Bingo callers are the voices, the energy, and the personalities that keep players coming back night after night.
They are the ones who brings bingo to life and make it what it is.
And from April 7 it’s your chance to vote for the UK’s Best Bingo Caller in the WhichBingo Awards Pre-Show.
Here are the nominees for Best Bingo Caller: 2026 (in no particular order):
The nominees for Best Bingo Caller represent the very best of our industry. Each of these five outstanding callers has brought something special to their club and their community.
Issy-Mae Hunt – Buzz Bingo
Issy-Mae Hunt is a live bingo host at Buzz Bingo and a familiar face to bingo lovers across the country. She won the prestigious National Bingo Game Caller of the Year competition in 2024 – a contest that attracted over 200 entrants from across the UK.
Issy-Mae was recognised for her exceptional crowd engagement, technical skill, and the kind of stage personality that lights up a bingo hall. A fantastic ambassador for the next generation of bingo callers.
Chris Ashton – Sun Bingo
Chris Ashton is one of Sun Bingo‘s most beloved hosts, bringing warmth, wit, and a natural flair for entertainment to every session.
With an ability to read the room and keep the energy buzzing whether the hall is full or the jackpot is building, Chris has earned a reputation as a caller who genuinely loves the game and whose players love him right back.
Kelly Horton – Mecca Bingo Brierley Hill
Kelly Horton is a standout talent from Mecca Bingo‘s Brierley Hill club, who earned her place among the elite in 2024 when she became one of only seven finalists at the National Bingo Game Caller of the Year — whittled down from more than 200 hopefuls nationwide.
Judged on her knowledge of the game, stage presence, and calling ability, Kelly demonstrated exactly why she’s such a valued part of the Mecca family. Her players in Brierley Hill will tell you she brings that same energy to every single session.
Gary Wilson – Bingo Plus
Gary Wilson is a much-admired figure in the bingo world and a true veteran of the caller’s chair.
He has been a finalist in the National Bingo Game Caller of the Year competition on multiple occasions — appearing in both the 2022 and 2024 finals — a remarkable achievement that speaks to his consistency and continued excellence. Gary also featured on the Player Panel at the WhichBingo Awards 2024.
Keenan McGuinness – Real Fun Group
Keenan McGuinness represents Real Fun Group, one of the UK’s largest independent bingo operators, running clubs across England and Wales. Real Fun Group was built on the mission of putting the fun back into bingo, and callers like Keenan are exactly why that mission is succeeding.
Known for energy, professionalism, and a genuine connection with players, Keenan embodies the community spirit that makes local bingo clubs so special.
Who will be voted the Best Bingo Caller of 2026?
This is the first time we have included the Best Bingo Caller category, so we are excited to see who wins. The WhichBingo Awards are entirely player-voted, meaning the power is in your hands to decide who truly deserves the crown.
Voting for the Pre-Show categories open on April 7.
What are the WhichBingo Awards; Pre-Show Categories?
So what exactly is a Pre-Show session?
Well, like the Oscars, Emmys, and Grammys, we’ll be handing out a round of awards earlier in the day. With so much and so many to celebrate, it felt like the right way to reward the more community-led side of bingo and casino in a fun new way.
While the main awards recognise the best online bingo and casino sites, the Pre-Show awards recognise the real world experiences.
Pre-Show Categories for 2026:
- Best Party Bingo Event
- Best Bingo Caller
- Best Bingo Food
- Best Casino Restaurant
- Best Bingo Personality
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