Marco Materazzi Joins Bloko Padel Tour as Ambassador for SiGMA Rome

Former Italy international Marco Materazzi has been named an ambassador for the Bloko Padel Tour and will appear at SiGMA World in Rome on November 4.

The 2006 FIFA World Cup winner and former Inter Milan defender will join B2B iGaming technology supplier Blokotech during the final stage of its industry-focused padel series.

The Rome event will bring together participants who have competed during the 2026 season, which has included events in Buenos Aires, Malta, Miami and Mexico City.

Materazzi to Attend November 4 Finals

Blokotech said Materazzi will make a special appearance as part of the Bloko Padel Tour Grand Finale experience at SiGMA World.

The competition brings together representatives from the iGaming sector in doubles matches, with separate categories designed for beginners and more experienced players.

The Rome finals are scheduled for November 4, while winners are set to progress to the Super Cup on November 5.

SiGMA World is taking place at Fiera Roma from November 2 to 5.

Materazzi's involvement adds a prominent sports figure to an event designed primarily around industry networking rather than professional padel competition.

Tour Has Run Across Europe and the Americas

Blokotech launched the tour in 2026 as a series of padel events connecting operators, suppliers and other iGaming professionals outside the traditional exhibition and conference format.

The first stage took place in Buenos Aires in March, followed by Malta and Miami.

A Mexico City event was later added to the season around SiGMA North America.

Participants collect ranking points across the events, with the leading teams progressing toward the final competition in Rome.

Previous stages have featured both beginner and advanced categories, allowing industry participants with different levels of padel experience to compete within the same tour structure.

Blokotech Uses Sport as Industry Networking Format

The Bloko Padel Tour forms part of Blokotech's wider industry marketing and networking activity.

The company provides technology for iGaming operators and has used the series to create an alternative meeting format around major gambling conferences.

Padel has become increasingly visible at iGaming events as suppliers and operators look for networking formats beyond exhibition stands, dinners and traditional conference sessions.

For Blokotech, bringing Materazzi into the Rome finale gives the tour additional visibility while connecting the event with one of Italy's most recognisable former football players.

The former defender was part of Italy's squad that won the 2006 World Cup and spent a decade at Inter Milan before retiring from top-level football.

His November appearance will mark the final stage of Blokotech's first international padel season before the remaining teams compete for the tour's Super Cup.