UK Games Expo 2026 Judges Choice Award Winners Announced!

The winners of the UK Games Expo Judges’ Choice Awards 2026 have been announced. In addition to winning their own categories each winner is now entered into the People’s Choice Awards in one of four categories that will be voted on by the attendees of UK Game Expo, which runs from Friday 29th to Sunday 31st May at the NEC, Birmingham. The winners of this public vote will then be announced at 3pm on the main stage in Hall 2 on Sunday 31st May.

After months of playtesting and judging, we are delighted to celebrate this year’s winners across the tabletop industry.

Congratulations to all of the publishers, designers and creators recognised in this year’s awards, as well as to everyone who made the shortlist. You can see the full shortlist here.

Full list of winners:

Best Abstract Game : Ink by FinalScore Games

Best Accessory : Venetian Quarter Chroma by TT Combat

Best Adventure, Story or Legacy Game : Vantage by Stonemaier

Best Board Game American Style : Battle of Hoth by Days of Wonder

Best Board Game Euro Style : Luthier: The Art of the Instrument by Paverson Games

Best Board Game Strategic : Epochs: Course of Cultures by Ice Makes Limited

Best Card Game General : Duel for Cardia by Hans im Gluck

Best Card Game Strategic : Pondscape by Pink Troubadour

Best Children’s Game : Splendor Kids by Space Cowboys

Best Dice Game : Crits & Tricks by Inside Up Games

Best Expansion : Distilled: Cocktails by Paverson Games

Best Family Game : Sanibel by Avalon Hill

Best Gaming Novelty : MicroMacro Jigsaw: The Home Game by Edition Spielwiese

Best Miniatures Range : ArcWorlde: Gremlins! by Warp Miniatures

Best Miniatures Rules : Hope is for the Dead by Wird Designs

Best Party Game : SHUG by Wandering Games

Best Roleplaying Game : Tales of the Old West by Effekt Publishing Ltd

Best Roleplaying Game Adventure : Call of Cthulhu: The Sutra of Pale Leaves, Twin Suns Rising by Chaosium Inc

Best Roleplaying Game Expansion : Ryokos Guide to the Yokai Realms by Loot Tavern Publishing

Best Variant : Disney Villainous Treacherous Tides by Ravensburger

Images courtesy of UK Games Expo