Champion is gearing up for a significant expansion into new markets as it anticipates a strong demand for gaming experiences, according to CEO Anton Chumel. Speaking at the SBC Summit in Lisbon, Chumel emphasized that successful growth hinges on exploring new verticals and targeting regions with mature regulatory frameworks.
Focusing on Eastern Europe, Champion's strategic plan reflects the lucrative opportunities present in this region. The company’s recent entry into Romania marks a critical step in this direction. Chumel remarked, "Entering the Romanian market is a significant milestone for Champion as it solidifies our presence in Eastern Europe where the igaming industry is rapidly growing." He noted that Romania, as a regulated market with a substantial player base, serves as an excellent platform for showcasing their games and provides insights into local player preferences.
Champion has already partnered with Princess Casino and plans to align with more major players in Romania. Additionally, the company is collaborating with local streamer Stero Slots to enhance engagement with the Romanian igaming community. Despite the solid grounding this partnership provides, Chumel stated that Champion aims to expand beyond these initial efforts.
Turning to a global perspective, Chumel identified Latin America as a promising area for potential growth, citing countries like Brazil and Argentina, which he believes offer exciting opportunities. He pointed out the importance of identifying jurisdictions with stable regulations and a growing number of players. “We are keen to explore regions where our diverse portfolio of games can truly resonate with local audiences," he said.
In the competitive world of igaming, the challenge for developers often lies in how to maximize their content's exposure. Chumel discussed the role of aggregation platforms in the current landscape, noting that they provide an efficient way to reach new markets with less complexity. He explained, "Aggregators allow us to reach new markets quickly and with less complexity, as they provide access to multiple operators through a single integration."
However, direct integrations remain crucial in more mature markets where a deeper relationship with operators is vital for customizing the gaming experience. Chumel suggested that a hybrid approach might be the best path forward for Champion as it continues to pursue its global ambitions.
Chumel also underscored the necessity of evolving with player feedback to keep up with the ever-changing gaming landscape. Champion’s development strategy includes creating games with unique mechanics and innovative technologies such as 3D symbols and animations. This commitment ensures a fresh and exciting experience for players.
With plans to enter the crash game vertical by the end of the year, Champion is also looking to increase its release frequency from one game per month to two. Titles like Anubis Spell and Safari Ways Deluxe are set to stand out in their offerings, as Champion continues its dedication to delivering engaging and high-quality experiences.
