Applications are now open for the 2026 edition of SBC First Pitch, giving early-stage betting and gaming startups a chance to compete for a prize package worth more than €80,000.
The competition will take place on Thursday, 1 October at 15:00 on the Product Innovation Showcase Stage at SBC Summit in Lisbon.
Only five startups will be selected to compete, with each finalist receiving three minutes to pitch live on stage before a panel of investors and industry experts.
Each live pitch will be followed by three minutes of Q&A, giving judges the chance to probe the products and business plans being presented.
SBC First Pitch is delivered in collaboration with Betting Startups, continuing a partnership that was established at SBC Summit Americas earlier in 2026.
The competition is supported by SBC Summit’s Startup Zone, where founders can demo products and connect directly with investors, operators, and commercial partners.
A dedicated Startup Networking Lounge has also been set up to facilitate more focused and meaningful conversations between emerging companies and key industry figures.
Confirmed judges include Rob Duboff, Director at Velo Partners; Tom Waterhouse, Founder, CEO and Investor at Tom Waterhouse; and Paris Smith, Founder and CEO of Defy the Odds.
Paul Mills, Event Director at SBC, said: “SBC Summit’s First Pitch competition gives startups the opportunity to get their products in front of investors, operators, partners, and media who can make a meaningful difference to their next stage of growth.”
Mills added: “For early-stage companies, having a strong product is only the beginning. First Pitch gives five selected startups a live platform to build visibility, open valuable conversations, and showcase their ideas at one of the industry’s biggest events.”
Among the prizes on offer is a 3x3m booth and turnkey standbuild at SBC Summit 2027, plus four complimentary tickets, worth €15,000, provided by SBC Events.
The entire Product Innovation Showcase Stage on 1 October will be dedicated to startups, offering emerging companies a broader platform to present their work to operators, investors, affiliates, suppliers, and media.
Applications for SBC First Pitch close on Friday, 24 July 2026, leaving a tight window for interested startups to submit their entries and secure a place among the five finalists.
