If you were scrolling through TikTok or Twitter lately, you probably saw a clip of Dan Howell and Phil Lester—the internet’s favorite duo—holding a very large, slightly terrifying piece of award-shaped foam. It wasn't just any trophy. They were officially named Gaymer of the Year as part of Grindr’s 2025 "Unwrapped" results. Honestly, if you grew up on the "Phan" side of YouTube, this feels like a decade-long narrative finally reaching its final boss stage.
But there’s a bit of confusion floating around. People are asking: Is this the same as the Gayming Awards? Who actually decides who the top gaymer is? Basically, the title "Gaymer of the Year" has become a bit of a moving target depending on which corner of the internet you’re standing in.
What Actually Happened with Gaymer of the Year?
In December 2025, Grindr dropped its annual Unwrapped report. It’s their version of Spotify Wrapped, but instead of telling you how many times you listened to Chappell Roan, it tracks global trends in the queer community. Amidst stats about which countries have the most "daddies" (it’s the US, by the way), they crowned Dan and Phil as the collective Gaymer of the Year.
It’s a huge win for them.
The duo recently rebranded their gaming channel, and the community response was massive. In their thank-you video, Dan joked that he was scared of the trophy and thanked "everyone that is gay," specifically giving a shout-out to bisexuals and questioning folks. It’s classic Dan and Phil—a mix of chaotic energy and genuine gratitude.
But let’s be real for a second. This award is a "popular vote" situation. It’s about cultural impact and who has the loudest, most dedicated fanbase. It’s different from the technical or industry-led awards you see at events like the Gayming Awards.
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The Other Side of the Coin: The Gayming Awards
While Dan and Phil are killing it in the creator space, the "official" industry recognition usually happens at the Gayming Awards. This is the world’s only dedicated LGBTQ+ video game award ceremony, and the 2025 event was a total powerhouse.
If you’re looking for who is actually moving the needle inside the games we play, you have to look here. For 2025, the spotlight wasn't just on streamers, but on the creators and characters themselves.
- PearlTeese took home the LGBTQ+ Content Creator of the Year award (which is the industry's equivalent to the Gaymer of the Year title).
- Dragon Age: The Veilguard absolutely cleaned up, winning Game of the Year.
- Erika Ishii won Voice Actor of the Year for their role as Rook.
The distinction matters. Grindr’s award is about who we love to watch, while the Gayming Awards are often about who is changing the industry. PearlTeese, for example, has been a massive advocate for trans visibility in the streaming space, making her win a significant moment for representation.
Why "Gaymer" Culture Is Pivotal in 2026
You've probably noticed that gaming isn't just a hobby anymore; it’s the primary way many queer people find community. In a world where physical "third spaces" are disappearing, Discord servers and Twitch chats are filling the gap.
Winning Gaymer of the Year—whether from a dating app or a magazine—is about more than just playing games. It's about being a visible, safe harbor for kids who don't see themselves in mainstream media. When Dan and Phil win, it's a nod to a community that has followed them for over fifteen years.
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The Evolution of the "Gaymer" Label
- The Early Days: It was a niche term used on forums to find other queer players in MMOs like World of Warcraft.
- The "GaymerX" Era: The mid-2010s saw the rise of dedicated conventions.
- Mainstream Integration: Now, we have "Gaymer of the Year" categories appearing in general pop culture reports.
Honestly, the term "gaymer" used to be kind of polarizing. Some people thought it was unnecessary. But as we see with the 2025 winners, having a specific label helps highlight the unique challenges—and the unique humor—of the queer gaming experience.
What Most People Get Wrong About These Awards
A common misconception is that these awards are "just for show" or "diversity wins." That’s a pretty cynical take that ignores the actual quality of the work.
Take Rebecca Heineman, who won the Gayming Icon Award in 2025. She wasn't just "given" an award. She’s a literal legend—the first-ever national video game tournament champion (Space Invaders, 1980) and a founding member of Interplay. Her being recognized as a trans icon in the industry is a celebration of a career that spans the entire history of the medium.
Similarly, the Community Impact Award went to Stream for a Cause in 2025. This isn't just about playing games; it's about the millions of dollars raised for LGBTQ+ charities through gaming marathons.
How to Get Involved in the Gaymer Community
If you're looking at these winners and thinking, "I want to be part of that," you don't need a million followers. The "Gaymer of the Year" energy is something anyone can tap into.
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- Check out the Rising Stars: Every year, the Gayming Awards name a "Rising Star Class." For 2025, that included BoyeFran, Bvssykatdoll, Mynxie666, and WillJinkies. These are smaller creators who are doing incredible work.
- Support Inclusive Developers: Keep an eye on studios like Kitsune Games (who won Best LGBTQ+ Indie for Kitsune Tails) or BioWare. Voting with your wallet is the loudest way to support queer stories.
- Join Local Groups: The 2025 nominees for Community Impact included groups like NYC Gaymers and Charlotte Gaymers Network. Most major cities have them.
The Future of Queer Gaming
We’re moving toward a space where "gaymer" isn't just a subcategory—it's a driving force of the industry. With Dragon Age: The Veilguard winning Game of the Year, it’s clear that queer-coded and explicitly LGBTQ+ narratives are no longer "niche." They are the blockbuster hits.
Whether it’s Dan and Phil making us laugh on TikTok or PearlTeese advocating for trans rights on Twitch, the title of Gaymer of the Year represents a community that is finally getting its flowers.
Next Steps for You:
- Follow the 2025 Rising Stars: Look up BoyeFran or Mynxie666 on Twitch to see the next generation of queer talent.
- Play the Winners: If you haven't played Dragon Age: The Veilguard or Kitsune Tails, start there to see what top-tier representation looks like today.
- Watch the VODs: You can still catch the full 2025 Gayming Awards ceremony on WOW Presents Plus to hear the acceptance speeches—they’re surprisingly emotional and worth a watch.
The landscape is changing fast. Stay tuned to the community hubs, because the nominations for next year's cycle usually start sooner than you think.