2026 Community Champions Nominees

Through my work as an Esports Presenter, content creator, and streamer, I’ve built communities where players and fans feel included, supported, and inspired to connect over their shared love of video games. I’ve created viral content in the esports industry, working with major companies and events like the Esports World Cup and DreamHack, amplifying diverse voices and promoting positive engagement. As a proud Mexican, I aim to inspire others from my community to see that a career in esports is possible, showing that talent and passion can break barriers regardless of background. By combining community building, creative content, and advocacy, I actively combat toxic behavior, champion women and underrepresented voices, and promote collaboration over competition, ensuring esports is a space where everyone can feel seen, supported, and celebrated.

I’m analog_amber, a part-time Twitch streamer and community builder who uses gaming and live events to create intentional, welcoming spaces. With a background in theatre arts and over 15 years of content creation experience, I focus on fostering connection, uplifting marginalized voices, and leading with care. My work centers on community-first streaming, charity fundraising, and collaborative projects that prioritize impact over metrics. I believe strong communities are built through consistency, advocacy, and showing up authentically, and I strive to make my platforms places where people feel safe, supported, and encouraged to be exactly who they are.

Hello! I’m Angelica Brito, also known as ABritoArt. I create community-driven marketing initiatives across tech, gaming, and streaming, building loyal, engaged audiences at scale. As Manager of Community Marketing at Elgato, I lead global social and community efforts with a focus on educating and uplifting creators. My work centers on platforming creator voices, showcasing their work, and strengthening communities through livestream education and financial support. Beyond my role, I've been a streamer myself for almost 10 years and I've raised over $30,000 with my community for charity through my streams.

I naturally love building up communities and helping others succeed. I utilize certain platforms specifically to help others grow and would love to be your community champion. I may spam your twitter feeds and host one too many networking events but I strive to help, even if it is just in a small way.

My name is gina and I have been championing for females in gaming for 25 years! I also use my platform and voice to do good through charity work raising awareness and over 50 thousand dollars for many charitable organizations! I offer a safe and welcoming space in my livestreams for viewers of all backgrounds. My age makes me a unique creator and gives the older generation a place to call home.

My name is Lil, and I'm a leader of The Pillow Fort, a gaming channel dedicated to exploring new games ranging from Triple-A's to undiscovered indies! No matter the game, we always keep our vibes cozy and comfortable, so anyone and everyone can enjoy. Our community truly seeks to be a place where everyone can share their voice and never feel bad for enjoying the games they love!

Desiree Rincón is a community builder and gaming industry leader dedicated to using play as a force for connection and support. Through her work with Gold Star Gamers and her broader games initiatives, she creates safe, welcoming spaces where people can learn, mentor, and grow together. Blending operations expertise with creative leadership, she champions programs that uplift underserved communities and strengthen industry ties. Her focus is simple: build real pathways for belonging, opportunity, and joy through games.

I’m a creator passionate about helping adults connect through the games they love—showing up as they are, when they can. My content highlights the fun and ease of casual gaming, resonating with people who want community without expectation or pressure. With support from an amazing mod team, that spirit helped shape Elle’s Cozy Café, a community centered on genuine human connection. As a millennial, mother, and Black woman who rarely saw myself reflected in gaming, I hold space for adults seeking that same sense of belonging. Together, we’ve created a place where making friends over the games we love feels possible.

Hiyo! I'm the co-founder and co-director of GAMERella, a Canadian non-profit advancing equity in the games industry since 2013. We run annual game jams and a long-term mentorship program focusing on creating supportive environments and meaningful opportunities for women. Also, I’m secretly a filmmaker and you can check out some of my short films and my Minecraft webseries on YouTube. You can also watch my documentary, Geek Girls, exploring the hidden half of nerd culture free at your local library.

I’m incredibly honored to be nominated alongside the amazing Banana Bunch community. What makes this space special isn’t just the games we play, but the genuine connections we build together! From streaming and cozy gaming to Discord chats and movie nights, we share our lives, support one another, and cheer each other on through every season. Being part of so many personal journeys is a true privilege. This community is welcoming, kind, and full of heart! I’m so grateful to help create a space where everyone feels seen, supported, and at home.

I am a content creator and community advocate for Indie Games and the developers behind them. I enjoy providing a safe and supportive space for creators and developers to come together and support each other right from the beginning. Indieverse is just my community, its an Indie Game family where everyone is welcomed and supported no matter what role you play within the Indie Game Community and we come together within positivity and wholehearted support for the shared passion. You are not just voting for me but for the whole Indieverse community

I'm InDeeDee, the chicken wing Queen of the Wingdom. I'm a community driven person who loves gaming & engaging; my passion for uplifting people in any community is unmatched. I love creating safe spaces for people to always be themselves, enjoys meeting others & helping each other grow.

I am a content creator that focuses strongly on building an accepting and diverse community. Honestly, we're more like a family. Yes we play a lot of games and do our best to win in those games, but the gameplay is always secondary to ensuring that every community member feels comfortable and at home while in stream. I'm incredibly lucky to have assembled so many wonderful and loving people that show up for me while I try to ensure that they each feel seen and heard every single day.

I lead the Future Firsts Esports & Technology program based in Detroit, Michigan, which aims to use esports as a tool to bridge the digital divide amongst youth, develop college and career pathways, and empower students with skills, confidence, and access to futures in technology.

Hello! I'm Julien. I am greatly honoured to be nominated for the Community Champion award. Throughout my career, I have made it a priority to be involved in communities that celebrate and offer opportunities for marginalized game devs and creatives. The world is more beautiful that way! I have been involved with organizations such as Dames Making Games, Dames 4 Games, Black Girl Gamers, and Hand Eye Society through different positions of design and community management that empower outreach, in-person gatherings, workshops, resources, fundraising, and more. I produced a Twitch series that highlighted queer gaming professionals to share tools and resources to our audiences for free. I believe in abundance over competition, and I will continue to support communities for underrepresented individuals to make and play games on their own terms in more and more safe spaces. Let's do this!

I am a game designer, writer, and creative technologist whose work centres African narratives, with particular focus on the lived experiences of Black women. Through games, interactive media, and research-led storytelling. I founded Playlabs, an initiative dedicated to building pathways into game design and technology for underrepresented and underprivileged girls across Africa, supporting skills development, creative confidence, and access to future facing digital opportunities.

Kaohom Boonyalai is the Head of Marketing & Communications at Affinity Esports, where she leads community engagement through strategic event coordination and brand storytelling. She develops meaningful experiences, such as College Esports Day, that bring players, families, and partners together to celebrate the positive impact of gaming. Passionate about building safe, inclusive spaces, Kaohom’s work strengthens connections across the esports community in Connecticut and empowers young gamers to grow, belong, and confidently explore opportunities within the industry.

Hi, I’m KarebearXP—a community-first creator who believes people always come before content. I’ve built a space rooted in kindness, safety, and genuine connection, where everyone is encouraged to show up as themselves. Being a Community Champion means actively listening, setting the tone, and leading with empathy—especially when it’s hard. I’m proud to foster a community that supports, uplifts, and grows together, proving that strong communities are built through trust, consistency, and heart.

Gaming has always been about connection for me. As Social Media Manager and Board Member of AAPI in Gaming (IGDA SIG), Community Manager for Intel Gaming, and Board Member of Chicago Loot Drop (a nonprofit supporting children’s hospitals through gaming), I strive to create welcoming spaces where everyone feels seen. I also volunteer with Amir Satvat’s Games Community and bring creativity to every game and media project as a composer. With a Master’s in Social Work, my mission is to empower gamers and build communities rooted in empathy, education, collaboration, creativity, and a shared love for play!

For 1/2 years it has been my honor and joy to cultivate spaces that foster creativity, inclusivity and most of all, Friendship. The communities that I have built are based on the idea that everyone needs a friend, and everyone deserves to be seen for exactly who they are. My spaces are used to cultivate connection and increase visibility for all walks of life. We encourage friends to feel their feelings and share things they are proud of. I hope to attract open minded gamers and creatives from all walks of life to come together, be accepted and loved.

My name is Lauryn! I am a full time streamer, goofball, step-mom of two, and a huge advocate of health and wellness! My Treehouse streaming community is dedicated to creating a safe, positive, and supportive environment where laughter is medicine and love is always free!

Known in the gaming community as “The Misfit Butterfly,” Dalesia or her pen name “Lesi Tesfaye” is a passionate writer and storyteller. Hailing from New Orleans, Lesi is a loud mouth gamer who mainly revolves around horror. Coming from a small yet popular city, she has multifaceted a creative output that bridges the worlds of literature, digital storytelling and being yourself in the process of expressing that light to others who enjoy her content.

With over two decades working in games, Liana is a US veteran with an insatiable drive towards building stronger, compassionate, informed, and more intentional communities in games.

Lia Fuziy is a Brazilian game developer and community leader committed to strengthening connections within the games industry. As Chair of IGDA São Paulo and Coordinator of Game Dev Toolkit, she creates spaces where developers can learn, collaborate, and grow together. Through events, game jams, workshops, and mentorship initiatives, Lia supports emerging talent and encourages knowledge sharing across different stages of the industry. Her work centers on building inclusive communities that foster professional development, collaboration, and long-term sustainability in Brazil’s game development ecosystem.

Hi, I’m Megs! I created my channel as a way to escape the chaos of the world and to raise awareness for charity. I joke that I’m bad at all video games but that I’m here for the good times and good vibes so that’s all that matters. I have cultivated a community of fellow gamers who have generously supported my efforts during our charity drives. So far we have raised over $4,100 for charities across the nation!

I started with very little and grew my platform after years of bullying and not fitting in. I use my space to show all sides of being a creator, art, fun, games, movies, and real life, shared with love, honesty, and uplifting energy. This isn’t just content. It’s a safe, positive space where people can feel seen ✨

Natalie (TheMayhemMermaid) is a Puerto Rican content creator, community leader, and award-winning mental health advocate from New York City. As one of Twitch’s former Latin Guild Leaders and founder of the Guild's mentorship program, her work uplifted marginalized creators through storytelling, peer support, and inclusive initiatives that center community and belonging. As a matriculated Positive Psychology student, Natalie continues to bridge digital and real-world spaces, empowering creators to thrive authentically on and off stream.

Hey you guys! My name is Nicki, I’ve been streaming for 5 years doing variety gaming content! I specialize in horror games & reacting to horror stories. Along with story based games, I love spending time with my community entertaining them and making them laugh brings me so much joy. I thrive on community driven activities, creating space for those who come from different backgrounds to gather and enjoy niche games, and hosting community nights where we all can unwind and ease our minds. I wouldn’t be here without them so I am just honored to be recognized by them.

NolaQueenRell is a community leader dedicated to creating safe, welcoming, and inclusive spaces for gamers of all backgrounds. Through community management, event support, and meaningful engagement, she brings people together around shared passions and mutual respect. Whether hosting conversations, supporting creators, or fostering collaboration, she leads with empathy and authenticity. Her commitment to connection and positivity helps build strong, uplifting communities where everyone feels valued and empowered to show up as their true selves.

Medusa is a driving force for inclusion in gaming. She is an outspoken advocate for change online and in the world around her. She started streaming on Mixer in 2018, and that promptly grew to include Twitch, Youtube, independent esports tournaments, and more! Now she works as a community manager for game developers and as an independent content creator.

Shirley Abanto is a community-focused leader in the Peruvian game development ecosystem. She is the Director of Women Game Jam Peru, organized by FemDevs Perú, where she supports and empowers women and gender-diverse developers. She is also Co-Director of Lima Game Jam, the Peruvian hub of the Global Game Jam, bringing together diverse talents to collaboratively create games in inclusive, high-energy environments. Through these organizations, she fosters meaningful connections and promotes the local and regional game dev community.

I’m Sarah, a full-time variety streamer who’s passionate about creating a community built on connection, kindness, and shared experiences. Through interactive events, collaborations, game shows, engaging conversations, and more, I focus on making my channel a place where people can show up as themselves and feel genuinely involved. I love creating moments that spark joy, connection, and companionship, and I’m proud of the supportive environment our community has grown into. Community is at the heart of everything I do, and I’m grateful for the people who make it meaningful, welcoming, and truly special.

She’s a foodie by day, gamer girl by night, serving up chaos with a side of bite.

Thank you so kindly for the nomination! It’s been an honor cultivating a forward space community that emphasizes kindness and advocacy while gaming and co-working with you all! I will always be a variety streamer at heart; from crafting, hosting presentations, playing such cozy games and more, I love streaming experiences we can all enjoy together. Finding a place to belong to both create and make friendships has been a remarkable gift. I truly look forward to shining with all of the amazing stars among us in the years to rise! Be kind, stay wild sweet hearts!

I work as a games industry consultant focused on sustainable growth, accessibility, and community-building. Across business development, production, and partnerships, I champion inclusive practices that lower barriers to participation and amplify underrepresented voices. I actively support developer communities by connecting people, sharing knowledge, and helping build structures that enable long-term thriving. My work is driven by collaboration, care, and a belief that stronger, more accessible communities make the games industry better for everyone.

My name is Yuki Raines (YUKIDANINJA), Founder and CEO of Realm of Raines Digital Marketing. My agency leverages my professional and personal network to help growing creators and brands achieve their goals with comprehensive support and reduced operational burden.

I’m Kris, also known as Videogamevixen, a cosplay creator passionate about blending craftsmanship, fashion, and gaming culture. I specialize in detailed builds that combine sewing, fabrication, and character storytelling to bring iconic designs to life. Beyond the costume, I focus on community encouraging others to create boldly, build confidently, and see cosplay as both art and empowerment. Through convention appearances, collaborations, and original concepts, I strive to push cosplay beyond imitation into innovation. My goal is to inspire creators, especially women in gaming, to take up space, express themselves fearlessly, and turn their passion into impact.

My name is W0lffBite and I am so excited to be nominated. I am an Australian Content Creator and I have built my community through engaging and sharing positivity throughout many communities. I have had many opportunities to host events for other creators to take part in, commentated for many events and even host a podcast channel. Every month I host Community Days, where it is open for all to join and have fun. I do collab videos with my community where we create content together even if they aren’t creators they still get a moment to shine.

Age 30 i'm an black female ADHD Content creator beenonyoutube for 11 years if you like Tribute vids, Gameplays, Live streams, co streams, Adult audiences only🔞