Mathias Massoue - Business Development Manager LATAM at Next.io
Mathias Massoue – Business Development Manager LATAM, Next.io
Based in Rio de Janeiro, Mathias has just taken on the role of LATAM Business Development Manager at NEXT.io, a position that combines regional expansion, relationship building, and the development of commercial proposals across the company’s ecosystem of events, media, and content platforms. His mission is clear: drive growth, open doors, and bring local insight to a global brand that moves at the industry’s pace.
Before joining NEXT.io, Mathias built strong, first-hand experience in affiliation, partnerships, and CRM, leading negotiations, partner acquisition, and commercial strategy at companies such as Megapari, KeyAffiliates, and Better Collective, as well as during his time at GeoGaming Group working on sportsbook campaigns and the player lifecycle. That path gave him a full-funnel perspective, from performance and acquisition to retention and sustainable player value.
With a background in Business Administration in Uruguay, and an MBA plus a Master’s degree in Commercial Management and Marketing in Barcelona, Mathias combines academic structure with real-world execution, something especially valuable in a region where market speed demands constant learning and adjustment. Fluent in Spanish and English, with advanced Portuguese, he moves naturally across cultures, teams, and commercial goals.
We spoke with Mathias Massoue to learn more about his journey, his view on affiliation and partnerships in LATAM, and the human side behind a professional building his path in an industry that rewards those who can connect, create value, and sustain real relationships, in a new edition of More than a Game.
Professional journey
What did you dream of becoming as a kid, before entering this industry?
An NBA player.
What was your first paid job?
I worked nights at an internet cafe, and I lasted exactly one night. Then I worked as a runner at Barraca Deambrosi for two weeks. After that came my first real CV experience at Tata Consultancy Services, where I stayed for four years.
And your first job in betting or gambling?
At Apostaquente, as a Sportsbook CRM Executive. It was totally unexpected and surprising, but to this day I see it as a great surprise.
What do you enjoy most about this industry?
The friends I’ve been able to make, the events that let me see the world, and the great vibe people bring to work every day.
Which current trends will shape the future of betting over the next five years?
Betting will evolve into fully digital, mobile-first platforms powered by AI. Growth will come from new regulations, especially in LATAM, plus social betting, esports, and digital or crypto payment methods. We’re also seeing strong development in prediction markets.
How do you see the relationship between responsible gambling and sustainable market growth?
It’s a complex question. I believe it’s crucial to control, as efficiently as possible, that players don’t spend more than they can afford.
What concerns you most about problem gambling?
Its destructive nature and how difficult it is to control, leading to devastating consequences across every area of life.
What skills do you consider essential for a leader in this industry?
Team management, empathy, motivation, and, as the word says, leadership.
If you had to choose one boss who shaped your professional path, who would it be?
Bojan Skoko, from Megapari.
What was the hardest decision in your career, and what did you learn from it?
Leaving Megapari, although the great opportunity at NEXT.io made it a bit easier.
What’s the best professional advice you’ve ever received?
I’ve received many great pieces of advice from my industry godfather, Luis Traversa.
If you had to sum up your leadership philosophy in one sentence, what would it be?
Motivational and empathetic.
If you hadn’t worked in this industry, what other profession would you have liked to pursue?
I don’t think there’s a better industry in the world than this one, except sports.
Quick-fire Rounds
A book you’d recommend?
The memoirs of Pepe Schiaffino.
A movie that left a mark on you?
Star Wars, plus all Marvel and DC movies.
Favorite food?
Asado, and milanesa with mozzarella and olives, with pasta.
One place in the world to live?
Rio de Janeiro.
A dream still pending?
Going to a World Cup, if not to play, then at least to attend.
A hobby or passion outside work?
Basketball.
Coffee or tea?
Coffee.
Remote work or office?
Hybrid.
Casino or sports betting?
Sports betting.
Messi or Cristiano?
Maradona.
Sweet or savory?
Savory.
Netflix or Disney+?
I watch a lot of both.
Early bird or night owl?
Both have their charm.
Beach or mountains?
Beach.
Paper book or e-book?
Paper.
Data or intuition?
Data.
Cold or heat?
Neither.
Formal or casual?
Casual.
Window or aisle?
Aisle.
Wine or beer?
Beer.
Are leaders made or born?
Both.
The Legacy
How would you like to be remembered?
As a good person and a good teammate.
Who would you like to hug, someone far away or no longer here?
My grandparents.
What was the best decision of your life?
Starting to work in iGaming.
If you could give one life advice, what would it be?
Follow your dreams.
What question have you never been asked in an interview that you’d like to answer? What would your answer be?
The question: “Who do you miss when you’re away from your country?”
My answer: my family, my friends, asado, and fainá, in that order.
Which industry colleague would you like to see answering this interview?
My friend Fede Brancato.