The WorldGaming team mourns the loss of Paul Gauselmann, the visionary founder of the Merkur Group, whose impact on the international gaming industry was significant. His support was instrumental in facilitating the upcoming relocation of ICE from London to Barcelona in 2025.
Gauselmann exemplified the spirit of entrepreneurship, combining creativity, drive, vision, and empathy throughout his career.
Under his leadership, a single-man venture evolved into an international corporation that now employs over 15,000 people and boasts an annual turnover exceeding €2 billion. He will be remembered not only for his business acumen but also for his commitment to positive change and kindness.
Gauselmann dedicated himself to philanthropy, supporting various initiatives in social welfare, culture, sports, and health. His contributions were acknowledged when he was named an honorary citizen of Espelkamp and Lübbecke in 2004, following the receipt of the Federal Cross of Merit, First Class, from the German president in 2003.
With more than 38 years in the industry, Gauselmann held the role of chairman of the board for the Association of the German Vending Machine Industry (Verband der Deutschen Automatenindustrie e.V.) for 28 of those years, significantly contributing to its growth as a vital economic sector.
A titan of the global gaming landscape, his influence was consistently acknowledged at every ICE event. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and to all those connected to the Merkur Group.
