The 10th edition of the Sports Industry Awards (SPIA) was a big hit as more than 300 guests gathered for a celebratory night at the Atlantis.

On an evening when SPIA completed a decade, winners across 16 categories were recognised for their excellence in the regional sports industry.

The winners for 13 categories were picked by an independent panel of judges, comprising industry stalwarts chosen for their expertise in the Middle East sports ecosphere. A public vote decided three other winners.

“A pleasure to be here and it has been a fun evening,” said Tom Phillips – Head of the Middle East for DP World Tour.

“To win the Best Sports Event Organizer of the Year has been the icing on the cake,” he added.

It was an evening to remember for Abu Dhabi Sports Council who won the gold award in three separate categories. It included the ‘Best Sports Event of the Year’ award for their organisation of the World Triathlon Championship Final.

They also took home the ‘Best Fan Engagement at a Professional Sports Event’ trophy for their work on the UAE World Tour.

Other notable winners on the night included Toyota Motorsport who bagged the top prize for the ‘Best Innovative Sports Brand of the Year’. Meanwhile, Misfer Al Khatami won the prestigious ‘Sports Media Personality of the Year’ trophy.

A special standing ovation was accorded to Sujith Varghese after he was chosen for ‘The Spirit of Sport Award’. Sujith is the first Person of Determination (POD) in a wheelchair to become a qualified fitness trainer in Dubai.

The SPIA 2023 ceremony was made possible by several groups including Al-Futtaim Motors who were the principal partners for the event. They are the exclusive distributors of Toyota cars in the UAE.

Global cultural agency OneSixtyoverNinety was the Gold Sponsor, while Mai Dubai chipped in as the official hydration partner. As has become the norm over the years, SPIA was supported by Dubai Sports Council.

Award-winning agency Memories Event Management was responsible for putting together the extravagant gala night.

Other notable triumphs on the evening included Stryx Sports winning the ‘Best Youth Academy’ trophy, while AD Gaming took the honours for the ‘Best E-Sports Event of the Year’.

Flash Entertainment grabbed the ‘Best Sports Marketing Campaign’ award, Zayed Sports City took the ‘Best Recreational Sports Facility’ and Nielsen Sports Middle East received the ‘Best Sports Event Supplier of the Year’ trophy.