gaming solutions, Chumel delves deep into the company's journey and future plans.
Chumel also discussed the strategic importance of the regulated market in Brazil and Champion's adherence to local certifications. He highlighted key industry trends, such as AI and immersive technologies, that are shaping the future of gaming. Champion's active participation in global industry events, including conferences in Malta, Amsterdam, Lisbon, and São Paulo, reflects its ongoing commitment to industry engagement and growth.
Games Magazine Brasil - For those who are not yet familiar with the Champion brand in this young Brazilian market, what are the main products and services of the company and where do they operate most successfully?
Anton Chumel -
Champion is a dynamic and innovative player in the iGaming industry, with over a decade of experience in creating immersive gaming experiences that resonate with players around the world. We have a strong presence in Europe, Latin America, and Central Asia, where our diverse portfolio of over 80 games, including slots and table games, has gained significant traction.
Our success lies in our commitment to delivering high-quality and engaging games that cater to a wide range of player preferences. Recently, we expanded our operations by securing new gaming licenses in Romania and Curaçao, further solidifying our position in these key markets.
What are the advantages and innovations of Champion that set them apart in the market?
Champion stands out in the market due to our relentless focus on innovation and player engagement. Our games are designed with cutting-edge visuals, enhanced interactivity, and a variety of themes that appeal to diverse audiences. We have set a goal to launch two new games per month, ensuring that our portfolio remains fresh and exciting.
Moreover, our commitment to fairness and reliability is reflected in the rigorous certification process our games undergo, making them some of the most reliable in the industry. We also support multiple languages and currencies, including cryptocurrency payments, which allows us to seamlessly serve a global audience.
Tell us more about your recent releases and what can we expect from the brand in 2024?
We are excited about the direction our brand is taking in 2024. Recently, on August 5, 2024, we launched Safari Ways Deluxe, an exciting new game that invites players to immerse themselves in the beauty and adventure of the desert. If you are a fan of desert landscapes and thrilling gameplay, we highly recommend you try it.
Looking ahead, we are committed to significantly increasing our game release schedule. Currently, we release one game per month, but our goal for 2024 is to double this production. We plan to launch two new games each month, offering our players even more variety and excitement.
Additionally, we are particularly excited about a new crash game that we plan to release by the end of the summer. This game will bring a new and exciting experience to our portfolio, and we believe it will resonate well with our audience.
Overall, 2024 is shaping up to be a year of growth for our brand, and we can't wait to share all these new experiences with our players.
How do you achieve this "localization" that allows you to have products with local flavor and always in compliance with the regulations established in each jurisdiction?
Localization is central to Champion's strategy, and we achieve this through our in-house development team, which allows us to adapt our games to specific markets. By collaborating closely with local operators and understanding regional preferences, we ensure that our games not only meet regulatory standards but also deeply resonate with players.
Our ability to customize elements such as characters, music, settings, colors, and themes means we can create games that are particularly appealing in certain regions. This approach has been key to our success, especially in culturally diverse areas like Latin America and Central Asia, where aligning with local tastes is crucial for player engagement.
Does Latin America represent a significant development opportunity, or do you still see it as something more distant? Which countries are most attractive for you to work intensively?
Latin America is a significant development opportunity for Champion, and we are actively pursuing growth in this region. Countries like Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia are particularly attractive due to their large populations, growing internet penetration, and evolving regulatory landscapes.
We see tremendous potential in these markets and are committed to bringing our innovative gaming experiences to players across Latin America. Our recent expansion efforts, along with our strategic partnerships in the region, position us well to capitalize on this opportunity.
What does the Brazilian market represent or potentially represent for the company now that there is regulation in place? Are you currently complying with the certifications required by the Ministry of Finance?
The Brazilian market is of immense strategic importance to Champion, presenting a large player base and significant growth potential. We are particularly attentive to adhering to the regulations established by the Ministry of Finance, ensuring that we meet all necessary certifications to operate in the country.
Our careful approach to entering this market reflects our commitment to aligning with local standards while pursuing our broader global expansion strategy. We are dedicated to contributing to the development of a regulated and thriving gaming ecosystem in Brazil.
What are the most prominent technological trends in online games and physical slots today? Where is the industry heading?
The iGaming industry is evolving rapidly, with key trends such as artificial intelligence and immersive gaming experiences driving transformation. AI is being used to personalize gaming experiences and improve operational efficiency.
Meanwhile, the rise of virtual and augmented reality is creating more immersive and engaging gaming environments. The industry is moving towards a more integrated, digital-first approach, with an emphasis on mobile gaming and multi-platform experiences that meet the needs of today's players.
How is Champion's agenda for participating in industry events around the world progressing this year? Do you already have events confirmed for 2025?
Champion follows a well-organized calendar for industry events, ensuring our presence well in advance. In 2024, we had our own booth at CasinoBeats in Malta and at iGB Live in Amsterdam, and we are also scheduled to participate in EAE Bucharest in September, SBC Summit in Lisbon, SiGMA Europe in Malta, and ICE 2025 in Barcelona. Additionally, we will be present in São Paulo, Brazil, for the BiS SiGMA Americas.
Source: Exclusive GMB
