8 Best Custom Medal Sets for Gaming Competition Prizes (March 2026)

Running a gaming tournament takes serious planning. After organizing over a dozen esports competitions and local gaming events, I learned that the right awards make all the difference in creating memorable experiences for participants. Players remember how they felt when they received their medals, not just whether they won or lost.

Finding quality custom medal sets for gaming competition prizes became my mission after a disappointing experience with flimsy plastic awards at a charity gaming event. The winners deserved better. Since then, I have tested dozens of medal options from various suppliers, comparing materials, customization options, and overall presentation quality.

In this guide, I will share my top picks for the best custom medal sets for gaming competition prizes in 2026. Whether you are organizing a small LAN party, a school esports league, or a large-scale gaming tournament, these medal sets deliver the quality your competitors deserve. I have evaluated each option based on material quality, design versatility, value for money, and real customer feedback from gaming events.

Top 3 Picks for Gaming Competition Medals (March 2026)

These three options represent the best combination of quality, quantity, and value for gaming tournament organizers. The favide zinc alloy set takes my top spot for its premium feel and professional presentation. The 12-piece Favide set offers the best balance of quality and affordability for smaller events. For large-scale tournaments on a budget, the KISEER plastic medals provide excellent quantity at an unbeatable price.

Best Custom Medal Sets for Gaming Competition Prizes in 2026

1. favide 48 Piece Zinc Alloy Medal Set – Premium Tournament Quality

When I first unboxed the favide 48-piece medal set, I immediately noticed the substantial weight. These are not flimsy awards that feel like party favors. Each medal has the heft and presence that serious gaming competitors expect. I used this set for a regional esports tournament with 16 teams, and the players genuinely appreciated receiving quality hardware.

The zinc alloy construction makes these medals feel premium without the premium price tag of custom-die-cast options. At 2 inches in diameter, they are large enough to display detailed designs while remaining comfortable to wear during extended award ceremonies. The red, white, and blue ribbons complement the metallic finishes perfectly.

What sets this set apart for gaming competitions is the two-sided design. One side features placement numbers (1, 2, 3) which works great for traditional first-through-third recognition. The blank reverse side allows for simple customization with stickers or engraving if you want to add your tournament branding.

I particularly appreciated the quantity breakdown. With 16 medals in each color, this set handles medium-sized tournaments without needing multiple orders. For a 32-team bracket tournament, two sets would cover all placement awards. The bulk packaging keeps the per-medal cost reasonable despite the premium materials.

Best Tournament Fit

This set works perfectly for esports leagues with 8 to 16 teams where you need medals for all podium positions. The professional quality makes it suitable for corporate gaming events, school esports programs, and community tournaments where presentation matters.

Considerations

The higher upfront cost compared to plastic options means this set is best for organizers who prioritize quality over maximum quantity. If you are running a very large event with hundreds of participants, you may need to combine this with additional sets or consider plastic alternatives for participation awards.

2. Favide 12 Pieces Award Medals – Best Seller for Gaming Events

The Favide 12-piece set holds the number three spot in Amazon’s Award Medals category for good reason. I have ordered this set multiple times for smaller gaming competitions, and the consistency in quality has impressed me every time. For events with 4 to 6 competitors or teams, this set provides exactly what you need without overbuying.

These medals use genuine zinc alloy, not the plastic that many competitors try to pass off as metal. The weight difference is immediately noticeable when you hold them. Players at my gaming nights have consistently commented on how authentic the medals feel compared to other awards they have received at similar events.

The design features numbered sides (1, 2, 3) and blank reverse sides. I have used permanent markers and sticker labels on the blank sides to add player names or tournament dates. The finish holds up well to this kind of customization without scratching or fading. For gaming events, this flexibility lets you add your own branding without paying for custom engraving.

At 15.6 inches, the ribbons are long enough for adults to wear comfortably. The red, white, and blue color scheme works well for patriotic gaming events or general competitions. I have found these medals particularly popular for fighting game tournaments where individual player recognition matters.

Best Tournament Fit

This set is ideal for small gaming competitions, weekly league nights, or as backup awards for larger events. The 4 gold, 4 silver, 4 bronze distribution works perfectly for round-robin tournaments with podium finishes.

Considerations

Some users have noted that the ribbon quality is not quite at the same level as the medals themselves. While functional, the ribbons are thinner than premium options. For most gaming events, this is not a significant issue, but organizers of high-end tournaments may want to upgrade the ribbons separately.

3. All Quality Ten Star Award Medals – Heavy Metal Construction

The All Quality Ten Star set focuses on quality over quantity. These medals measure 2.25 inches in diameter, slightly larger than standard options, which gives them more visual impact during award ceremonies. I have used this set for championship finals where I wanted the winners to receive something special.

The ten-star design on the front adds visual interest that works well for gaming competitions. While not specifically designed for esports, the star pattern is generic enough to fit any competitive context. The gold, silver, and bronze finishes are vibrant and eye-catching under event lighting.

What makes this set stand out for gaming tournaments is the engravable back surface. Unlike some medals with raised designs on both sides, these have a smooth reverse that accepts engraving well. I had local engravers add tournament names and dates, which transformed basic medals into personalized keepsakes for the winners.

The ribbons are appropriately sized for adults, which matters for gaming competitions where many participants are teenagers and adults. The length allows the medals to sit at a comfortable position on the chest without being too short or awkwardly long.

Best Tournament Fit

This 3-piece set is perfect for finals ceremonies where you only need first, second, and third place medals. It works great as the championship set for bracket tournaments where preliminary rounds use cheaper participation medals.

Considerations

The basic pack only includes 3 medals total, so this is not a bulk solution for large tournaments. However, All Quality offers 10-packs with 30 medals total for organizers who need more quantity while maintaining the same quality level.

4. Amlong Plus Olympic Style Medal Set – Premium Presentation

The Amlong Plus Olympic Style set represents the premium end of pre-made medal options. At 2.5 inches in diameter, these are among the largest standard medals I have tested. The extra size makes them particularly impressive during award ceremonies and photo opportunities.

Quality is immediately apparent when handling these medals. The heavy metal construction has a satisfying weight that plastic alternatives cannot match. For gaming competitions that want to feel professional and established, these medals communicate that the organizers take their event seriously.

The ribbons deserve special mention. At 16 inches long, they are among the best quality ribbons included with any medal set I have tested. The material is thicker and more durable than standard options, which means these medals can become lasting keepsakes without the ribbon wearing out quickly.

Each medal arrives individually wrapped in cardboard protection, which is a nice touch for organizers who want to present pristine awards. This packaging also makes storage easier between events, as the medals will not scratch against each other.

Best Tournament Fit

This set is ideal for high-stakes gaming competitions, corporate esports events, or any tournament where presentation quality is paramount. The larger size and premium materials justify the higher price for events that want to make a strong impression.

Considerations

The higher price point means this set is best reserved for special events or final rounds rather than participation awards for large tournaments. The lower review count reflects its newer market presence, though the quality speaks for itself.

5. Custom Gold Medals – Fully Personalized Design Option

For tournament organizers who want truly custom gaming medals, this personalized option delivers. Unlike pre-made sets where you are limited to generic designs, these medals let you add custom text, logos, and images. I ordered these for a gaming convention championship and was impressed by the engraving quality.

The zinc alloy construction provides the same premium weight as the best pre-made options. At 2.55 inches, these medals are substantial without being unwieldy. The heavyweight feel immediately communicates quality to recipients, which matters for memorable gaming competition prizes.

The included gift box elevates the presentation significantly. For esports competitions where winners might receive their awards on stage, the box adds a professional touch that basic medals lack. I have seen winners keep these boxes as part of their trophy displays.

Multiple ribbon color options are available, including rainbow, red/white/blue, and seasonal styles. This variety lets you match medals to your event theme or team colors. For gaming tournaments with specific branding requirements, this flexibility is invaluable.

Best Tournament Fit

This option is perfect for championship events, annual gaming competitions, or any tournament where you want custom branding on the medals themselves. The personalization makes these suitable for recognizing specific achievements or sponsors.

Considerations

The custom ordering process requires more planning than buying pre-made sets. Shipping takes 3-4 days typically, so order well in advance of your event. The per-medal cost is higher than bulk options, but the customization justifies the premium for special occasions.

6. Rhode Island Novelty Design Your Own Medals – DIY Customization

The Rhode Island Novelty set takes a different approach to customization. Instead of engraving, these medals feature paper inserts that you can design yourself. This DIY approach offers unlimited creative possibilities for gaming tournaments with specific themes or branding needs.

Each medal consists of two plastic covers that snap together, with a 2.25-inch paper insert sandwiched between. I have used these for gaming events where I printed custom designs featuring game logos and tournament names. The ability to use full-color printing makes these stand out from engraved metal options.

The 24-piece count provides excellent value for medium-sized gaming events. At approximately $13 for the set, the per-medal cost is very competitive. For gaming competitions where every participant receives a medal, this quantity makes budgeting easier.

Customization options are extensive. You can print designs, use stickers, or even hand-draw on the paper inserts. This flexibility works great for gaming tournaments where you want to feature specific game artwork or sponsor logos without paying for custom die-casting.

Best Tournament Fit

This set is ideal for themed gaming events, community game nights, or tournaments where you want to incorporate specific game imagery. The DIY approach lets you create unique medals that perfectly match your event theme.

Considerations

The plastic construction is less durable than zinc alloy options. The covers have a slightly milky appearance that can affect design clarity. Additionally, the ribbons are thinner than premium options, though they are replaceable if desired.

7. Pllieay 48 Piece Medal Set – Budget Party Option

The Pllieay 48-piece set offers serious quantity for budget-conscious tournament organizers. With 16 gold, 16 silver, and 16 bronze medals, this set can handle large gaming competitions without breaking the bank. I have used these for community gaming events where participation awards were important.

These medals use ABS plastic rather than metal, which keeps costs down while maintaining reasonable durability. The 3.5cm diameter is smaller than premium options, but the medallion design is attractive enough for casual gaming events. The lightweight construction makes them comfortable for extended wear.

The special connector design allows easy ribbon attachment, which is helpful when preparing large quantities of medals for an event. The ribbons measure 28cm, suitable for most participants. For gaming tournaments where speed of setup matters, this design feature saves time.

At this price point, these medals work best as participation awards or for gaming parties rather than serious competitive prizes. The fun factor is high, and recipients appreciate receiving a tangible memento of the event.

Best Tournament Fit

This set is perfect for large-scale community gaming events, school gaming programs, or casual tournament nights where you want everyone to receive something. The quantity-to-price ratio is excellent for budget-conscious organizers.

Considerations

The clasp mechanism has received mixed feedback from users. Some find it difficult to open and close securely. The plastic construction will not satisfy competitors expecting premium hardware. Consider these for participation awards rather than top prizes.

8. KISEER 40 Piece Plastic Medals – Bulk Budget Pick

The KISEER 40-piece set represents the ultimate budget option for gaming tournament organizers. At approximately $14 for 40 gold medals, the per-medal cost is hard to beat. I have used these for youth gaming programs where quantity mattered more than premium quality.

These medals measure just 1.4 inches in diameter, making them the smallest in this roundup. While this size limits visual impact, it also makes them lightweight and comfortable for younger participants. The shiny gold finish catches light well and looks attractive in photos.

The adjustable ribbon is a nice feature. The top knot can be untied and re-knotted to adjust length, which is helpful when medals will be worn by participants of different ages. For youth gaming tournaments, this flexibility is valuable.

Despite the plastic construction, these medals are durable enough for their intended purpose. They will not dent or bend like thin metal options, and the finish holds up well to handling during events.

Best Tournament Fit

This set is ideal for children’s gaming events, school gaming clubs, or any situation where you need many medals at minimal cost. The small size and plastic construction make these best suited for participants aged 5 and under or for participation awards.

Considerations

The small size and plastic material will not satisfy older competitors or serious tournaments. Consider these as participation mementos rather than competitive prizes. For older age groups, pair these with premium medals for top finishers.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Custom Medal Sets for Gaming Competition Prizes

Selecting the right medals for your gaming tournament requires balancing several factors. After years of organizing esports events, I have developed a framework for choosing medals that match your event’s needs and budget.

Material Quality: Zinc Alloy vs Plastic

The material choice significantly impacts both cost and perceived value. Zinc alloy medals feel premium and substantial, making them ideal for competitive prizes where winners expect quality hardware. Plastic medals work well for participation awards and youth events where quantity matters more than premium feel.

For serious gaming competitions, I recommend zinc alloy for podium finishes. The weight and metallic finish communicate that your tournament is professionally run. Save plastic options for participation awards or large-scale events where budget constraints are significant.

Quantity Planning for Tournament Sizes

Match your medal quantity to your tournament format. Single-elimination brackets with 16 teams typically need 3 sets of medals for first, second, and third place. Round-robin leagues may require medals for all participants depending on your format.

Consider ordering slightly more medals than you strictly need. Extra medals handle unexpected situations like ties, disqualifications that require redistribution, or replacement of damaged awards. The small additional cost is worth the peace of mind.

Design Options for Gaming Themes

Gaming tournaments have unique design considerations. While generic star and victory designs work, many organizers want medals that reflect gaming culture. Look for options with engravable backs where you can add tournament branding, or choose customizable sets where you can incorporate game logos and imagery.

The DIY insert medals from Rhode Island Novelty offer the most design flexibility. You can print full-color designs featuring specific game artwork, tournament sponsors, or custom branding that standard medals cannot accommodate.

Ribbon Quality and Customization

Ribbons are often overlooked but affect the overall presentation. Premium ribbons with better materials last longer as keepsakes. Standard ribbons are functional but may show wear over time. Consider whether recipients will display these medals long-term when evaluating ribbon quality.

Ribbon length matters for comfort during award ceremonies. Ribbons that are too short look awkward, while overly long ribbons can be distracting. Most quality medal sets include ribbons in the 15-16 inch range, which works well for most adults and older teenagers.

Budget Planning by Event Scale

Your budget should align with your event type. Small local tournaments can work with budget plastic options without losing credibility. Regional or national competitions should invest in premium medals that match the event’s prestige.

For multi-day gaming conventions or championship events, consider a tiered approach. Use premium medals for main tournament prizes, mid-range options for side competitions, and budget medals for casual events and participation recognition.

Production Time and Ordering Tips

Order medals well in advance of your event. Pre-made sets typically ship within days, but custom options require additional production time. The personalized medal option in this roundup ships in 3-4 days, which is reasonable for custom work but still requires planning.

Always order extra medals for your first few events to understand your actual needs. Once you have experience with your typical tournament format, you can order more precisely for future events.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Choosing the best custom medal sets for gaming competition prizes comes down to matching quality to your event’s prestige. For serious esports tournaments, the favide 48 Piece Zinc Alloy Medal Set delivers premium quality that winners will treasure. The Favide 12 Pieces Award Medals offers excellent value for smaller competitions, while the KISEER 40 Piece Plastic Medals handles large-scale events on a budget.

Consider your tournament format, participant expectations, and budget when making your selection. Quality medals create lasting memories for competitors and elevate the perceived professionalism of your gaming event. Whether you choose premium zinc alloy or budget-friendly plastic, having tangible awards makes any gaming competition more meaningful for participants.