Today Malta joins the global esports events stage during Global Esports Industry Week 2026.
GamingMalta continues to lead the conversation as our CEO Ivan Filletti joins the panel, From Local Host to Global Stage, The Business of International Esports Events at 11:40AM.
The session looks at what makes a city, festival, or market ready to host esports at international level, with Ivan delving into the process that has transformed Malta’s gaming sector into a global esports hub. The discussion will focus on the business and operational foundations behind major esports events taking place in Malta, touching on destination strategy, fan engagement, and publisher relationships. Ivan will also speak about the role of large games festivals like BLAST tournaments in building visibility.
The panel will bring together leading voices from across the esports and events industries, including Ivan Filletti, CEO of GamingMalta, alongside Edward Tomasi, Esports Advisor at Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau; Bertrand PERRIN, Director of Gaming and Esports Projects at RIVAJ GROUP (ex Fimalac Entertainment); and Zakaria El Asri, Innovation Director at GL events. The discussion will be moderated by Sam Cooke, CEO of The Insights Group and The Esports Radar.
Tonight, the spotlight also turns to the Esports Leaders Honours 2025-26 Event, where the BLAST x GamingMalta partnership will be represented among the nominees, with BLAST x GAMF shortlisted for Industry Development of the Year at the Esports Leaders Honours 2025/26. We’re grateful for this recognition that reflects the strength of our collaboration with BLAST!
Malta’s presence in this conversation reflects the direction set out in Malta Vision 2050, with esports joining other high-value sectors in strengthening Malta’s position as a competitive digital economy.
