The most prestigious Awards in the gaming industry will once again return to Barcelona in January to recognise and reward the leading operators and suppliers from across the EMEA region.
Following an in-depth review of self-nominations submitted by companies and recommendations from respected industry consultants, the final Shortlist across 15 categories has been confirmed.
Shortlisted companies will be contacted by the Global Gaming Awards team in the next couple of weeks, so keep an eye on your inbox for official notifications.
"Every year, the creativity and innovation we see from across the industry continues to grow, and this year's entries set a new benchmark," said Mariya Savova, Event Manager of the Global Gaming Awards.
"It's an honour to celebrate the people and companies shaping the future of gaming across Europe and beyond. Congratulations to everyone who made the 2026 Shortlist - we can't wait to celebrate your success in Barcelona," she added.
The Global Gaming Awards are widely recognised as the most prestigious accolades in the gaming industry and remain the only awards to publish the reason behind each company's and individual's shortlisting. These reasons will be revealed in the official Shortlist magazine, which will be published on Global Gaming Insider in December.
Winners are determined by a panel of senior industry executives, each with extensive experience and insight into the EMEA market. To ensure transparency and fairness, KPMG US independently adjudicates the voting process.
The winners will be announced at an invite-only ceremony taking place on Day 1 of ICE 2026, 19 January at Fira Barcelona Gran Via. Invitations are extended to the CEOs of all shortlisted companies, making the Global Gaming Awards ceremony the largest gathering of industry leaders.
"We are truly grateful to the ICE organisers for once again having the Global Gaming Awards EMEA during World Gaming Week," said Julian Perry, Founder of the Global Gaming Awards and Global Gaming Insider.
"This is the perfect time and place to honour the industry's best - bringing together leaders, innovators and visionaries from across the world in one of the most exciting weeks on the gaming calendar," he added.
The Global Gaming Awards are powered by Global Gaming Insider. BetConstruct is the Lead Partner of the event, and KPMG US acts as the official voting adjudicator. Category sponsors include Interblock, SPRIBE, Aristocrat Gaming, GammaStack, 1xBet, SmartSoft Gaming, Upgames and Soft2Bet.
After the Global Gaming Awards Europe, Middle East & Africa in January 2026, Global Gaming Insider will host two more Global Gaming Awards events later in the year - in Manila in June, recognising the top performers in Asia-Pacific, and the flagship GGA event in Las Vegas in October, honouring the best across the Americas gaming industry.
