It’s nearly time for the global celebration of video games, with the 12th edition of The Game Awards set to take place on Thursday, 11 December. It caps off what has been an extraordinary year for video game releases.
What was originally tipped to be a one-horse race was blown wide open after the announcement that Grand Theft Auto VI had been delayed to 2026. The move has opened the door for a far more competitive and diverse field of potential winners across the various categories.
The top prize of the night is Game of the Year — the gaming world’s equivalent of an Oscar or Golden Globe. Other awards on offer include Best Adaptation, Best Multiplayer Game, Best Game across different genres (including Sports and Action), Best Esports Athlete, and the forward-looking Most Anticipated Game award.
So, who’s about to level up and take home a trophy? Read Sportsbet’s tips and predictions for The Game Awards 2025 below.
The Game Awards 2025 - Tips & Predictions
Overall Game of the Year
People have been predicting Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 would be the game of the year since its release, and it's a viewpoint that has only gotten stronger over time.
Not only is it an emotional and artistic masterpiece, but it's received the most nominations in Game Awards history. Making it the clear frontrunner for the top gong!
Most Anticipated Game
If it were in the pool of nominees for game of the year this year, and all the categories with it, it might have swept everything. Grand Theft Auto VI looks like it might be the most anticipated game of all time.
All we’re waiting for now is an official release date
Best Multiplayer Game
This category could surprise a few people. While the natural assumptions fall on Mario Kart, Call of Duty and other major multiplayer staples, Split Fiction appears to be resonating socially and could sneak home here, potentially beating out heavyweights like Battlefield 6.
It’d be a break from tradition, but it would be great to see a narrative-driven co-op experience get the recognition it deserves.
Best Sport/ Racing Game
Have you got a fast car? You got a ticket into the finals of this one!
Mario Kart World is always set to feature near the pointy end, and Sonic Racing is also getting some good wraps. But our eyes are drawn to the juggernaut that is Formula One, and F1 25.
Of course, for all the rage quitters among us, FIFA 26 is always a solid option to rank well and always in with a chance too.
Best Family Game
There’s a rumble in the jungle, alright. Donkey Kong Bonanza has brought the DK franchise back to life with a vengeance. While it might not take home the best platformer award, it’s a clear frontrunner for best Family game of the year. It’s a perfect one to play with family.
Running interference, though, would be one of the shifty Italian plumbers on the starting grid with him, Mario Kart World, who might just drop a banana peel at the last second and send him spinning off course to steal a win.
Best Esports Athlete
Given the global popularity of competitive shooters and the likelihood that titles such as Counter-Strike 2 remain dominant, Zyw0o feels like a safe option, especially if his team and performance have been strong this year.
That said, don’t discount Chovy. If League of Legends stays high-profile, Chovy could sweep home given a standout year. f0rsakeN is also not without a shot here. Valorant’s competitive scene might have given them a shot.
Best Esports Team
When it comes to the most popular Esports team, none really come close to the popularity of Gen.G in 2025. Especially when it comes to them and League of Legends.
Besides being an incredible team, the popularity of LoL will help them a lot with the support of voters.
Best Content Creator of the Year
Kai Cenat is the raging favourite here, and for good reason too.
He doesn’t exclusively focus on gaming, but he has more Twitch subscribers than any of the other nominees.
He’s had strong gaming content this year and has gone on a couple of marathon streaming sessions playing Arkham and LoL.
Sakura Miko looks like he’ll be the closest challenger and could yet get lucky come the final count. But Cenat is one of the shortest favourites we’ve had in a while.