One on One With CEO of iEvents, Amr Mansi, During the 2019 El Gouna Squash Open!
El Gouna is now one of the hottest destinations in the region. Not only for its mesmerizing beaches and heaven-like lifestyle, but also for the world-class events and festivals that take place there.
Events like the El Gouna Squash Open and El Gouna Film Festival make the beach town the place to be almost all year round. During this year’s international squash event, we had a chitchat with the pioneering mind behind the tournament, CEO of IEvents, Amr Mansi.
What makes this year different than all the other years of the Gouna squash tournament?
This year, the prize pool increased considerably. Also, in the eighth edition, the organizing team gained lots of experience from the previous editions. All the players that were set to participate made it this year. We also increased the capacity of the audience from 900 to 1300.
How do you feel about participating in the masters’ division and reaching the final?
I’m really happy that the team is organized and independent enough that I don’t have to be involved in everything, which gave me the time to participate. I stopped playing in 2010, and this is my first tournament since then.
What should the winners expect for this year’s prize?
The prize pool reached $352,000! El Gouna Squash Open is now among the seven most important squash tournaments in the world, and the prize will increase throughout the years.
Will you be doing your tournament again at the Pyramids?
We already signed with the international federation that we’ll be organizing an international competition; world open for women and platinum event for men for three years. The tournament will take place next October by the Pyramids.
Who do you think will be making it into the finals; guys and girls?
From the girls, Ranim is very focused, Nour El Sherbini is playing excellently, Nouran as well, also Amanda’s performance increased considerably. I think the final will include Nour, Ranim, or Nouran. And the men I think the final will be between Ali and Mohamed El Shorbagy.
