Casino operators have until tomorrow, July 17, to nominate their dealers for the 2026 G2E Dealer Championship, which returns to the Global Gaming Expo with an expanded format following its debut last year.
With nominations set to close, the competition is inviting eligible casino operators from the United States, Canada and Mexico to submit candidates for what organizers describe as a celebration of dealer skill, professionalism and guest service. The championship will take place during G2E 2026, from September 29 through October 1, at The Venetian Expo in Las Vegas.
The 2026 edition marks the first time the competition will include participants from across North America after launching in 2025 as a U.S.-only event. Organizers also announced a larger footprint on the G2E show floor, allowing more attendees to watch the live competition.
Competition highlights dealer expertise
Contestants will compete in blackjack and traditional roulette, dealing each game for 15 minutes while being evaluated on technical ability, hospitality and game control. A series of elimination rounds will determine the finalists, with cash prizes awarded to the top three finishers.
The competition is open to full-time, part-time and dual-rate dealers employed by legal commercial, tribal and state-regulated casino operators across North America. Dealers must be nominated by a table games executive at the director level or above, and each nomination must include a judge from the same property.
“We’re proud to bring back the G2E Dealer Championship after it was so well received in 2025. This event showcases the exceptional talent and showmanship of casino dealers, while also exemplifying the important part they play in creating a memorable gaming experience,” said Korbi Carrison, Event Vice President for G2E at RX.
“Last year’s competition was a standout G2E moment that brought tremendous energy to the show floor, and we’re excited to see the event return and include more dealers from across North America following the strong response to last year’s competition.”
Building on a successful debut
The inaugural championship featured 34 dealers from casinos across the United States, with Elleonor Hoffman of Graton Resort & Casino taking home the title and the top cash prize.
According to organizers, the event quickly became one of the highlights of G2E 2025 by giving attendees a closer look at the expertise required to deliver live table games while recognizing dealers as key ambassadors of the casino experience.
“The G2E Dealer Championship is an interactive way for us to not only recognize but to showcase the talents of dealers from across North America,” said Debi Nutton, former EVP of Casino Operations, Executive Coach & Gaming Consultant.
“Dealers are at the heart of the gaming experience and often serve as the guests’ first impression. I’m honored to help highlight their skill and professionalism on our industry’s biggest stage.”
Alongside the competition, sponsorship opportunities remain available for companies seeking visibility during the event through on-site branding, digital promotion, and attendee engagement initiatives.
Organizers encourage eligible casino operators to submit nominations before the July 17 deadline. Nominate a dealer here.
Registration is also open for Global Gaming Expo 2026, which returns to The Venetian Expo in Las Vegas from September 29 to October 1, bringing together gaming professionals from around the world for three days of networking, product launches, education and industry events. Register here for G2E 2026.