Dealers Take Center Stage at G2E
For the second year in a row, Global Gaming Expo will put casino dealers to the test—and thank them for all they do
When most people think about what makes a great casino experience, they often think about the games, the entertainment or the thrill of a big win at the blackjack table. Behind those memorable moments is a dealer creating the experience in real time.
Dealers are often the first people guests interact with on the casino floor. They’re the ones who welcome players to the table, explain the rules, set the pace of the game, celebrate a winning hand and create the energy that makes a table so engaging. Dealers are equal parts entertainer, mathematician and hospitality professional, yet their talents are often under-recognized.
That’s why launching the inaugural G2E Dealer Championship last year was such a special moment.
As part of the 25th Global Gaming Expo anniversary celebration, we introduced the competition to recognize and celebrate the professionals who are the heart of the player experience. The tournament provided a platform for dealers across the country to showcase the skills they hone every day.
In its first year, 34 dealers from properties across the United States competed in a high-energy showcase of roulette and blackjack. Competitors were evaluated not only on technical skills but on hospitality, game control, professionalism and the ability to create a memorable guest experience.
The competition culminated with Elleonor Hoffman of Graton Resort & Casino being crowned the best dealer in the country. But what stood out most wasn’t simply the final standings—it was the enthusiasm and excitement surrounding the event itself.
Throughout the competition, attendees gathered around the tables to watch dealers perform under pressure, demonstrating precision and letting their personalities shine. What began as a competition quickly became a celebration of the entire profession. Competitors rallied around one another, showcasing the camaraderie that makes being a part of the dealer community so special. For many attendees, it offered a new appreciation for the skills that great dealing requires. For the dealers themselves, it was an opportunity to be recognized by peers and industry leaders for the work they do each day.
That response is exactly why we’re bringing the G2E Dealer Championship back in 2026—and making it even bigger. This year’s competition will expand eligibility to dealers from legal state- and tribal-regulated properties across North America, including the United States, Canada and Mexico. Dealers will once again compete in blackjack and roulette across multiple elimination rounds, with judges evaluating technical skills, hospitality and game control.
We’re also expanding the footprint on the show floor, allowing even more G2E attendees to experience the action up close and celebrate the incredible talent represented across the industry.
One of the things I love most about G2E (and I’m the show runner—there’s a lot!) is its ability to shine a spotlight on every corner of the gaming ecosystem—from groundbreaking technology and innovative products to the people who make it all happen.
As our industry continues to grow and evolve, celebrating the people who make those experiences possible matters more than ever. Because while the games may bring the players to the table, it’s often the dealers who make them want to come back.
Korbi Carrison is event vice president, G2E, RX (Reed Exhibitions).
