Signed Pele jersey steals the show at SiGMA Americas charity auction
Held towards the end of the SiGMA Awards ceremony at the iconic Tokio Marine Hall, a charitable auction brought the LatAm gaming community together for an unforgettable and meaningful night. Led by a spirited Rick Goddard, the SiGMA Americas auction showcased an impressive collection of artworks, each piece generously contributed by renowned artists from across the globe. A well-known figure at SiGMA events, Goddard was in fine form, delighting guests with a charming patter of anecdotes and jokes and firing up bidding wars over some of the auction’s most sought-after pieces. Over the course of the night, a noteworthy €23,000 was raised.
Every bid tonight from the SiGMA delegates in attendance helped fund and support vital projects for the Foundation, which this year included key initiatives this month – such as an extension to a hospital in rural Peru, which will provide much-needed healthcare to communities there, and an MMA sports and learning centre in São Paulo, a project which targets disadvantaged youth from some of the city’s poorest neighbourhoods.
The event received generous support from BETCONSTRUCT, an award-winning technology and service provider for the online and land-based gaming industry.
As a result of its efforts from 2023 to 2024, the Foundation has raised a total of €935,400 through charitable auctions. This year, as part of its continued ESG efforts, the SiGMA Group will also donate a percentage of its ticket sales to charitable endeavours.
Auction 1: Sold for €2,000 to
Wealth Wave – Maryna Lognikova
Originally from the Ukraine, Maryna Lognikova studied Fashion Design before pursuing painting in Cyprus. Her works, ranging from abstract to symbolic, bring warmth and emotion to interiors, creating a harmonious atmosphere.
In Wealth Wave, a towering wave of banknotes, coins, casino chips, and cryptocurrency symbols surges toward the shore. A lone figure stands before it, arms outstretched, poised between opportunity and risk. This thought-provoking piece explores wealth’s dual nature, making it a striking addition to dynamic and progressive spaces.
Auction 2: Sold for €6,000 to
Ignite – Anna Mckeown
Irish artist Anna McKeown, known as ‘Pop and Toast,’ studied at Glasgow School of Art and CalArts. Her work, featured in British Vogue and Cosmopolitan, blends fashion, pop culture, and bold composition. She is renowned for her vibrant champagne bottle paintings, attracting high-profile collectors.
This piece reflects Pop and Toast’s signature energy, merging abstract expressionism with a vivid explosion of colour. It celebrates artistic freedom and self-expression, embodying the bold, glamorous style for which she is known.
Auction 3: Sold for €1,500 to
Hooked – Lucienne Spiteri
Her art is vibrant, bold, and energetic, serving as a means of expression that shifts with her mood and surroundings. Her work reflects a passion for experimentation and growth across both painting and photography, capturing the world with boldness, sensitivity, and creativity.
Hooked explores life’s cycles and moments of transformation. A man, fishing at a crossroads, is watched by a silent King Owl, a symbol of patience and wisdom. As he casts his line into the unknown, the question remains—will he unlock his next chapter or remain caught in the familiar?
Auction 4: Sold for €2,000 to
Samba Jackpot – Sandra Kowalskii
Sandra Kowalski is a distinguished graphic artist known for her unique acrylic technique and mastery of lenticular printing. Her acclaimed series, The Rebirth of Eve, gained international recognition. She has exhibited in London, Amsterdam, and Los Angeles, with works held in prestigious collections. Sandra also designed the Toyota art car for NASCAR V8 Europe.
Step into the vibrant energy of a Brazilian street carnival. At the heart of the scene stands Malandro, a charismatic figure blessed with unshakable luck in every game of chance. Sun, music, beautiful women, and the thrill of a jackpot, this painting captures the essence of celebration and fortune.
Auction 5: Sold for €2,500 to
Viva Brasil – Alexandra Savina
Sasha Savina, a contemporary artist from Krasnoyarsk, explores themes of truth and authenticity. Her paintings strip away facades, revealing raw human emotion and the deep connection between people and nature.
The artwork depicts a woman embodying the essence of Brazil. The vibrant colours and the international appearance of the figure symbolise the country’s multiculturalism and rich cultural heritage.
Auction 6: Sold for €9,000 to Cactus Gaming
Signed Pelé Jersey – Pelegacy Collection – 1958 World Cup Final Replica – Signed Jersey
A replica of the 1958 Brazilian national team jersey worn in the World Cup final against Sweden. Embroidered with The Dream Come True, it commemorates Brazil’s first title, sealed with Pelé’s iconic double. Part of the exclusive Pelegacy Collection, this jersey features the authentic signature of O Rei.
Get involved with the Foundation
Founded back in 2019, the SiGMA Foundation works tirelessly to improve the lives of individuals and communities worldwide. Fundraising activities, including charitable auctions such as these, fuel a wide range of projects – promoting education, delivering essential healthcare, and uplifting and empowering some of the most vulnerable communities.
2025: The road ahead
Building on the success of past initiatives, the Foundation aims to expand its reach and scale its impact in key areas, including across South America.
This year’s expeditions were part of collective efforts to finance a new annexe at a hospital in Iquitos, Peru. This hospital, located within the Peruvian Amazon, is operated by the parish of Saint Martin de Porres and provides essential medical care to impoverished communities across the region. The project entailed the construction of new patient rooms, a conference room, storage facilities, and a green area for patient recreation and was inaugurated this month.
In partnership with Centurion FC, the Foundation is building a training centre – the Faculdade da Luta – in the heart of São Paulo´s favelas, where young people will have access to world-class MMA training, alongside vital English classes and career development programs.
Meanwhile, community development projects in Guatemala will improve the lives of over 60 families with projects like a recycling program, clean stoves and an eye surgery clinic, while the upcoming launch of the Batiawan Community Centre will benefit the Aetas people and residents of Batiawan, Zambales, Philippines. This centre will serve as a hub for various educational, cultural, and social purposes.
