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Celebrating this incredible industry

Back for its third year, Gamechangers are proud to present the Competitive Socialising Awards 2026!
The awards are a celebration of innovation and outstanding achievements within the dynamic realm of competitive socialising, immersive gaming & leisure, and entertainment venues.

Set to take centre stage at the illustrious Lighthouse Theatre in Camberwell, London, on the 15th September 2026, these awards are designed to recognise and honour the exemplary achievements and innovative endeavours by operators within the sector.

Our finalists

Check out the finalists for each of the categories - celebrating the best, the innovative and the most inspiring venues across the UK!

Activity of 2026

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Outstanding Venue

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Greatest Guest Experience

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Diversified Pub of the Year

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Best Newcomer

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Best Independent Venue

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Multi-Site Operator of the Year

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Menu of the Year

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The categories

The competitive socialising sector is the hottest, here-to-stay trend that's booming within the wider hospitality sector. The Competitive Socialising Awards aim to recognise the achievements, innovations and strides operators have made within the space to forge the way for incredible experience-led hospitality.

Activity of 2026

New and innovative, retro and classic - all activities can battle it out. We'll be looking at how the activity drives footfall, the experiences of the customers during the activity and how much of an impact it's making on this space.

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Outstanding Venue

Does your venue offer something truly special? We'll be looking at customer experiences, atmosphere, the impacts of staff, types of activities - anything and everything that makes your venue THE Venue of the Year.

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Greatest Guest Experience

Amazing experiences start the moment guests walk through your front door. We'll be looking at guest return rates, good reviews, wicked staff experiences and how your venue goes above and beyond for your guests.

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Best Newcomer

If your venue or operation is new to the sector and you're already breaking the mold, apply here! We'll be looking at venues that have been established within the last 2 years.

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Best Independent Venue

If your venue is not affiliated with a larger umbrella corp but you're still making a fantastic impact on your customers then let us know!

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Diversified Pub of the Year

Has your pub expanded into the world of competitive socialising? We won't be looking at the scale, but the quality and the impact of competitive socialising in your pub!

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Multi-Site Operator of the Year

If you have several venues working in a seamless chain that brings excitement and entertainment to the masses, this is the award for you.

We recognise that operations don't get easier as you expand, but start to venture into new territories of considerations instead.

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Menu of the Year

Time and time again the data shows us that F&B offerings are what keeps people at venues and turn a single point of fun into a whole experience for customers. Are you proud of your F&B? Apply for menu of the year to shout about the work your chefs do for your venue!

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Hosted at
Competitive Socialising:The Power of Play™ 2026

The backdrop for these prestigious awards is Competitive Socialising: The Power of Play, the exciting, annual event that delves into the transformative potential of competitive socialising for venue operators in the UK.

The event serves as a melting pot of ideas, strategies and insights for those seeking remarkable returns on their investments in this burgeoning sector - from unlocking the secrets of successful chains to embracing innovative marketing campaigns.

The awards will take center stage during the evening segment of the event. As the spotlight shines on the deserving winners, it will also illuminate the trajectory of the entire competitive socialising sector, showcasing its evolution into one of the most robust and promising segments of the hospitality industry.

Who are the Judges?

The judging panel consists of the advisory board for the Gamechangers Organisation. A cross section of industry luminaries, investment experts, seasoned researchers, and trailblazers. Their collective expertise ensures a fair and informed evaluation of nominees.

View the advisory board

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