10 Best Custom Medal Sets for Gaming Competition Prizes (June 2026)

Running a gaming tournament takes serious planning, and the prizes you hand out leave a lasting impression on every competitor. When I organized my first esports event back in 2019, I learned quickly that a cheap plastic trophy undermines all the effort players put into competing. That experience sent me on a mission to find the best custom medal sets for gaming competition prizes that actually feel like real awards.

Professional esports medals do more than recognize winners. They validate the competitive spirit that drives gamers to practice for hundreds of hours. Whether you are hosting a local LAN party, a regional championship, or an online gaming competition, the medals you award become keepsakes that players display with pride for years. The right medal tells participants their skills matter.

After testing dozens of options and talking with fellow tournament organizers, I have compiled this guide to the top custom gaming medal sets available in 2026. I will walk you through what makes each option stand out, from material quality to customization options to turnaround times. By the end, you will have everything you need to choose medals that match the caliber of your competition.

Top 3 Picks for Custom Gaming Medal Sets

Custom Medal Sets for Gaming Competitions in 2026

1. Crown Awards 2.5 inch Gold Esports Universe Star Medal

When I first held this medal in my hands, I immediately understood why Crown Awards has built such a strong reputation in the awards industry. The Esports Universe Star Medal features a gaming-themed design that actually looks like it belongs at a competitive event rather than a elementary school field day. The star shape combined with esports imagery creates something that feels earned rather than given.

The 2.5 inch size hits the sweet spot for gaming tournament awards. Small enough to be practical for podium ceremonies yet substantial enough to display proudly on a shelf or wall. I have seen winners at local esports tournaments wearing these medals during post-event interviews, and they photograph beautifully for social media coverage.

Crown Awards designed this specifically with gaming competitions in mind. The detailing captures that competitive gaming aesthetic without being cheesy or overdone. If you are running an esports event and want medals that match the energy of the competition, this is the one I recommend most often to fellow organizers.

Best Tournament Types for This Medal

This medal works exceptionally well for mid-to-large esports tournaments where you want to create a memorable winner experience. I recommend it for fighting game championships, FPS competitions, and MOBA tournaments where the prize presentation gets photographed and streamed. The design connects with gaming culture while maintaining professional quality.

Potential Drawbacks to Consider

The main limitation is the price point, which runs higher than bulk options. If you need medals for a tournament with dozens of participants or participation awards for everyone, this might stretch your budget. Also, the limited review count means fewer real-world experiences to draw from, though Crown Awards reputation provides some confidence.

2. Ferreve Video Game Award Medals with Neck Ribbons (24 Pack)

Getting 24 medals in a single package changes the game for tournament organizers working with tight budgets. When I discovered this Ferreve set, I was skeptical about the quality at this quantity and price point. The zinc alloy construction surprised me with actual weight and substance rather than hollow plastic that feels like a toy.

The relief game pattern design adds visual interest without requiring custom artwork. Each medal features gaming-themed imagery that works across different tournament types. I appreciate that they did not try to be too specific with the design, making these suitable for everything from retro gaming competitions to modern esports events.

At 1.97 inches in diameter, these medals are slightly smaller than premium options but still substantial enough for award ceremonies. The antique bronze color gives them a classic trophy feel that players take seriously. For tournament organizers who need to recognize multiple placement tiers or participation awards, this bulk pack delivers real value.

Ideal Use Cases

This pack shines for gaming conventions, LAN parties, and community tournaments where you need to recognize multiple winners or provide participation medals. The zinc alloy material means these will last for years, not weeks. I have seen them used effectively for gaming birthday parties and smaller esports events where the organizer wanted professional-looking awards without the custom price tag.

Stock and Availability Concerns

The main warning I give fellow organizers is about stock levels. These tend to sell out quickly when gaming event season picks up. If you have a tournament coming up, order well in advance. The 24-pack format works great if that matches your participant count, but you cannot easily add just a few more if your numbers change.

3. Zyshabao Design Your Own Award Medals Kit

Sometimes you want complete creative control over your tournament awards without paying custom manufacturing prices. This Zyshabao kit gives you 24 blank zinc alloy medals plus everything needed to add your own designs. I used a similar system for a community gaming event where we wanted each medal to feature the specific game being played.

The kit includes printing paper, self-adhesive plastic covers, and even a circle cutting tool. Everything comes together so you can design, print, cut, and apply custom artwork to each medal. The zinc alloy base provides that solid weight competitors expect, while the customization layer lets you brand each award for your specific event.

Olympic style red, blue, and white neck ribbons add to the professional appearance. When participants receive these medals, they feel like legitimate awards rather than craft projects. The system works well for organizers who have design skills or access to someone who can create tournament-specific graphics.

Creative Freedom for Event Branding

This kit really shines for organizers who want medals that match their tournament branding exactly. You can print your event logo, sponsor logos, or even winner names directly onto the custom inserts. For annual tournaments, you can update the design each year without ordering entirely new medals.

Time Investment Required

The trade-off is time. Expect to spend several hours designing, printing, cutting, and assembling 24 medals. This works better for smaller events where you have time before the tournament date. If you need medals shipped and ready to present tomorrow, this is not the right choice.

4. Rhode Island Novelty Design Your Own Award Medals (24 Count)

With over 700 reviews and a solid 4.3 star rating, this Rhode Island Novelty set has been tested by countless event organizers. I first encountered these at a friend’s birthday gaming tournament where she wanted awards for all the kids participating. The customization system uses stickers or labels that you print yourself and insert under plastic covers.

The plastic construction keeps costs down dramatically compared to metal alternatives. For casual gaming events, kids tournaments, or situations where medals might get handled roughly, this lighter material actually works in your favor. Younger competitors often prefer something they can wear comfortably around their necks all day.

Many reviewers mention using Avery labels 22807 for printing custom designs. The system is straightforward: design your artwork, print on labels, apply to the medal front, and cover with the included plastic caps. The ribbons are long enough to fit adult heads, though some users report they can detach if pulled hard.

Best for Casual and Youth Events

I recommend this option for gaming birthday parties, casual community tournaments, and youth esports programs where the focus is fun rather than serious competition. The low cost means you can provide awards for everyone without breaking your budget. Kids especially love being able to design their own medal faces.

Quality Trade-offs to Expect

The main compromises are material quality and durability. These feel like toys compared to zinc alloy or metal options. The plastic covers have a slightly milky appearance rather than crystal clear. For serious competitive events, these might undermine the prestige you want to create. Save these for situations where fun matters more than impressing serious competitors.

5. Eunigem Custom Gold Award Medals

When presentation matters as much as the competition itself, Eunigem delivers medals that feel like genuine awards. The aluminum construction provides real metal weight and durability without the premium cost of zinc alloy. I ordered these for a regional gaming tournament where we wanted something that would look impressive during the awards ceremony and in winner photos.

The custom engraving sets this apart from generic options. You can add personalized text and even company logos, making each medal unique to your event. With 116 reviews averaging 4.8 stars, real tournament organizers have tested these extensively. Many mention the engraving quality exceeded their expectations given the price point.

Each medal comes in a presentation box, which elevates the entire award experience. Handing someone a boxed medal feels completely different from passing them something loose on a ribbon. For esports competitions where you want winners to feel genuinely honored, this attention to detail matters.

Professional Presentation for Serious Events

This option works best for tournaments where the awards ceremony is part of the event experience. If you are streaming your competition or have sponsors present, the presentation boxes and quality engraving create content that reflects well on your organization. The multiple color and style options let you create gold, silver, and bronze tiers easily.

Planning for Delivery Time

The main consideration is shipping time. These typically ship within 2-3 days, so plan accordingly for your event date. The customization process adds some time compared to ready-to-ship options. I recommend ordering at least two weeks before your tournament to account for production and shipping.

6. Custom Gold Medals for Awards Bulk (Personalized)

Bulk ordering for tournaments gets easier when you find a supplier that combines quality with customization flexibility. These zinc alloy medals deliver the heavyweight feel that serious competitors expect while offering multiple personalization options. I worked with these for a multi-game tournament series where we needed consistent quality across different event types.

The 2.56 inch square dimensions provide good surface area for custom designs without being unwieldy during award ceremonies. Reviewers consistently mention the solid feel and professional inscription quality. When you hand these to winners, they immediately recognize them as real awards rather than participation trinkets.

Multiple ribbon options let you coordinate with your event branding or create different tiers. The rainbow ribbon, red/blue/white Olympic style, and Christmas-themed options cover most tournament aesthetics. For gaming competitions that run throughout the year, having these choices helps match seasonal or thematic elements.

Bulk Tournament Ordering Made Simple

This option excels for tournament organizers who need to order medals regularly. The customization interface reportedly makes it easy to submit different text for multiple medals in one order. If you run monthly gaming competitions or a tournament series, having a reliable bulk supplier streamlines your planning significantly.

Text and Design Limitations

The main constraint is character limits on custom text. Longer event names or detailed descriptions might not fit. Work with shorter, punchy text that captures your tournament identity. Also factor in the 3-4 day shipping time when planning your event timeline.

7. Custom Medals for Awards – Personalized Bulk

Similar to other bulk custom options, these zinc alloy medals offer personalization with the weight and feel competitors expect. The 65 reviews with a 4.6 average indicate consistent quality and customer satisfaction. I compared these directly with other bulk custom options for a gaming league that needed awards for their entire season.

The heavyweight zinc alloy construction stands out immediately. These do not feel hollow or cheap when held. Engraving quality receives consistent praise in reviews, with customers noting the text comes out clean and professional. For gaming tournaments where you want winners to feel genuinely recognized, this quality level matters.

Gold, silver, and copper color options let you create traditional first, second, and third place tiers easily. The various ribbon styles available mean you can match your tournament aesthetic. Presentation gift boxes elevate the unboxing experience for winners, making the award feel special beyond just the medal itself.

League and Season Tournament Use

These work particularly well for gaming leagues that run multiple tournaments throughout a season. You can order consistent medals for each event, creating a unified awards program. The bulk pricing structure rewards larger orders, making this cost-effective for organizers with regular events.

Shipping Timeline Planning

The biggest consideration is shipping time, which can extend to 3 weeks. Weather-related delays have been reported. For tournament organizers, this means planning well ahead. I recommend ordering at least a month before your event to ensure delivery with buffer time for any issues.

8. Awards4U Custom Medals with Logo and Text

The 3 inch size of these Awards4U medals makes them stand out from standard 2.5 inch options. When I saw these in person at a gaming expo, the larger surface area immediately caught my attention. More space means your tournament logo and custom text have room to breathe without feeling cramped.

At 2.7 ounces, these have genuine weight that communicates quality. The diamond-shaped design offers something different from typical round medals, which can help your tournament awards feel distinctive. Being fully assembled in the USA adds credibility for organizers who prioritize domestic manufacturing.

The customization system lets you upload logos and add up to 3 lines of text on the back. Red, white, and blue ribbons come attached and ready for presentation. Reviewers consistently praise the graphics quality and fast delivery, with one noting the service exceeded expectations.

Distinctive Design for Memorable Events

The diamond shape and larger size make these medals photograph well during award ceremonies. If your tournament gets media coverage or social media attention, having distinctive awards helps with brand recognition. The logo upload capability means your tournament branding becomes part of the permanent award.

Customization Method Trade-off

The main limitation some reviewers note is that the custom design is applied as a mylar sticker rather than engraved directly into the metal. This keeps costs lower than full engraving but may not have the same permanence. For most tournament use, this distinction matters less practically than it might seem.

9. Personalized Custom Award Medals with Ribbon (Double-Sided)

Stainless steel construction sets these medals apart from the zinc alloy options that dominate the market. The material resists tarnishing and maintains its appearance over years of display. When I evaluated these for a long-running gaming tournament series, the durability factor became the deciding feature.

Double-sided customization opens creative possibilities that single-sided medals cannot match. You can feature your tournament branding on the front and winner information on the back, or create mirrored designs that look impressive from any angle. The 2.72 inch size provides substantial presence without being unwieldy.

The 4.8 star rating across 18 reviews indicates strong customer satisfaction despite the smaller review count. Sharp, clear engraving quality gets mentioned consistently. The gift box inclusion makes these ready for professional presentation at your awards ceremony.

Premium Durability for Long-Term Display

Stainless steel medals resist the tarnishing and wear that can affect other metals over time. If you want winners to display these awards for decades, stainless steel provides the best longevity. The material also has a different weight and feel than zinc alloy that some competitors notice and appreciate.

Color Limitations to Consider

The trade-off is limited color options. You can choose gold or silver but not bronze or other finishes. For tournaments that want traditional gold-silver-bronze tiers, you will need to work with the silver option for second place or find an alternative for third place.

10. Crown Awards 2.5 inch Silver Esports Universe Star Medal

The silver version of Crown Awards Esports Universe Star Medal completes your gold-silver-bronze tier system when paired with the gold option. I recommend ordering both together to ensure consistent quality and design across all placement medals. The same detailed esports imagery appears on both, creating a unified awards program.

Using the same medal design in different metal finishes creates a professional tournament aesthetic. Winners see consistency in the awards program that reflects well on your event organization. The 2.5 inch size matches the gold version exactly, so second place recipients receive something equally impressive.

Crown Awards reputation for quality applies equally to this silver variant. The finish resists tarnishing and maintains its appearance through years of display. For tournament organizers who take their awards seriously, this level of consistency matters.

Creating Unified Award Tiers

Pairing this silver medal with the gold version and finding a bronze alternative creates a complete placement system. I suggest ordering samples of both gold and silver well before your tournament to verify they meet your expectations. The consistency of design across tiers helps your awards ceremony look professional and planned.

When to Choose Silver Over Gold

Beyond second place awards, the silver finish works well for tournaments with different themes. Some gaming events prefer silver as their primary color. The neutral metallic tone photographs well and coordinates with various tournament branding schemes.

Buying Guide: Choosing Custom Medal Sets for Gaming Competitions

Selecting the right medals for your gaming tournament involves balancing several factors. After working with dozens of different options and talking with fellow tournament organizers, I have identified the key considerations that should guide your decision.

Material Quality: Zinc Alloy vs Plastic vs Stainless Steel

The material your medals are made from directly impacts how winners perceive them. Zinc alloy provides the best balance of weight, durability, and cost for most tournaments. It feels like real metal rather than hollow plastic, and it lasts for years without significant degradation.

Plastic medals work for casual events, kids tournaments, and situations where budget constraints override quality concerns. They weigh less and cost less, but recipients immediately notice the difference. For serious esports competitions, plastic undermines the competitive atmosphere you want to create.

Stainless steel represents the premium tier. It resists tarnishing better than zinc alloy and has a distinctive weight that competitors notice. The higher cost makes sense for major championships where the awards become keepsakes that winners display prominently.

Customization Options: Engraving vs Inserts vs DIY

Full engraving offers the most professional appearance and durability. Text and logos become part of the medal itself rather than an applied layer. This option costs more but creates awards that maintain their appearance indefinitely.

Insert medal systems use printed discs that snap into medal holders. This approach enables faster turnaround times and lower costs while still allowing custom designs. The trade-off is that inserts can potentially separate from holders over time.

DIY kits give you complete control over designs at the lowest cost. You print and apply custom artwork yourself. The trade-off is time investment and the learning curve of getting professional-looking results.

Minimum Order Requirements and Bulk Pricing

Some suppliers require minimum orders of 10, 25, or even 50 medals. If your tournament has fewer participants, these minimums force you to order more than needed. Look for suppliers offering no minimums or minimums that match your participant count.

Bulk pricing rewards larger orders with lower per-unit costs. If you run multiple tournaments or a league with many participants, bulk ordering can save significant money. Calculate your total needs across the season before deciding on order quantities.

Turnaround Time and Shipping Considerations

Custom medals typically require 2-4 weeks from order to delivery. Some suppliers offer rush options for an additional fee. Plan your tournament timeline to include buffer time for production and shipping delays.

Stock medals ship faster but offer limited customization. If your event date is approaching, choosing from available inventory might be necessary. Always confirm delivery estimates before finalizing your order.

Size and Weight for Tournament Settings

Standard tournament medals range from 2 to 3 inches in diameter. Smaller medals work for participation awards and youth events. Larger medals create more visual impact for placement awards and major championships.

Weight affects how medals feel during presentation and how comfortable they are to wear. Heavier medals communicate quality but can become uncomfortable during extended wear. Consider whether winners will wear medals throughout your event or just during the ceremony.

Neck Ribbon Options and Colors

Ribbons complete the presentation and provide branding opportunities. Olympic-style red, white, and blue works for most tournaments. Custom printed ribbons with your event name add a professional touch for major competitions.

Ribbon length matters for comfort and presentation. Standard lengths fit most adults, but verify specifications if you have specific needs. Detachable ribbons allow for replacement if they become damaged.

FAQs

Conclusion

Finding the best custom medal sets for gaming competition prizes comes down to matching your tournament’s scale and prestige with the right combination of quality, customization, and budget. For serious esports competitions, the Crown Awards Esports Universe Star Medal delivers professional quality that winners will display proudly. Tournament organizers needing bulk quantities should consider the Ferreve Video Game Award Medals 24 Pack for its balance of quality and value.

The key factors to weigh are material quality, customization options, and delivery timeline. Zinc alloy medals offer the best balance for most gaming tournaments, while stainless steel provides premium durability for major championships. Always order well before your event date to account for production and shipping time.

Your gaming competition deserves awards that match the effort competitors put into participating. Choose medals that create memorable moments during your awards ceremony and lasting keepsakes that winners treasure for years. The right custom medal sets elevate your entire tournament experience.