Like most bingo players, we love a bit of showmanship. Which is why we’re excited to reveal the finalists for the National Bingo Game Caller of the Year 2024! Just days away from the grand finale, we’ve got seven lucky (and clearly talented!) bingo callers, presenters, and hosts battling it out for the title which this year is taking place on Sunday 17th November 2024 at Mecca Bingo Wakefield.
With over 200 entering the competition from all corners of the UK, it’s been quite the contest, but only one will be crowned the winner. Let’s check in and see how the buildup is going!
The Exciting Journey to the Final
Starting on 28th of July with the first regional qualifier in Club 3000 Bedford, the last few months have seen callers from some fantastic land-based bingo clubs face off in front of huge crowds in regional qualifying rounds. They were tested on key areas including their knowledge of the game, their ability to engage the crowd, and delivering calls with style! A great bingo caller doesn’t just get the numbers right, keeping the crowd entertained and adding a little flair to the atmosphere is just as important.
The Finalists
So who’s in the running for the title? Let’s meet the seven finalists. We imagine the players at their own bingo clubs are rooting for them!
- Anton Fletcher of Castle Bingo Bootle
- Debra Phillips of Castle Bingo Merthyr Tydfil
- Gary Wilson of Bingo Plus
- Issy-Mae Hunt Live Bingo Host at Buzz Bingo
- Kara Smith of Club 3000 Bingo Ipswich
- Kelly Horton of Mecca Bingo Brierley Hill
- Tim Dobson of Club 3000 Bingo Blackpool
At WhichBingo we are excited, but not surprised, to see Gary in the line-up. Gary was a wonderful addition to our Player Panel at the WhichBingo Awards 2024 and brought a wealth of knowledge to the proceedings, plus loads of stories related to his bingo calling escapades.
What’s Up for Grabs?
The talent have proven they have what it takes to keep their bingo rooms buzzing, and now they’re days away from showing off their skills on the big stage. But what are they competing for?
The winner takes home a shiny trophy and a £1,000 cash prize, plus they’ll become the ambassador for the land-based bingo industry and the National Bingo Game for the next two years, representing bingo and promoting its community spirit at events.
The runners-up won’t go home empty-handed either. Each will receive a trophy and £500 as a reward for their effort.
Words from the Experts
Benj Maycock (aka BingooBenj) who won the title in 2022 is excited to be returning as a judge this year. “Performing my rap and winning the National Bingo Game title was an unforgettable experience. Representing the industry over the last two years has been incredible, from appearing on ITV’s This Morning to attending events at the House of Commons, where I highlighted the social and community benefits of bingo. I wish the next winner the best of luck and look forward to seeing them embrace their ambassador role. I can’t wait to see the talent and be a judge on the day”.
CEO of The Bingo Association, Miles Baron added: “The National Bingo Game Caller of the Year competition is a celebration of the talent, dedication, and skill of bingo callers, who are such an important part of the bingo experience. The 2024 competition has brought the industry together again for a fantastic event. It’s a chance to showcase the fun and joy that bingo callers bring to players and celebrate our wonderful community. We’re all excited to crown this year’s champion on November 17!”
Celebrating the bingo community as a whole, Alistair Stewart Head of Commercial Operations at the National Bingo Game Association said: “The competition to date has highlighted everything good about bingo, bringing different bingo communities together for the day to spend time doing what they love; Some entertainment, great fun and bingo, supported by quality food and one or two drink, with the bingo valler’s putting themselves front and centre to ensure the day runs perfectly”.
And Finally, the Finale…
The Grand Final is fast approaching, and with so many talented bingo finalists in the running, it promises to be a fantastic event. Whoever takes home the National Bingo Game Caller of the Year 2024 title will pass the baton to the next generation of talent to continue the spirit of the game.
Stay tuned for the final on 17th of November. Come back then to check out who wins the next National Bingo Game Caller of the Year 2024!
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