The stage is set. In our previous post, we unveiled the Top 5 Finalists for the Rising Stars Awards. From spiritual reflection to fast-paced logic flows, these titles represent the best emerging talent in the word puzzle genre.
But with five incredible contenders and only one “Emerging Word Puzzle Game” title to award, the decision is anything but easy.
To ensure the winner is chosen with the highest standards of expertise, fairness, and industry insight, we have assembled a jury of true heavyweights. These are leaders who have been part of global hits, mastered monetization, and led teams at some of the world’s leading studios.
We are proud to introduce the Rising Stars Awards Jury Panel.
Santiago Pérez
When it comes to building games at a global scale, Santiago Pérez is a veteran with a proven playbook. Over a career spanning 13 years, he founded From The Bench Games, transforming it into a powerhouse for sports gaming. His portfolio reads like a “Who’s Who” of the sporting world, featuring partnerships with the NBA, NFL, MLB, and iconic clubs like Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, and Liverpool.
Santiago doesn’t just build games; he builds hits that dominate charts, achieving #1 rankings in over 10 countries. Today, he leads product strategy at TinyBytes, driving long-term growth and monetization for massive hits like Massive Warfare (100M+ downloads). With a deep understanding of player psychology and data-driven design, Santiago brings a master’s eye for what makes a game scalable and sticky.
Daisie Ha
A game can be fun, but can it be a sustainable business? Daisie Ha knows exactly how to answer that. As the lead for Ad Monetization at Mirai Studio, Daisie is a master of balancing high-performance ad inventory with a seamless user experience, a critical skill for the puzzle genre.
Based in Vietnam, she manages global inventory with a special focus on the US market. Her expertise was instrumental in propelling Bad Student: School Prank to the #1 spot in the US Simulation Games category in April 2025. Daisie brings a sharp, analytical perspective to the jury, ensuring that our winner isn’t just a great game, but a solid product with the potential to thrive.
Alain Xalabarde
Alain Xalabarde looks at games through a unique, multi-disciplinary lens. With over 10 years of experience spanning mobile, PC, console, and even board games, he understands play in all its forms. A recipient of the Silver Medal at Serious Play, Alain is not just a developer but a true creative, he is also an avid filmmaker and a published author of seven books.
Currently leading the studio at Gimica Games, Alain specializes in product strategy and game design delivery. His ability to bridge the gap between narrative art and interactive mechanics ensures that our finalists are judged not just on code, but on creativity, polish, and the “soul” of the game.
Allwin Navamani
With nearly two decades of experience, Allwin Navamani is a pillar of the gaming industry. His journey has taken him through the halls of giants like Gameloft, Ubisoft, and EA, where he honed his expertise in production and team leadership. Currently leading the charge at Moonfrog Labs, Allwin has played a pivotal role in the success of genre-defining titles, including the massive hit Word Collect.
Allwin combines creative ambition with disciplined execution. He believes that great games are born from aligned, trusted teams, a philosophy that has helped him navigate complex production challenges time and time again. His direct experience in the word puzzle category makes him an invaluable voice in identifying the next big thing.
The Countdown Begins
Our jury is now reviewing the finalists, testing every mechanic, analyzing every transition, and debating which title truly deserves the crown.
The competition is fierce, the expertise is unmatched, and the excitement is building.
Stay tuned. The next time we post, we will be crowning the Emerging Word Puzzle Game.
