SBC Summit 2025 brings big names and impact to Lisbon

Lisbon is gearing up to host SBC Summit 2025, one of the most anticipated gatherings for the global betting and gaming industry. Expectations are at their highest, with this year’s edition promising to go far beyond business. 

From tech visionaries and outspoken entrepreneurs to football legends and world champions, the event is stacking the stage with personalities set to spark conversations that reach well beyond the expo floor.

Zuckerberg and Vaynerchuk take the stage

The summit kicks off with two powerhouse keynotes designed to challenge how leaders think about innovation and communication.

On 16 September, Randi Zuckerberg (Founder & CEO of Zuckerberg Media and HUG) will dive into “StAI Ahead: Upleveling Yourself and Your Business with AI”. A former Facebook executive, Zuckerberg brings a unique perspective on the evolution of Web 2.0 and now AI, offering a practical guide on how professionals can harness the opportunities and navigate the risks of disruptive technology.

The following day, Gary Vaynerchuk, the high-energy entrepreneur behind VaynerX and VaynerMedia, will deliver “Day Trading Attention”. Known for reshaping how brands connect with audiences, Vaynerchuk will share his no-nonsense take on storytelling, influencer marketing, collectibles, and other strategies that thrive in an economy where attention itself is the most valuable currency.

Sporting icons, from keynotes to charity matches

SBC Summit 2025 won’t just be about boardrooms and panels. Some of the biggest names in global sport are also stepping into the spotlight.

Formula 1 veteran Rubens Barrichello and undisputed boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk will each deliver keynote appearances, while Brazilian football great Cafu will host a book signing at the SBC booth, handing out 200 free copies of Cafu Saga.

But perhaps the most headline-grabbing sporting event comes on 15 September, the eve of the summit, when Lisbon stages the Legends Charity Match. Featuring an extraordinary lineup of football icons — from Luís Figo, Deco, and Nuno Gomes representing Portugal, to global stars like Alessandro Del Piero, Cafu, Michael Owen, Javier Zanetti, Kaká, and Carles Puyol — the match aims to raise over €1 million for charities including the Ukrainian Red Cross Society, Portuguese Red Cross, International Alert, and Caritas Portugal.

The following day, attendees can also catch the Legends Charity Match press conference on the Super Stage, where stars like Peter Schmeichel, Marek Hamšík, Gaizka Mendieta, and Giorgos Karagounis will discuss excellence, resilience, and the lasting power of football.

Industry power talks: CEOs and the future of gambling

Beyond the star power, SBC Summit 2025 will stay true to its role as the key forum for the betting and gaming sector. On 16 September, the Super CEO Panel will gather five of the industry’s most influential executives to debate urgent questions: how much regulation is too much, what role technology should play in player protection, and how Web 3.0 and AI could transform the next decade of gaming.

Confirmed speakers include Daniel Taylor (Flutter International), Neal Menashe (Super Group), Joanne Whittaker (BETFRED), and Jesper Svensson (Betsson Group), with Dinos Stranomitis (Altenar) moderating.

Celebrating excellence with the SBC Awards

Finally, the summit will close on 18 September with the prestigious SBC Awards 2025 at Lisbon’s MEO Arena. Returning to co-host is legendary goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel, who once again brings his trademark charisma to one of the industry’s biggest nights of recognition.