We are delighted to inform you that the third season of the Golden Boomerang Awards officially kicks off on April 3rd. Hundreds of you have been reaching out to ask when the tournament will finally start, what prizes we’ve prepared, and what you need to do to win them. So now is the time for us to reveal all our cards.
When we launched the Golden Boomerang Awards in 2024, our goal was for the tournament to achieve global status. Now, in 2026, we can confidently say that the goal has been reached. The GBA has become a landmark event for the industry, and its participation numbers grow every year. While there were over 400 teams in 2025, we now expect even greater interest in the competition.
We are proud that the Golden Boomerang Awards are seen in our industry as a platform that allows every active affiliate to demonstrate their expertise through competitive rivalry and earn well-deserved recognition. We’re not just talking about prizes here, but about a status that stays with the winners forever, and about the locations where we hold the final awards ceremony. In 2024, it was Cyprus; in 2025, it was the iconic San Siro Stadium in Milan. Incidentally, it’s worth noting that for the high-quality and memorable event at the San Siro Stadium, we received the Best Live Event Marketing Campaign award at the European iGaming Awards 2026. This award serves as confirmation of the tournament’s industry recognition and its significance to the sports affiliate marketing segment.
The Golden Boomerang Awards are constantly evolving. We can confidently say that this tournament is no longer just a campaign – it has become a recognizable format that affiliate partners return to and plan around. This year, that will be especially significant given the competition’s timeline – five months of active competition in a year packed with sporting events.
The 2026 season will take place under the concept “Beyond the Moment.” The idea is simple: short-term results matter, but only consistent performance over time proves real expertise. That’s why the affiliate teams that maintain a high level of quality and activity throughout the tournament will be able to compete for victory in 11 categories. The best of the best will head to the final ceremony in Lisbon. That is where it will be revealed whose results turn into reputation and long-term status in the industry.
The basic participation mechanics for the Golden Boomerang Awards have not changed. To earn and accumulate points, participants must drive traffic that generates FTDs for brands in Boomerang Partners’ client portfolio during the tournament period. It’s important to remember that points are awarded for each FTD, but the number varies depending on the GBA stage. This time, there will be three stages:
Affiliate teams can join the Golden Boomerang Awards 2026 at any time and use tournament mechanics to catch up with and overtake the leaders. Nevertheless, we recommend not wasting too much time, because every day lost means competitors are pulling ahead.
The winner of each tournament stage will receive a unique prize, combining exclusivity, prestige, and memorable experiences:
In addition, we are preparing extra prizes – Mystery Boxes, which every participant will have a chance to win, including affiliate teams that are not among the leaders.
The finale, featuring the top teams, along with the official awards ceremony for the Golden Boomerang Awards 2026 across 11 categories, will take place in late September in Lisbon. Follow the information on our website and social media so you don’t miss the details. We can assure you, however, that the event is expected to surpass previous editions in scale and experience. Trust us – there’s plenty worth competing for.
Although points in the Golden Boomerang Awards 2026 can be earned across different traffic types, timing holds particular importance for sports-focused affiliates.
Our CMO, Anton Eshtokin, says:
“The Golden Boomerang Awards have evolved into a platform where real market leaders are defined. Each season raises the level of competition, and 2026 will be no exception. A packed global sports season, including the FIFA World Cup, will create additional opportunities for affiliates to scale and compete at a higher level. Alongside that, we’re elevating the overall experience – from high-value rewards to exclusive formats for top performers. The finale will be held in a top-tier international location and designed as a true industry highlight.”
Don’t miss out
We open registration for the Golden Boomerang Awards 2026 on April 3rd. Don’t miss your chance to compete for unique experiences and a legacy in the industry. Join right from the start of the tournament to grab the Welcome Boost and earn double points. At stake are not only valuable prizes but also a status that lasts beyond the moment. It’s time to win the title.
