Erika Ishii and Dawn set to host Gayming Awards 2026 as Hades II & Date Everything! lead the nominations
We’re excited to reveal that nominations have been revealed for the Gayming Awards 2026 with Hades II and Date Everything! leading the way with three nominations each across the 14 categories. Voting is now open in 10 of the 14 categories, go here to vote.
Award-winning voice actor Erika Ishii (Ghost of Yōtei, Apex Legends, Game Changer) and iconic drag artist Dawn (RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16) will be hosting this edition of the Gayming Awards, broadcasting exclusively worldwide on World of Wonder’s WOW Presents Plus on Monday, June 8th, 2026.
Stepping into the hosting role for 2026, Erika Ishii (they/them) is a multi-nominated and award-winning powerhouse of the industry, most recently celebrated for their standout performance as the lead in Ghost of Yōtei. Beyond their acclaimed roles in Apex Legends and Dragon Age: The Veilguard, they are a beloved fixture of the TTRPG and improv worlds through their work with Critical Role and as a fan-favorite frequent guest on Dropout’s Game Changer and Dimension 20. As a genderfluid and pansexual trailblazer who took home the LGBTQ+ Voice Actor of the Year trophy at last year’s ceremony, Erika blends their veteran status with a fierce commitment to queer visibility.
“Winning LGBTQ+ Voice Actor of the Year last year was such an honor, and this year I’m grateful to return to celebrate our Gaymer community as a host alongside the brilliantly talented Dawn,” said Erika.
Joining her is the ethereal and eccentric Dawn (she/her), the breakout star of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16, known for her sharp wit and signature “woodland creature” high-fashion aesthetic. A self-professed nerd who has frequently woven gaming and fantasy influences into her drag, Dawn brings a unique blend of Brooklyn edge and whimsical charm to the stage. Whether she’s serving an avant-garde elf fantasy or delivering a lethal read, Dawn is the perfect chaotic counterpart to Erika, ensuring the 2026 ceremony is as unapologetically queer as it is hilarious.
“I have spent my entire life obsessed with gaming and high-fantasy, so getting to host this show is a massive full-circle moment for me. I’m just excited to bring some Brooklyn chaos to the stage and see what kind of trouble Erika and I can get into!” said Dawn.
Six games have been nominated for the prestigious Game of the Year including Ball x Pit, Blue Prince, Ghost of Yōtei, Hades II, Hollow Knight: Silksong and South of Midnight. While Date Everything!, Dead by Daylight – Steady Pulse, Hades II, Hollow Knight: Silksong, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II and Lost Records: Bloom & Rage have been nominated by the public for the Gayming Magazine Fan Favorite Award.
Other categories include Best LGBTQ+ Indie Game, sponsored by Dead By Daylight – celebrating passionate work in the indie space – with nominees including Monster Prom 4: Monster Con, Quantum Witch and Spirit Swap; and LGBTQ+ Voice Actor of the Year with nominees including Allegra Clark, Jay Taylor, Jennifer English, Michael Lorz, Robyn Holdaway and Tobias Weatherburn.
In the world of geek entertainment, six TV shows have been nominated for Queer Geek Entertainment of the Year, sponsored by Q Care Plus: Dimension 20: Dungeons & Drag Queens Season 2, Harley Quinn: Season 5, Hazbin Hotel: Season 2, Stranger Things: Season 5, The Mighty Nein and The Last of Us: Season 2.
New for 2026, the Gayming Awards are celebrating LGBTQ+ content creators with a special suite of Awards called the Gayming Awards Creator Honors, sponsored by Logitech G. These four awards set out to celebrate and uplift LGBTQ+ gaming content creators of all levels and feature over 20 nominees across the categories.
Fans all around the world will be able to have their voices heard more this year as public voting is now OPEN in 10 of these 14 categories – to have your say, head to gaymingawards.com.
Be quick, voting closes at midnight (EST) on April 3rd, 2026.
A panel of judges will also continue to provide their expert opinions and will share voting control 50%-50% with the public in most categories.
The Gayming Awards will premiere Monday, June 8th, 2026 exclusively on WOW Presents Plus with highlights from the Awards being shared across Gayming’s social media accounts.
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