Renowned 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 aims to double its game release rate in 2024 and is particularly excited about their upcoming releases, including "Safari Ways Deluxe" and a new crash game.
From the brand’s recent successful launches to its ambitious goals and its approach to localization in new markets, including recent licenses in Romania and Curacao, this interview offers a comprehensive look at how Champion is shaping the future of gaming.
Champion’s localization strategy, which includes adapting games to fit regional preferences and regulatory standards, is crucial for its success in diverse markets like Latin America. As Champion continues to make waves globally with its innovative gaming solutions, Chumel dives deep into the company’s journey and future plans.
Chumel also discussed the strategic importance of Brazil’s regulated market and Champion’s adherence to local certifications. He noted prominent industry trends such as AI and immersive technologies shaping the future of gaming. Champion’s active participation in global sector events, including upcoming conferences in Malta, Amsterdam, Lisbon, and São Paulo, reflects their ongoing commitment to industry engagement and growth.
GMB - For those who are not familiar with the Champion brand in this young Brazilian market, what are the main products and services of Champion 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 worldwide. We have a strong presence across 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, engaging games that cater to a wide range of player preferences. We recently expanded our operations by securing new gambling licenses in Romania and Curacao, 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 set a milestone to release two new games every month, ensuring that our portfolio remains fresh and exciting.
Additionally, our commitment to fairness and reliability is reflected in the rigorous certification process our games undergo, making them some of the most trusted in the industry. We also support multiple languages and currencies, including crypto payments, which allows us to cater to a global audience seamlessly.
Tell us more about your latest launches and what can we expect from the brand in 2024?
We're excited about the direction our brand is taking in 2024. Recently, on August 5, 2024, we launched Safari Ways Deluxe, a thrilling new game that invites players to immerse themselves in the beauty and adventure of the desert. If you're a fan of desert landscapes and exciting gameplay, we highly recommend giving it a try.
Looking ahead, we're committed to significantly ramping up our game release schedule. Currently, we release one game per month, but our goal for 2024 is to double that output. We aim to launch two new games each month, providing our players with even more variety and excitement.
In addition to this, we're particularly excited about a new crash game that we plan to launch by the end of summer. This game will bring a fresh, exhilarating experience to our lineup, 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 that "localization" that allows you to have products with local flavor and always in line 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 tailor our games to specific markets. By closely collaborating with local operators and understanding regional preferences, we ensure our games not only meet regulatory standards but also resonate deeply with players.
Our ability to customize elements such as characters, music, backgrounds, colors, and themes means that 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 great development opportunity or do you still see it as something more distant? Which countries are most attractive to you to work hard in?
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, increasing internet penetration, and evolving regulatory landscapes.
We see tremendous potential in these markets and are committed to bringing our innovative gaming experiences to players throughout Latin America. Our recent expansion efforts, coupled with our strategic partnerships in the region, position us well to capitalize on this opportunity.
What does the Brazilian market represent or could potentially represent for the company now that here is regulation in place? Do you currently comply 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 mindful of adhering to the regulations set by the Ministry of Finance, ensuring that we meet all necessary certifications to operate within the country.
Our careful approach to entering this market reflects our commitment to aligning with local standards as we pursue 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 gaming and physical slots today? Where is the industry heading?
The iGaming industry is rapidly evolving, with key trends such as artificial intelligence and immersive gaming experiences driving the transformation. AI is being harnessed 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, emphasizing mobile gaming and cross-platform experiences that cater to the needs of today’s players.
How is Champion's participation agenda in sector events around the world progressing this year? And do you already have confirmed events for 2025?
Champion follows a well-organized calendar for industry events, securing our presence well in advance. In 2024, we had our own stand at CasinoBeats in Malta and IGB Live in Amsterdam, and we're also set to participate at EAE Bucharest in September, SBC Summit in Lisbon, SiGMA Europe in Malta, and ICE 2025 in Barcelona. Additionally, we'll be present in São Paulo, Brazil, for SiGMA Americas.
Source: Exclusive GMB
