Judges

Fiona Katherine Taylor Howat

I am a British improviser, Actual Play performer and the host of What Am I Rolling? A Twice Monthly RPG One Shot Podcast which showcases different roleplaying systems and conducting interviews with game designers. To date, I have run over 100 different roleplaying systems, with the aim of teaching folks how to create good collaborative stories, regardless of background or experience level.

Hans Cummings

I‘m Hans, a lifelong tabletop games player, fantasy/sci-fi author, and voice actor. I started playing TTRPGs in 1982, have played every edition of D&D since the Moldvay B/X revision, and more other RPGs than I can comfortably list here. I started GMing shortly after D&D captured my imagination and haven’t stopped in over 40 years. In addition to being a veteran player and GM, I have freelanced for companies such as Rite Publishing and AAW Games, and spent 10 years as a volunteer for the ENnie Awards, serving as the Submissions Coordinator until 2019. I love RPGs and while my tastes have changed, I‘ve found that who you play with is more important than what you’re playing.

Tom King

I’m a lifelong tabletop gamer who started with the D&D Red Box in the early ’80s. Since then, I’ve played and run dozens of systems—fantasy, superheroes, supernatural horror, and more. While I have my favorites, I approach every game with curiosity and respect, even in genres that aren’t usually my go-to.

I play and run RPGs because there’s nothing else like them. One week you’re crawling through a cursed tomb, the next you’re pulling a job on a space station full of psychic smugglers. That constant variety keeps things exciting.

Christopher Gath

I run and play many different systems throughout the year. I have a decent sized RPG collection allowing me to better comprehend the different games to be judged. I have been a judge before and understand that large amount of time and dedication it takes to do the job well. I run and play RPGs to share in the creativeness and entertainment of friend both old and new.

William Beeson

With over 20 years of experience in tabletop RPGs (or "titterpigs," as the kids say), I’ve run countless systems, dissected even more, and developed a keen eye for how mechanics evoke a game’s intended tone and atmosphere.

Beyond just running and playing, I’ve actively participated in the indie RPG space, including an itch.io game jam, which gave me firsthand insight into the creative challenges and innovations driving the industry. Whether it’s a polished flagship title or a scrappy passion project, I approach every game with curiosity and respect.

The love of the game! Which game? All of them. I’ve had so many years of fun with friends around a table, building a narrative and letting math rocks indicate the twists and turns in the story. Everything from saving the world from looming intergalactic deities to sneaking into government archives to falsely accuse a desk worker of belt-theft.