ELA Games has received two prestigious nominations at the upcoming SBC Awards Europe 2026, recognizing its titles Pinatas Festival and Joker Winpot. The studio’s work has been acknowledged in the categories of Game Design & Art Direction and Casino Entertainment Game of the Year. The winners will be announced on 30 April during a ceremony held at the Xara Lodge in Malta.
Two titles from ELA Games have been shortlisted for the SBC Awards Europe 2026, one of the most significant events in the iGaming industry calendar. The nominations highlight the studio’s creative achievements, with Pinatas Festival competing in the Game Design & Art Direction category, and Joker Winpot vying for Casino Entertainment Game of the Year. The awards ceremony will take place on 30 April at the Xara Lodge in Malta, bringing together industry leaders from across the sector.
Pinatas Festival earned its nod for its vibrant fiesta theme, contrasting color palette, and animated celebratory effects that create an engaging visual experience. Meanwhile, Joker Winpot was recognized for its captivating Joker character and the innovative Winpot mechanic, which enhances gameplay by building tension through progressive elements.
Pinatas Festival is distinguished by its lively visuals and animated sequences, making it one of ELA Games’ most visually striking releases. Its bold symbols and dynamic motion effects across the reels contribute to its festive atmosphere. Conversely, Joker Winpot draws inspiration from classic casino aesthetics. Its central Joker character embodies a mischievous yet slightly eerie tone, while the Winpot feature serves as the core gameplay mechanic, delivering an immersive experience. Marharyta Yerina, Managing Director at ELA Games, expressed her enthusiasm:
“We are very pleased to be recognized by the SBC Awards in two such competitive categories. I personally love both of these games because they both feel incredibly distinct and full of character, the bright colours of Pinatas Festival make it feel like it is jumping out of the screen, so I am especially happy to see them up for awards. To also have Joker Winpot nominated for Game of the Year is a fantastic validation of the amazing Winpot mechanic.”
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The winners will be revealed during the official awards ceremony on 30 April. Industry representatives will convene at the Malta venue to network, exchange ideas, and explore the latest titles in the market. The SBC Awards Europe celebrate excellence across various disciplines, including product development, marketing, and platform innovation within the iGaming sector.
