Nominations close for the G2E Dealer Championship 2026
Casino operators have until July 17 to nominate their dealers for the G2E Dealer Championship 2026, which returns to the Global Gaming Expo with an expanded format after its debut last year. With nominations closing, the competition invites eligible operators from the United States, Canada, and Mexico to submit candidates for what organizers describe as a celebration of dealers' skill, professionalism, and customer service. The championship will take place during G2E 2026, from September 29 to 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, having launched in 2025 as a U.S.-exclusive event. Organizers also announced an increased presence on the exhibition floor, allowing more attendees to witness the competition live. Participants will compete in blackjack and traditional roulette, dealing each game for 15 minutes while being evaluated on their technical ability, hospitality, and game control, with a series of elimination rounds determining the finalists and cash prizes for the top three places.
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 director level or higher, and each nomination must include a judge from the same property.
Korbi Carrison, G2E Event Vice President at RX, stated that they are proud to bring the championship back after its reception in 2025, and that the event showcases the exceptional talent and showmanship of dealers while reflecting the critical role they play in creating a memorable gaming experience. She added that last year's competition was one of the highlights of G2E, bringing tremendous energy to the exhibition floor, and that they are excited to see its return and to include more dealers from across North America after the strong response received.
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 allowing attendees to get a closer look at the expertise required to operate live table games, while recognizing dealers as key ambassadors of the casino experience. Debi Nutton, former Executive Vice President of Casino Operations, executive coach, and gaming consultant, noted that the championship is an interactive way not only to recognize but also to showcase the talent of dealers across North America, who are at the heart of the gaming experience and often the first impression for customers. In addition to the competition, sponsorship opportunities are still available for companies seeking visibility during the event.
Tags: G2E Dealer Championship, Global Gaming Expo, Korbi Carrison, The Venetian Expo, Debi Nutton