GamesBeat has revealed the nominees for the inaugural GamesBeat Mobile Mogul Awards, powered by GB MAX, recognizing leaders and innovators shaping the global mobile gaming industry. The awards celebrate executives, entrepreneurs, creative leaders, and companies whose vision, innovation, and cultural impact are helping define the future of mobile games. The nominees were voted on by the public and judges from Mattel, Discord, Google, and more.
Rather than a traditional awards ceremony, the program will spotlight the honorees through GamesBeat’s editorial coverage and social channels. Winners attending GamesBeat NEXT in person will also have the opportunity to participate in brief video interviews and photo opportunities with the GamesBeat team, celebrating their achievements and contributions to the mobile gaming industry.
Mobile gaming has evolved beyond the device. Today, it sits at the intersection of games, technology, entertainment, brands, creators, commerce, and culture — from the pioneers who helped build the mobile games industry to those defining what comes next across gaming, technology, entertainment, sports, brands, and beyond.
“Mobile gaming has grown into a powerful force that connects games with technology, entertainment, brands, sports, and culture. With the inaugural Mobile Mogul Awards, we’re recognizing the visionary leaders, bold innovators, and creative thinkers who have helped shape this industry and are defining where it goes next. We’re honored to have an esteemed group of judges helping recognize excellence across this evolving landscape, and we congratulate all of this year’s nominees on their achievements and contributions to the global mobile gaming ecosystem. These awards celebrate not only what mobile gaming has accomplished, but also the people expanding its influence across the global interactive economy,” says Gina Joseph, CEO of GamesBeat.
The inaugural awards feature four categories: Mobile Visionary Award, Mobile Breakthrough Award, Mobile Brand & Culture Award, and Mobile Innovator Award.
Mobile Visionary Award
The Mobile Visionary Award recognizes leaders whose strategic vision and leadership have helped shape the mobile gaming industry and its future.
- Ilkka Paananen, CEO of Supercell
- Frank Gibeau, President of Zynga
- Mike DeLaet, President and CEO of Ares Interactive
- Holly Liu, former co-founder of Kabam
Mobile Breakthrough Award
The Mobile Breakthrough Award honors rising leaders and entrepreneurs making a significant impact on the mobile gaming landscape through new ideas, business models, and creative approaches.
- Dmitry Kachmar, CEO of Playgama
- Bria Sullivan, Founder of Honey B Games
- Soner Aydemir, CEO and Co-Founder of Dream Games
- Eyal Chameides, Chief Product Officer of Triple Dot
Mobile Brand & Culture Award
The Mobile Brand & Culture Award recognizes leaders who are building meaningful connections between mobile games, brands and audiences, influencing culture through creative strategy, marketing and partnerships.
- Sarah Mensah, President of Jordan Brand at Nike
- Mathias Gredal Nørvig, CEO of SYBO
- Tina Shaw, Creative Director at Activision
- Callie Jenkins, Head of Product Marketing at Ares Interactive
Mobile Innovator Award
The Mobile Innovator Award celebrates leaders pushing the boundaries of mobile game development, product design, technology, and business strategy.
- Ed Wu, President of Games at Scopely
- Paula Ingvar, General Manager of Candy Crush Saga at King
- Adam Foroughi, CEO of AppLovin
- Jenova Chen, CEO of Thatgamecompany
The winners will be voted on by the judges, and the inaugural GamesBeat Mobile Mogul Award winners will be announced November 2, 2026, on GamesBeat.com, with additional recognition at GamesBeat NEXT ahead of the State of Mobile Gaming panel.
—
GB MAX premium members can obtain VIP tickets for GamesBeat NEXT, and general tickets can be purchased, limited tickets remain as the event sold out last year, use code GBN26MMA25 for 25% off while supplies last.