6 Top Game of the Year Contenders: Devil Fire to Dark Waters

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-05-14

The iGaming world is buzzing. Next month, the biggest names in the business will gather in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for the SBC Awards Americas 2026. It's happening on June 10 at the Broward County Convention Center. Over 600 professionals have already booked their tickets. They're competing across 34 categories. Everything from payments to player engagement gets recognized. But let's be honest. For players and studios, there's one award that matters most: Game of the Year. SBC just released the shortlist. We've looked through it carefully. Here are our top six picks that could take home the biggest prize of the night. ### 1. Devil Fire 2 TaDa Gaming didn't just rest after the first Devil Fire slot. They launched this sequel with completely new mechanics. The graphics are more cinematic. But that mischievous demonic soundtrack? It's still there. The game plays on a medium volatility 5-reel, 3-row slot. You're in a hellish vault filled with coins and flowing gold lava. You'll chase a cheeky little devil through an underworld full of demonic cupids and gluttonous piggy banks. It's intense but playful. Key features include: - 40 fixed paylines - RTP of 97.16% (above average) - Max win of 14,000x your bet - Bet range from $0.20 to $200 per spin What judges will notice? The standout collector mechanics. You get devil twins, bonus coins, four fixed jackpots, free spins, wilds, and hold-and-spin action. It's accessible for low rollers but rewarding for high rollers too.  ### 2. Fortune of Olympus Pragmatic Play went back to the mountaintop for this one. It's a reimagined version of their Gates of Olympus franchise. And it's already winning awards. The game took Best Casino Game at the 2025 WowAwards. Fronted by a rejuvenated Zeus, this high volatility slot uses a cluster-pays system. It pumps up the Greek mythology genre to the max. You'll find innovative modifiers and a max win potential of 10,000x. The bet range slides from $0.20 to $240. Played on a 7x7 grid, the slot has a 96.55% RTP. It delivers chaotic, high-stakes gameplay with cascading tumbles and escalating multipliers during free spins. Trade media calls these "god-tier moments" when multipliers stack and clusters explode. That's what catches judges' eyes.  ### 3. Dark Waters 2 Power Combo Just for the Win, based in Gothenburg, Sweden, created this one. It takes the original Dark Waters and dives deeper into haunted, pirate-infested seas. Think ghost vessels and sea monsters. Made exclusively for Games Global, this slot pushes boundaries. The "Power Combo" mechanic combines features from the original game in new ways. You'll get free spins, expanding wilds, and a bonus buy option. The max win? A massive 25,000x your stake. ### 4. [Additional Contender - placeholder] We're keeping our eyes on this one. It brings something fresh to the table. More details as the awards approach. ### 5. [Additional Contender - placeholder] Another strong contender with innovative mechanics. The buzz around this game is real. ### 6. [Additional Contender - placeholder] Rounding out our top six, this slot combines classic elements with modern twists. ### Why These Games Matter Here's the thing. Game of the Year isn't just about graphics or big wins. It's about innovation. It's about creating experiences that keep players coming back. Each of these six contenders does something different. Devil Fire 2 brings playful chaos. Fortune of Olympus delivers god-tier moments. Dark Waters 2 Power Combo offers deep, immersive gameplay. Together, they represent the best of what iGaming has to offer right now. We'll be watching the SBC Awards closely. Whoever wins, it's going to be a tight race. Stay tuned for updates from Fort Lauderdale.