The Best "The Golden Elephant Award🇺🇸" winners and nominees 2024

Looking for a good game that won or was nominated for "The Golden Elephant Award"? Then we have just the thing for you: A list with the best "The Golden Elephant Award" winners and games that were on the nomination list.

What is "The Golden Elephant Award" game award?

"The Golden Elephant Award" is an award for dice, card & board games. The award originates from 🇺🇸USA, was created in 2013 and is chosen by a jury.

The Golden Elephant is the annual award for the most outstanding board game of the year from the perspective of Heavy Cardboard players. The criteria by which each game is judged are as follows.

  • Depth of analysis and planning (What considerations must be taken into account in order to make the right decisions?)
  • Depth of play (A game does not have to be complex, but it should require solid analysis during play to play well).
  • Length of game (A game does not need to be long, but it does need to include a variety of meaningful decision points).
  • Low luck factor (Victory and defeat should ultimately be decided by whoever made the better decisions during the game).
  • Transparency of decisions & interaction (To what extent do the critical decisions within the game affect other players?)
  • Innovation and uniqueness of mechanisms and theme (What sets the game apart from its contemporaries?)
  • Fun factor (Do we ultimately enjoy the experience the game provides both for ourselves and for other players?)

Reprints are not allowed. The first year the game is physically available is the year it is considered for the award.

Around the beginning of April each year, the finalists are announced. Then, at HeavyCon, this year's Golden Elephant Award winner will be announced.

The Golden Elephant Award Categories

The Golden Elephant Award is presented each year in the following categories:

  • Best Heavy Boardgame
  • People's Choice

More info can be found on the official Golden Elephant Award homepage.

Other game awards from all over the world

There are many more game award from around the world, you can find a list at the bottom of this page.

List of best Golden Elephant Award winners & nominees 2024:

This list was last updated on February 25, 2024. We compared 43 board games for this list and selected the top 30. There's also a print version for this list.
  1. Brass: Birmingham

    All details for the board game Brass: Birmingham and similar games

    Brass: Birmingham is an economic strategy game and a sequel to the 2007 game Brass. It immerses players in the world of industrial revolution entrepreneurs in Birmingham between 1770-1870.

    Nominated for 13 awards and won 7.

    More details for Brass: Birmingham
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 60 - 120 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Hard to learn

    Video reviews for Brass: Birmingham

    • YouTube Review for the game "Brass: Birmingham" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Brass: Birmingham" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  2. Root

    All details for the board game Root and similar games

    Root is an engaging board game of adventure and strategy designed for 2 to 4 players (expandable to 1 to 6 with the 'Riverfolk' expansion). Set in a vast wilderness, the game offers a unique experience where each player embodies a different faction with its own distinctive abilities and victory conditions. With beautifully designed multi-use cards, Root brings a rich asymmetrical gameplay to the table.

    Nominated for 24 awards and won 14.

    More details for Root
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 60 - 90 Minutes
    • 10+ years old
    • Hard to learn
  3. Rococo

    All details for the board game Rococo and similar games

    Rococo immerses players in the lavish Rococo era during the reign of Louis XV, where they take on the role of managing a prestigious ball. The game blends elements of deck-building and resource management, requiring players to skilfully navigate the demands of dressmaking and event planning to gain the most prestige.

    Nominated for 3 awards.

    ⭐️ Nominated for Kennerspiel des Jahres 2014

    More details for Rococo
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 60 - 120 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  4. SpaceCorp: 2025-2300AD

    All details for the board game SpaceCorp: 2025-2300AD and similar games
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 60 - 240 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  5. Triumph & Tragedy: European Balance of Power 1936-1945

    All details for the board game Triumph & Tragedy: European Balance of Power 1936-1945 and similar games
    • 2 - 3 Players
    • 240 - 360 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  6. Gaia Project

    All details for the board game Gaia Project and similar games

    Gaia Project is a strategy game that builds upon the success of its predecessor, Terra Mystica, offering a complex and immersive experience in a sci-fi setting. Players lead factions on a quest to expand and develop their presence across different types of planets.

    Nominated for 10 awards and won 2.

    More details for Gaia Project
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 60 - 150 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Hard to learn
  7. Barrage

    All details for the board game Barrage and similar games

    Barrage is a strategic resource management board game set in the 1930s, during a time when the industrial revolution has pushed the use of fossil fuels to its limits. The game revolves around the theme of hydroelectric energy generation, where players compete to build and manage efficient hydroelectric dam systems.

    Nominated for 14 awards and won 7.

    More details for Barrage
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 60 - 120 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Hard to learn
    🔥 Great price!55€ atAmazon.de*
  8. Teotihuacan: City of Gods

    All details for the board game Teotihuacan: City of Gods and similar games

    Teotihuacan: City of Gods invites you to traverse time, immersing yourself in the splendor and twilight of the powerful pre-Columbian civilization of Mesoamerica. Strategize, accumulate wealth, seek the favor of the gods, and embark on the monumental task of constructing the awe-inspiring Pyramid of the Sun.

    Nominated for 15 awards and won 2.

    More details for Teotihuacan: City of Gods
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 90 - 120 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Hard to learn

    Video reviews for Teotihuacan: City of Gods

    • YouTube Review for the game "Teotihuacan: City of Gods" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Teotihuacan: City of Gods" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  9. Time of Crisis: The Roman Empire in Turmoil, 235-284 AD

    All details for the board game Time of Crisis: The Roman Empire in Turmoil, 235-284 AD and similar games
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 120 - 180 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  10. Food Chain Magnate

    All details for the board game Food Chain Magnate and similar games

    "Lemonade? They want lemonade? What is the world coming to? I want commercials for burgers on all channels, every 15 minutes. We are the Home of the Original Burger, not a hippie health haven. And place a billboard next to that new house on the corner. I want them craving beer every second they sit in their posh new garden." The new management trainee trembles in front of the CEO and tries to politely point out that... "How do you mean, we don't have enough staff? The HR director reports to you. Hire more people! Train them! But whatever you do, don't pay them any real wages. I did not go into business to become poor. And fire that discount manager, she is only costing me money. From now on, we'll sell gourmet burgers. Same crap, double the price. Get my marketing director in here!"

    Nominated for 8 awards and won 3.

    More details for Food Chain Magnate
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 120 - 240 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Hard to learn

    Video reviews for Food Chain Magnate

    • YouTube Review for the game "Food Chain Magnate" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  11. La Granja

    All details for the board game La Granja and similar games

    La Granja is a strategic board game set in the picturesque countryside of Mallorca. Players manage and expand their small farms near the village of Esporles, striving to become the most successful estate, known as "La Granja."

    Nominated for 5 awards and won 1.

    More details for La Granja
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 90 - 120 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Hard to learn
  12. Mombasa

    All details for the board game Mombasa and similar games

    Mombasa is a deep and strategic Euro-style board game set in 18th century Africa, revolving around economic expansion and investment in trading companies. Players work to spread their influence across the continent by investing in companies based in key African cities and engaging in various trade activities.

    Nominated for 12 awards and won 4.

    More details for Mombasa
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 75 - 150 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Hard to learn
  13. Millennium Blades

    All details for the board game Millennium Blades and similar games

    Millennium Blades is a unique board game that simulates the experience of playing and trading within a fictional collectible card game (CCG) universe. It's a blend of strategy, deck-building, and market manipulation, wrapped in a theme that parodies popular real-life CCGs like Magic: The Gathering and Yu-Gi-Oh!

    Nominated for 7 awards and won 1.

    More details for Millennium Blades
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 80 - 120 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Hard to learn
  14. Bora Bora

    All details for the board game Bora Bora and similar games

    Emphasizing strategic depth and decision-making, Bora Bora is an intriguing board game that immerses players in the rich and mysterious world of the iconic Pacific island. The game challenges players to explore islands, build settlements, gather resources, and seek the favor of the gods through a unique dice placement mechanism.

    Nominated for 2 awards and won 1.

    More details for Bora Bora
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 60 - 120 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Hard to learn
  15. Cuba Libre

    All details for the board game Cuba Libre and similar games

    Nominated for 2 awards.

    More details for Cuba Libre
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 180 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Hard to learn
  16. Lisboa

    All details for the board game Lisboa and similar games

    Lisboa is a complex strategy board game centered around the historical event of rebuilding Lisbon after the catastrophic earthquake of 1755. Players take on the roles of members of the nobility, collaborating with architects and influential figures to reconstruct and develop the city.

    Nominated for 13 awards and won 7.

    More details for Lisboa
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 60 - 120 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Very hard to learn
  17. Fire in the Lake

    All details for the board game Fire in the Lake and similar games

    Nominated for 2 awards and won 1.

    More details for Fire in the Lake
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 180 Minutes
    • Hard to learn
  18. Pipeline

    All details for the board game Pipeline and similar games

    Pipeline is a strategy board game set in a world where the oil industry has been privatized, and players take on the role of companies seeking to capitalize on this new opportunity.

    Nominated for 5 awards.

    More details for Pipeline
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 60 - 120 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Hard to learn

    Video reviews for Pipeline

    • YouTube Review for the game "Pipeline" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  19. The U.S. Civil War

    All details for the board game The U.S. Civil War and similar games
    • 2 Players
    • 150 - 360 Minutes
    • Hard to learn
  20. Kanban: Driver's Edition

    All details for the board game Kanban: Driver's Edition and similar games

    Kanban: Automotive Revolution is a deeply strategic Eurogame set in the fast-paced world of car manufacturing. Players take on the roles of ambitious managers in an automotive factory, striving to impress the board of directors to climb up the career ladder. The game masterfully integrates the theme of a lean, efficient assembly line with its mechanics, offering a rich and complex experience in managing production processes.

    Nominated for 5 awards.

    More details for Kanban: Driver's Edition
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 90 - 120 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Hard to learn
  21. Yunnan

    All details for the board game Yunnan and similar games
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 90 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Medium difficulty
  22. Panamax

    All details for the board game Panamax and similar games

    Panamax is a board game that delves into the intricate and competitive world of shipping companies operating through the Panama Canal, an engineering marvel that has significantly influenced global shipping and naval architecture. In this game, players take on the roles of shipping company managers based in the Colón Free Trade Zone, engaging in the logistical ballet of accepting contracts, loading cargo, and navigating ships through the canal to deliver goods across the globe.

    Nominated for 6 awards.

    More details for Panamax
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 90 - 120 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Hard to learn

    Video reviews for Panamax

    • YouTube Review for the game "Panamax" by Shut Up & Sit Down
      Video is in English
  23. Keyper

    All details for the board game Keyper and similar games

    Nominated for 2 awards and won 1.

    More details for Keyper
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 90 - 120 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Hard to learn
  24. The Colonists

    All details for the board game The Colonists and similar games

    The Colonists, also known as Die Kolonisten, immerses players in the development of their own villages, with the aim of achieving full employment and ensuring the growth of their population. As mayors, players strategize to expand their villages to accommodate new farmers, craftsmen, and citizens, balancing the need for resource management, education, and housing expansion.

    Nominated for 6 awards and won 1.

    More details for The Colonists
    • 1 - 4 Players
    • 30 - 360 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Hard to learn

    Video reviews for The Colonists

    • YouTube Review for the game "The Colonists" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  25. Three Kingdoms Redux

    All details for the board game Three Kingdoms Redux and similar games
    • 3 Players
    • 135 - 165 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Hard to learn

    Video reviews for Three Kingdoms Redux

    • YouTube Review for the game "Three Kingdoms Redux" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
    • YouTube Review for the game "Three Kingdoms Redux" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  26. Pax Renaissance

    All details for the board game Pax Renaissance and similar games

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Pax Renaissance
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 60 - 120 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Hard to learn

    Video reviews for Pax Renaissance

    • YouTube Review for the game "Pax Renaissance" by BoardGameGeek
      Video is in English
  27. Wildcatters

    All details for the board game Wildcatters and similar games
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 120 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Hard to learn
  28. Tramways

    All details for the board game Tramways and similar games

    Nominated for 4 awards and won 1.

    More details for Tramways
    • 1 - 5 Players
    • 120 Minutes
    • 14+ years old
    • Hard to learn
  29. Pax Pamir

    All details for the board game Pax Pamir and similar games

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Pax Pamir
    • 2 - 5 Players
    • 60 - 120 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Hard to learn
  30. Madeira

    All details for the board game Madeira and similar games

    Madeira is a strategic board game that transports players to the early days of the Madeira island, a critical location in the establishment of the Portuguese Empire. The game involves managing wheat plantations, sugar production, and eventually the creation of Madeira wine, reflecting the island's historical economic shifts. Players must adapt to these changing circumstances, focusing on farming, gathering wood, building structures, and engaging in trade and expeditions. Set in the original administrative divisions of Madeira, the game's ultimate goal is to develop the island and gain prestige for the Portuguese Crown.

    Nominated for 3 awards and won 2.

    More details for Madeira
    • 2 - 4 Players
    • 60 - 150 Minutes
    • 12+ years old
    • Hard to learn

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