Gamers Engaged

06/17/2026

Funding for game-powered impact is back!

The 2026 Play-it-Forward Grant cycle is now accepting applications from nonprofits that use games and play to strengthen communities, foster connection, and create positive change.

This year, Gamers Engaged will award three $10,000 unrestricted grants to organizations that fall in these categories:

🌲 Serving communities in the Pacific Northwest
🎮 Serving communities nationwide
🏳️‍🌈 Leadership Diversity (BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+ led organizations)

Because the Play-it-Forward Grant is designed to be accessible, the application process is straightforward, and reporting requirements are minimal, allowing organizations to focus on the work that matters most.

📅 Applications close August 17, 2026.

Know an organization that would be a great fit? Tag them below or share this opportunity!

Learn more and apply at gamersengaged.org/play-it-forward-fund

06/15/2026

New to Seattle? Looking to feel more connected where you live?

One of the best ways to build community is by contributing to it.

🤝 Volunteer with a local organization
🤝 Attend neighborhood events and community gatherings
🤝 Support causes that matter to the people around you
🤝 Meet people through shared service and purpose

You don't have to wait to feel like you belong before getting involved. Often, getting involved is what creates belonging.

06/11/2026

Community, creativity, and belonging are essential to the future of game development. 🎮💛

We’re proud to uplift , a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting the largest community of independent game developers in the United States. Their work creates inclusive spaces where developers can build games, share feedback, grow skills, and connect with others across the industry.

This Pride Month, we’re especially excited to highlight Diversity Collective’s 5th annual LGBTQIA+ Pride Celebration, hosted through Seattle Indies, a community gathering focused on connection, creativity, and celebration within the games industry.

Events like this reflect the importance of inclusive spaces where LGBTQIA+ creators can network, showcase work, and build community in a supportive environment.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/diversity-collectives-pride-celebration-2026-tickets-1989131769669?aff=erelexpmlt

06/09/2026

To the teams of the 2026 Gauntlet: Animalia: you absolute legends. 🐾🎲

You came. You played. You schemed. You fundraised. You gave us full pack behavior in the best possible way.

From the first move to the final round, every team helped make this year’s Gauntlet more than a tournament. You turned game day into a force for good, raising support for nonprofits doing meaningful work in our communities.

Whether you were stalking victory like a jungle cat, flocking together for the cause, or simply trying not to get eaten alive at the table, you showed what happens when gamers rally behind something bigger than the game.

Thank you for competing, fundraising, showing up with heart, and making the 2026 Gauntlet: Animalia one for the wild kingdom. 🦁🦊🦉

06/06/2026

The wildest shots from the 2026 Gauntlet: Animalia have officially dropped. 🐾 🎲

From fierce table tactics to full herd energy, this year’s teams brought the claws, paws, wings, and absolutely unhinged board game brilliance to the table — all in support of nonprofits doing powerful work in our communities.

Relive the moments, tag your teammates, and spot your favorite creatures in action.

📸 Photos are live now: https://candancemariephotography.pixieset.com/thegauntlet/

Photo collection by Candance Marie Photography

06/02/2026

Events like The Gauntlet only happen because a whole ecosystem of people steps up behind the scenes.

We are wildly grateful to:

Nelly Steiner, Tournament Director
Kevin Harland, Executive Producer
Dee Malley and Joe Senese, Livestream Commentators
Paul Peterson, Game Master and Finale Designer
Gentleman Johnny, Trivia Designer and Host
Kyle Knudson, Score Keeper and Finale support
Liz Peotter, Admin and Logistics Support
Candance Marie Photography

Thank you for bringing the day to life with care, creativity, and just the right amount of controlled chaos.

05/31/2026

Take us back to the Gauntlet!

05/28/2026

Got $1? Turn it into impact with your friends 🎮💛

Pool small donations together and vote on a cause you care about. It’s a simple way to make giving more collaborative and fun.

Each person contributes a little, everyone gets a voice, and together you decide where the impact goes.

It feels like a co-op mission, but for real-world change.

05/26/2026

Huge shoutout to the production and stream team who helped bring the 2026 Gauntlet to life!

Special thanks to the incredible interns from Nooksack Valley Productions at Nooksack Valley High School, part of Future Business Leaders of America and the Esports Team. Your talent, professionalism, and behind-the-scenes magic helped make the livestream a success.

We’re also so grateful to Kevin Harland, our Executive Producer, and Dee Malley and Joe Senese, our livestream commentators, for guiding the show, keeping the energy high, and helping our community experience every wild, wonderful moment of the Gauntlet.

It takes a true pack to pull off an Animalia-sized event, and this crew delivered. Thank you! 🐾🎮

05/22/2026

We have so many people to thank for the success of the 2026 Gauntlet!

To every player, donor, volunteer, judge, sponsor, streamer, supporter, and spectator: thank you for joining the herd, flock, pack, swarm, pod, pride, and party!

We specifically want to thank our generous sponsors: Mox Boarding House, Card Kingdom, Wizards of the Coast, Paizo, Bungie, Asmodee, Ravensburger, Rainbow Rabbits, Lantern Press and BoardGameGeekTV. Your support helped make this year’s tournament possible and fueled a day where play, philanthropy, and community came together beautifully.

We’re also sending a special thank you to Wizards of the Coast and Nostalgium for generously donating items to this year’s auction. Your contributions helped add even more excitement to the day and gave our community another fun, meaningful way to support Gamers Engaged. We are so grateful for your generosity and for helping make The Gauntlet 2026 a truly wild success.

Finally, an extra special thank you to Mox Boarding House for hosting the 2026 event.

The Gauntlet 2026 proved once again that when gamers come together, we can do more than play—we can create real, lasting impact.