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Barcelona’s Fira Gran Via welcomed the global gaming industry for the first day of ICE Barcelona 2026, running from January 19-21, with over 65,000 attendees expected across the three-day event. EpicWins’ Head of Content Bartosz Hrydziuszko kicked off the show with an early morning tour of the exhibition floor, discovering innovative stand designs and connecting with industry partners.
Standing Out Among 800+ Exhibitors
The 2026 edition of ICE features approximately 800 exhibitors across multiple halls at the Fira Gran Via, each competing to capture the attention of attendees through creative stand designs, interactive demonstrations, and exclusive merchandise. The venue itself spans eight halls with 240,000 square meters of exhibition space, providing ample room for companies to showcase their latest products and services.
Among the hundreds of exhibitors, three stands particularly caught the attention of the EpicWins team for their creative approaches and design execution.
Games Global presented an eye-catching visual concept, featuring video panels mounted on the exterior walls of their stand. The panels continuously changed colors and displayed animated sequences from their game portfolio, creating a dynamic visual experience that drew attendees from across the exhibition floor. The approach demonstrated how digital displays can be used creatively in physical exhibition spaces.
Betconstruct made a bold architectural statement with their multi-level stand design. To reach the main bar and meeting areas, visitors had to climb approximately 20 steps, creating a sense of elevation and grandeur. From ground level, attendees looked up at the imposing structure before ascending the stairs to enter the main exhibition space. The sheer scale of the stand reflected the company’s significant market presence and success in the industry. The investment in such an elaborate structure signals that Betconstruct is preparing for even more ambitious presentations in future editions of ICE.
Pragmatic Play strategically positioned their stand in the middle of the main walking path in Hall 2, ensuring that attendees passed directly through their exhibition area. The highlight of their design was an illuminated walking floor that guided visitors toward a towering LED panel structure. The centerpiece featured Sugar Rush 1000, one of their popular game titles, displayed prominently on the LED tower. The design created an immersive brand experience that naturally integrated into the flow of traffic through the exhibition hall.
Industry Perspectives on ICE Barcelona
Reflecting on the first day of the show, Bartosz shared his thoughts on ICE’s continued evolution in Barcelona.
“The show remains impressive year after year, and I can only congratulate Clarion Gaming for making the decision to move it to Barcelona. As time passes, this decision proves to be increasingly beneficial for the industry. The venue provides excellent facilities, and exhibitors continue to raise the bar with their stand designs and presentations. It’s inspiring to see how creative companies get with their exhibition concepts, from architectural innovations to interactive technology demonstrations. This energy is exactly what makes ICE the premier event in our industry.”
About ICE Barcelona
ICE Barcelona has established itself as the world’s largest business-to-business gaming exhibition, bringing together operators, suppliers, regulators, and industry professionals from across the globe. The 2026 edition is expected to welcome approximately 65,000 attendees over the three-day event, surpassing the 50k who attended in 2025.
The event features more than 800 exhibitors showcasing gaming technology, software platforms, payment solutions, regulatory compliance tools, and a wide range of other products and services. ICE Barcelona also includes a conference program addressing key industry topics, from regulatory developments to technological innovation.
According to recent economic impact studies, the 2025 edition of ICE and iGB Affiliate generated €191 million in economic impact for Barcelona and Catalonia while supporting an estimated 3,100 part-time jobs. The event attracts delegates from every major gaming jurisdiction, including the UK, Malta, Spain, Cyprus, and emerging markets such as Brazil, Nigeria, and the United Arab Emirates.
The Fira Gran Via venue ranks among Europe’s top ten largest exhibition centers, with the capacity to accommodate major international trade shows. ICE Barcelona occupies multiple halls, requiring weeks of construction and the coordination of over 1,000 builders, electricians, riggers, and technical specialists working in shifts to complete the setup.
iGaming Republic
During the event we also had the opportunity to connect with colleagues at iGaming Republic, a leading media outlet covering the iGaming sector. Bianca Máthe, CEO, shared that the company is launching a special project in collaboration with iGaming Real Talk and Surya Palli, Host & Creator, with support from Excellent Expo. While details remain under wraps for now, industry professionals are encouraged to follow iGaming Republic’s website and social channels for the official announcement.
ICE Barcelona 2026 continues until Wednesday, January 21, with two more days of exhibitions, networking events, and conference sessions. The event serves as a key meeting point for the global gaming industry to conduct business, explore partnerships, and discover the latest innovations shaping the sector’s future.
Source: EpicWins
