The Game Awards Unveils Nominees for 2025 Best Sports/Racing Game

The Game Awards has revealed its nominees for the Best Sports/Racing Game of 2025, with racing and soccer titles dominating the list. This year's selection includes a mix of established franchises and a new contender, setting the stage for a competitive night as the gaming industry celebrates its standout releases.

Why it matters:

The Best Sports/Racing Game category at The Game Awards highlights the most impactful and innovative titles in a genre that consistently pushes technological boundaries and delivers immersive experiences. Recognizing these games not only celebrates their technical achievements and gameplay but also sets benchmarks for future developments within the sports and racing gaming communities.

The details:

• EA Sports FC 26: Building on the success of its predecessor, FC 25, which won last year's award, EA Sports FC 26 continues to refine its acclaimed formula, solidifying its position as a dominant force in soccer simulation.
• F1 25: Catering to simulation enthusiasts, F1 25 offers a highly realistic and immersive experience for fans of Formula 1, capturing the intensity and precision of the sport.
• Mario Kart World: Launched as a key title for the new Nintendo Switch 2, Mario Kart World received a strong reception despite some criticisms regarding its track design, maintaining its status as a beloved arcade racer.
• Rematch: This new entry in the soccer genre distinguishes itself with a more tactile gameplay feel, focusing on intense, fast-paced 5-on-5 matches that promise a fresh perspective on virtual soccer.
• Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds: Widely praised as the best Sonic racing game to date, CrossWorlds has garnered significant acclaim for its improved gameplay and overall experience, marking a strong comeback for the series.

The big picture:

The nominations reflect a diverse year for sports and racing games, showcasing both the evolution of long-standing franchises and the emergence of fresh innovations. The continued rivalry between Mario and Sonic in the racing genre, alongside the intense competition between established and new soccer titles, indicates a vibrant and dynamic market. F1 25's inclusion underscores the consistent demand for high-fidelity simulation experiences, balancing the more arcade-style offerings.

What's next:

The winner of the Best Sports/Racing Game will be announced at The Game Awards, scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM ET on Thursday, December 11, 2025. Gamers and industry watchers alike will be keen to see which title ultimately takes home the prize, influencing future trends and expectations within the genre.