Tomorrow brings one of the year's biggest moments for British tabletop gaming. The UK Games Expo 2026 Awards shortlist drops on Tuesday 5 May, naming three nominees in each of 19 Judges' Choice categories. If you have been waiting to find out which games made the cut at Britain's biggest tabletop convention, the wait is nearly over.
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Set up your group for freeThe Judges' Choice shortlist is decided by an expert panel chosen by UKGE, who rate every submitted game across the year and pick the top three in each category. From there, one shortlisted game per category will be crowned the winner on 12 May, well ahead of the show itself at the NEC Birmingham on 29-31 May. The People's Choice Awards run alongside in four categories, Strategy, Family, Roleplaying, and General, and these are voted on by attendees during the show.
This year carries extra weight, with UKGE celebrating its 20th anniversary after the 2025 show pulled around 80,000 attendances. Past Judges' Choice winners have included Captain Sonar, Alma Mater, and Spots, so the shortlist tends to act as a reliable signal of what's worth picking up at retail in the months that follow. With Asmodee bringing 160+ games across 1,500 square metres and Hachette Boardgames UK demoing Snake Charmers, Bella Vista, Mythologies and more, the Birmingham floor will give you plenty of chances to try shortlisted games before the trophies are handed out.
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See how it worksTrophies are presented at 17:00 on Thursday at the show. If you fancy heading to UKGE, find a community going to the show and share lifts to Birmingham. And if you are thinking of running a meetup or learn-to-play night around the show, list it free on Backseat Gamer so people can find your group.
Sources: UK Games Expo Awards Shortlist | UK Games Expo Awards Rules | Zatu Games UKGE 2026 Build-up
