Blokotech Names Marco Materazzi Ambassador of the Bloko Padel Tour at SiGMA Rome

Blokotech has appointed former Italian national team defender and Inter Milan player Marco Materazzi as the ambassador of the Bloko Padel Tour, with a scheduled appearance on November 4 during the tour's Grand Finale at SiGMA World Rome. Materazzi will take part in the Bloko Padel Tour experience in Pavilion 9, and the company stated that the tour will run throughout the event with matches, entertainment, and networking.

I write as Emilio Navarro, technology correspondent in the sector: Blokotech's move combines a brand asset — the figure of a 2006 World Cup winner — with a live showcase of its product and B2B offering at a congress that brings together operators and suppliers.

What will Marco Materazzi do at the Bloko Padel Tour

Marco Materazzi will appear in Pavilion 9 of SiGMA World Rome on Wednesday, November 4, to participate in the Bloko Padel Tour experience during the Grand Finale. The company indicates that there will also be additional programming on Thursday, November 5: the "Bloko Padel Tour Super Cup," which will pit the winners of the tour against the victors of a media tournament.

"I've always believed the best things happen when passion meets competition. Padel has that same fire I found on the football pitch: intensity, teamwork, the will to win. As a passionate player myself, it’s a sport I have a real affinity with and I'm proud to be part of the Bloko Padel Tour in Rome," said Marco Materazzi.

Materazzi's physical presence is the centerpiece of the visibility strategy for the tour's closing in Rome.

The Bloko Padel Tour schedule and previous stops

Blokotech confirmed that the Bloko Padel Tour has made stops throughout the 2026 season in Buenos Aires, Malta, Miami, and Mexico City before reaching Rome for the Grand Finale. The company described the format as a combination of matches, entertainment activities, and networking opportunities in Pavilion 9.

The Super Cup on November 5 adds an exhibition match with a winner-takes-all format, designed to extend social and image activity for one more day within the SiGMA World programming.

Why operators care (the B2B offering)

Blokotech took the opportunity to highlight its B2B product line aimed at casino and sportsbook operators, which includes its main platform and the predictive market engine BlokoPredict. The company will position its team in Hall 5 – Stand 5035 for meetings with delegates interested in integrations and demonstrations.

For operators evaluating suppliers, the fair deployment serves two objectives: to see the brand associated with a high-profile figure and to visualize in real-time how the technology integrates with consumer activations and live events. Blokotech presented the offering as applicable to casino and sportsbook, without specifying concrete technical integrations in the statement.

Statements from Blokotech management

Salvatore Messina, co-founder and CEO of Blokotech, commented on Materazzi's involvement in the Bloko Padel Tour:

"Marco is one of the most recognisable names in Italian football, so we’re incredibly proud to welcome him as an ambassador for the Bloko Padel Tour. Padel has become an important part of how we bring people together around the Blokotech brand, and having a World Cup winner like Marco involved takes that to another level. We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to Pavilion 9 to experience the action, connect with the industry and be part of the tour at SiGMA World."

Messina explicitly linked Materazzi's presence to the goal of attracting attendees to the exhibition space and activations in Pavilion 9.

Logistics for delegates and where to find Blokotech at SiGMA World Rome

Delegates looking to meet with the Blokotech team can find the provider in Hall 5 – Stand 5035 during SiGMA World Rome. Pavilion 9 will be the setting for the matches and activities of the Bloko Padel Tour, and the Super Cup will hold its additional match on November 5.

Blokotech summarizes participation as follows:

• Marco Materazzi's appearance in Pavilion 9 during the Grand Finale on November 4.

• Bloko Padel Tour active throughout SiGMA World with matches, entertainment, and networking.

• Bloko Padel Tour Super Cup on November 5: tour winners vs. media tournament winners.

• Blokotech team located in Hall 5 – Stand 5035 for meetings with delegates.

What it means for the iGaming industry

The combination of a well-known ambassador, a sports activation, and the promotion of a B2B line reflects a marketing tactic that is not new but clearly aimed at maximizing exposure at a sector fair. Blokotech uses the event to blend branding with product demonstration and business meetings.

For those following the agenda of technology suppliers, the tour confirms that Blokotech will continue investing in physical experiences in 2026, having passed through Buenos Aires, Malta, Miami, and Mexico City before Rome. Delegates interested in the betting and casino offering can head to the Blokotech space in Hall 5 – Stand 5035.

Contact and event presence: those interested in seeing the technology or scheduling meetings should use the indicated stand during SiGMA World Rome to request live presentations and details about BlokoPredict and the company's platform.