Today, events’ organizing company WorldGaming announced the launch of the ICE Global Hall of Fame, a new annual initiative celebrating the people whose vision, achievements and leadership have helped shape the international gaming industry, while shining a spotlight on the next generation of leaders who are already making their mark.
Described as a “Hall of Fame with a twist”, the initiative will bring together established legends and emerging talent, recognizing both the contribution of those who have transformed the industry and the individuals who are helping to define where it goes next.
The inaugural ICE Global Hall of Fame will be unveiled at the WorldGaming Gala on Sunday January 17th, 2027, creating a prestigious curtain-raiser to ICE Barcelona and a new annual moment for the global gaming community.
Margaret Dunn, Portfolio Director responsible for ICE and iGB Affiliate Barcelona, declared: “We are delighted to launch the ICE Global Hall of Fame in partnership with the industry. This is about celebrating the people who have made a truly game-changing contribution to gaming, while also recognizing the leaders who are already shaping their future. Gaming is an incredibly dynamic and influential global entertainment industry, and we want to celebrate the people who have helped it evolve, those who have challenged convention, driven innovation, championed progress and made a lasting difference. What makes the Hall of Fame different is that we are not only looking back but also looking forward. We want to recognize the established legends alongside the emerging leaders who we believe will play an important role in taking the industry to its next chapter.”
Each year, five outstanding industry figures will be inducted into the Hall of Fame based on their career achievements, leadership, community contribution and lasting impact on the sector. Alongside the five inductees, an independent judging panel of respected industry thought leaders from across the global gaming community will select three Emerging Legends, individuals who may not yet have decades of industry experience, but whose leadership, influence and achievements are already making a significant impact.
The combination of established and emerging talent reflects the unique role of ICE Barcelona as a global platform where the industry’s biggest ideas, innovations, and initiatives come together.
In this sense, Dunn added: “ICE has always been about more than what is happening today. It is where new ideas are launched, where innovation is showcased and where the industry comes together to debate, challenge and shape what comes next. It therefore feels entirely fitting that, on the eve of ICE Barcelona, we celebrate the people who have helped build the industry we have today, while giving a platform to the leaders who will help create the industry of tomorrow.”
The ICE Global Hall of Fame will become an annual celebration of excellence, leadership, and impact, recognizing the people behind the industry’s evolution and providing a new benchmark for those who are helping to shape its future.