Celebrating outstanding achievements, innovation, and industry leaders that have shaped and advanced the gaming and esports community.
2024 Industry Awards
In an industry as dynamic and rapidly evolving as esports, recognizing the trailblazers who drive its growth is essential. The Esports Trade Association is proud to announce its inaugural awards, designed to honor the exceptional achievements and contributions of those who shape and advance the business side of esports. From groundbreaking innovations and leadership excellence to community engagement and sustainable initiatives, these awards celebrate the visionaries setting new standards and inspiring the future of esports.
Vote now to nominate a colleague or company that best describes their achievements and then join us at EsportsNext 2024 to celebrate the winners at our exclusive EsportsNext Industry Awards Gala.
This award recognizes an organization or individual that has introduced groundbreaking technology, services, or strategies that significantly advance the esports industry. This could include software solutions, hardware advancements, or new approaches to audience engagement.
Criteria:
- Demonstrable impact on the esports industry through innovation
- Originality and creativity of the solution or strategy
- Scalability and potential for future growth
Awarded to an executive within the esports business sphere who demonstrates exemplary leadership qualities and has significantly contributed to the growth and success of their organization or the industry at large.
Criteria:
- Proven track record of leadership excellence
- Significant contributions to the company’s or industry's growth
- Positive influence on the industry’s standards and practices
This award celebrates an organization or individual for outstanding efforts in engaging and growing the esports community. This includes organizing events, social media interaction, community support, and fostering a positive environment for fans and participants.
Criteria:
- Effective community engagement strategies
- Positive impact on the esports community
- Innovative use of platforms for engagement and growth
Recognizes a team or individual for exceptional marketing campaigns or strategies that have elevated brand presence, engaged audiences, and driven significant growth in the esports sector.
Criteria:
- Creativity and innovation in marketing strategies
- Measurable success in campaign outcomes (e.g., engagement, growth)
- Contribution to brand strength and industry presence
This award acknowledges an organization or initiative that has made significant strides in promoting sustainability within the esports industry. This could involve eco-friendly practices, social responsibility projects, or efforts to create a more inclusive and equitable esports environment.
Criteria:
- Demonstrable commitment to sustainability or social responsibility
- Impact of the initiative on the industry or community
- Innovation in approach to sustainability or inclusivity
Description: Honors the most outstanding esports event of the year, focusing on the organizational aspect. Criteria include the scale of the event, innovation in execution, audience engagement, and overall contribution to the esports industry's growth.
Criteria:
- Excellence in event organization and execution
- Innovation in event format and audience engagement
- Impact on the industry and community involvement
Recognizes an individual or institution that has made significant contributions to education within the esports industry. This includes developing esports-related curricula, conducting research, or providing training that develops future industry professionals.
Criteria:
- Contribution to esports education and training
- Impact on developing future industry talent
- Innovation in educational practices and resources
Awards a content creator or production team that has consistently produced high-quality, informative, and engaging content that contributes to the esports industry's growth and visibility.
Criteria:
- Quality and originality of content
- Contribution to community engagement and industry growth
- Consistency and impact of content on viewers
A Lifetime of Achievement in Shaping Esports
This award is a tribute to the exceptional individuals whose careers in the esports industry have been characterized by groundbreaking achievements, leadership, and a lasting impact on the fabric of the community. It's about celebrating not just success, but a legacy that inspires future generations.
Criteria for Induction:
- Enduring Contribution: Nominees must have made significant, lasting contributions to the esports industry, with a career that demonstrates exceptional achievements and leadership.
- Legacy and Influence: Their work should have left a discernible mark on the industry, influencing its growth, culture, and direction.
- Innovation and Vision: Inductees are those who have pushed the boundaries, introduced new ideas, and shown a commitment to advancing the business side of esports.
- Community and Ethical Standards: Beyond their professional achievements, nominees should exemplify the highest standards of integrity, community engagement, and ethical behavior.
Vote Now 2024 Awards
Nominate a colleague or company for one of the EsportsNext Industry Awards that best describes their achievements. Have an idea for an award? We'd love to hear from you!
Congratulations 2023 Award Winners
Award Winner History
- Brand Maverick Award Recipient - The Coca Cola Company
- Game Changer Award Recipient - Six Flags
- Best Tech Innovator Award Recipient - Shi International Corp.
- Hall of Fame Award Recipient - Charles Conroy
- Product of the Year Award Recipient - Ubex, Lightware Visual Engineering
- Data Hero Award Recipient - YouGov America Inc.
- Agency Alchemist Award Recipient - The Story Mob
- Mover and Shaker Award Recipient - Dr. Amy and Tom Czyz, Intent Brands
- Ambassador of the Year Award Recipient - Danielle Rourke, Gaming and Esports Culturist
- Rising Star Award Recipient - Gina Johnson, iGameUSA, An RPG World Corp.
- Gaming in Healthcare Award Recipient - Luries Children's Hospital of Chicago / Extra Life
- Social Impact Award Recipient - Gordon Hinkle, College Esports International
- Member of the Year Award Recipient - Christopher Silbernagel, Premier Travel Media
- Member of the Year Award Recipient - Dexter Carr Jr., Game4Good
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Game Changer Award Recipient - Chris Aviles, Garden State Esports
- Game Changer Award Recipient - Scott Greenberg, Smash Interactive/SURGE
- Game Changer Award Recipient - Asante Bradford, Georgia Development of Economic Development