Press release —
THUNDERPICK NAMED AS PRESENTING PARTNER OF THE 2026 ESPORTS AWARDS
- Thunderpick to be the Presenting Partner across the flagship awards programme
- The partnership includes the Esports Play of the Month Content Series, Origins Podcast, Esports Awards Ceremony, and campaign.
- Hotspawn are announced as the Presenting Partner of the PWR UP B2B Conference, Lifetime Achievement Mixer, and Esports Awards Invitational.
- Voting for the Esports Awards is open now until November 10th at www.esportsawards.com/vote
LONDON, United Kingdom, September 23rd, 2026: The Esports Awards, the biggest and most prestigious night in esports, today announced premier esports platform Thunderpick as the Presenting Partner and Official iGaming Partner of the 2026 Esports Awards. The major partnership will span the flagship awards ceremony, content and original storytelling. The partnership will span an entire 12-month window, with Thunderpick continuing as the Presenting Partner through to 2027.
Taking place in Miami on November 17th, the Esports Awards will bring together leading players, teams, creators, and industry figures. As Presenting Partner, Thunderpick will hold a leading role across the 2026 programme, including the Esports Awards, Esports Play of the Month and Origins Podcast. Hotspawn will be the Presenting Partner for the Esports Awards Invitational, Lifetime Achievement Mixer, and PWR UP B2B Conference.
Thunderpick will also present three key honours: Esports Play of the Month, Esports Play of the Year and Streamer of the Year, celebrating standout competitive moments and the creators making an impact across gaming and esports.
The partnership will also see Thunderpick and the Esports Awards collaborate on a content series focusing on former and current professional esports players, exploring their careers, experiences and the stories behind the players who have shaped the industry. Hotspawn will be an official media partner of the Esports Awards, bringing fans closer to the biggest night in esports and the events around it.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Thunderpick as the Presenting Partner of the 2026 Esports Awards. This partnership goes far beyond the awards ceremony, with Thunderpick supporting key moments across our events, content, and business programming. Together, we’re looking forward to delivering an exciting 2026 programme and celebrating the people and moments that continue to define esports,” said Michael Ashford, CEO of the Esports Awards.
“We’re excited to partner with the Esports Awards to celebrate the people and moments that make this community what it is. The Awards and content series give fans a closer look at the players who have helped shape the scene, and that’s what makes this partnership exciting for us. There’s so much happening outside of the games that deserves a bigger spotlight, and we’re excited to help bring those stories to life.” said Kelly Sanders, Head of Strategy, Thunderpick
Last month, the Esports Awards announced the first wave of finalists, including Esports Game of the Year, Esports Personality of the Year, Esports Tournament Organiser of the Year, Streamer of the Year, and more. Fans can vote at www.esportsawards.com/vote until November 10th. Fans can make their votes count twice as much during Turbo Week, running from November 3rd to November 10th, where every vote submitted carries double the weight in the final push.
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About the Esports Awards
Founded in 2015, the Esports Awards is the most prestigious night in the esports calendar and the only global award show that aims to recognise esports excellence. The Esports Awards is dedicated to showcasing world-class performance and innovation from every corner of the industry throughout the year and reaches its pinnacle at its end-of-year ceremony, considered the Oscars of esports. The ceremony celebrates everyone from the players, teams, media, hardware providers, games, events, and personalities that shape the esports industry.
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About Thunderpick:
Built by gamers for gamers, Thunderpick is a leading esports platform offering markets across the world's biggest competitive titles alongside live streaming, community activations, and fan-first experiences. Thunderpick continues to invest in competitive gaming through original tournaments, partnerships, and initiatives that help grow the global esports ecosystem.
Thunderpick is not available to Florida residents.
About Hotspawn:
Hotspawn is the esports community for fans who live and breathe competitive gaming, covering Counter-Strike, League of Legends, Dota, VALORANT and beyond. Through in-depth editorial, active communities and live Pick'ems games, Hotspawn treats fans as insiders and gives them a place to play, connect and prove they know their stuff.
