Trending...
- Acuvance Appoints Sandeep Sabharwal to Board of Directors, Strengthening Leadership to Support Continued Platform Growth
- iVAM2-ST2110 to Simplify IP Transitions and Reduce Monitoring Complexity
- MainConcept Announces Multiview Encoding for Apple Immersive Video
From clever wordplay to strategic showdowns, this year's winners blend brainpower, creativity, and pure tabletop delight
HERNDON, Va. - Washingtoner -- After nearly four days of nonstop gameplay at Mensa's 2026 Mind Games® competition, American Mensa has awarded its coveted Mensa Select® seal to seven standout tabletop games — titles that challenge the mind, reward creativity, and deliver unforgettable play experiences
Chosen by approximately 400 Mensa members during an intensive four-day board game marathon in Herndon, Va., the winning games rose to the top based on their scores in concept, level of challenge, and design. The Mensa Select distinction is widely recognized as a mark of excellence in tabletop gaming, signaling games that are both intellectually engaging and broadly enjoyable.
The 2026 Mensa Select winners are:
The annual Mind Games competition, sponsored by the Mensa Foundation, offers game manufacturers the opportunity to have their titles evaluated by one of the most discerning audiences in the country: avid tabletop gamers who are also members of American Mensa.
More on Washingtoner
The recognition comes as tabletop gaming continues to grow worldwide, with annual sales exceeding $15 billion and strong long-term growth projected. North America leads the market — evidence that games which challenge the mind are finding a wider audience.
About American Mensa: American Mensa is an organization open to anyone who scores in the top 2 percent on an accepted standardized intelligence test. Mensa has 45,000 members in the United States and more than 140,000 members globally. For more information about American Mensa, visit americanmensa.org.
Chosen by approximately 400 Mensa members during an intensive four-day board game marathon in Herndon, Va., the winning games rose to the top based on their scores in concept, level of challenge, and design. The Mensa Select distinction is widely recognized as a mark of excellence in tabletop gaming, signaling games that are both intellectually engaging and broadly enjoyable.
The 2026 Mensa Select winners are:
- A Place for All My Books (Smirk & Dagger Games), a delightfully clever puzzle of order, organization, and literary charm. (Creators: Alex Cutler and Michael Mihealsick)
- Critter Kitchen (Cardboard Alchemy), a whimsical strategy meets culinary competition in a lively, critter-filled kitchen. (Creators: Alex Cutler and Peter C. Hayward)
- Fromage (R2i Games), a richly layered game of timing and tactics, where every move matures with flavor. (Creators: Matthew O'Malley and Ben Rosset)
- Galileo Galilei (Capstone Games), a thoughtful, strategic journey through discovery, innovation, and scientific legacy. (Creator: Tomáš Holek)
- Got Five (Blue Orange Games), fast-paced pattern recognition and quick thinking collide in an addictive challenge. (Creator: Yoann Levet)
- Things in Rings (Allplay), a smart, social deduction game that rewards logic, creativity, and connection. (Peter C. Hayward)
- Twinkle Twinkle (Allplay), a deceptively simple experience that shines with elegance, timing, and tactical depth. (Creator: Ammon Anderson)
The annual Mind Games competition, sponsored by the Mensa Foundation, offers game manufacturers the opportunity to have their titles evaluated by one of the most discerning audiences in the country: avid tabletop gamers who are also members of American Mensa.
More on Washingtoner
- PropAccount.com Adds Equities to Its Multi-Asset Prop Firm Platform, Opening the Door to the World's Largest Trading Market
- Ailias Launches Global Partner Programme for AI-Powered Conversational Digital Humans in Events and Experiences
- Village People Headline "Rock The Rainbow" Phuket Pride Finale 2026
- SilverBow Strategies Launches RFPArchon™, the First Product in Its Artemis AI Solutions™ Suite
- Sawasdee Anime Launches Animenture: A Gamified SNS Connecting Global Fans to 2,000+ Anime Sites
The recognition comes as tabletop gaming continues to grow worldwide, with annual sales exceeding $15 billion and strong long-term growth projected. North America leads the market — evidence that games which challenge the mind are finding a wider audience.
About American Mensa: American Mensa is an organization open to anyone who scores in the top 2 percent on an accepted standardized intelligence test. Mensa has 45,000 members in the United States and more than 140,000 members globally. For more information about American Mensa, visit americanmensa.org.
Source: American Mensa
0 Comments
Latest on Washingtoner
- 5 Things to Check Before Calling for AC Repair in Philly
- Go Dental Clinic Announces Upcoming Opening of New Branch in International City, Dubai
- Hazel E Hosts Starline Tours Bus to Sonic Desert - A Launch to Coachella
- City Seeks Community Members Interested in Preparing Statements 'For' and 'Against' Proposition 1, the 'Connect Tacoma: Safe Streets and Sidewalks' Ballot Measure
- Contracting Resources Group and Aalis Management Consulting Launch ARG Joint Venture Under SBA Mentor-Protégé Program
- Card makers turn to Pink and Main for tools to support their craft
- Revenue Optics Completes Full Commercial Buildout. A Nine-Month-Old Firm Built on 25 Years of Distribution Expertise. Five Clients From $200M to $3B
- EduCare Inc. Bridges Critical Gap in Breast Cancer Education with Spanish COPE Library Launch
- Engineering leaders from industry, academia to gather at IISE Annual Conference & Expo in Arlington, Texas
- AI-Driven Neurotechnology Expansion as FDA Path Clears and New Defense Initiative Emerges for NRx Pharmaceuticals (N A S D A Q: NRXP)
- BestDoc Launches AI Call Center for Healthcare
- Acuvance Appoints Sandeep Sabharwal to Board of Directors, Strengthening Leadership to Support Continued Platform Growth
- Grange Insurance Association to Rebrand as Granwest Insurance on July 1, 2026
- Dr. Rosendo Icochea, MD Recognized for Contributions to Surgical Education and Medical Research
- Giftella Launches AI Gift-Finder App That Replaces Guesswork With Personalized Picks in Seconds
- Beverly.io Announces Nationwide Expansion and Poppins Payroll Partnership for Families
- City Council Adopts Resolution Transmitting 'Connect Tacoma' Ballot Measure to Pierce County Auditor for August 4, 2026 Primary Election Ballot
- Lucky Envelope Brewing Celebrates 11th Anniversary
- PeopleNTech Releases 2026 Report Featuring Farhana Hanip: Women-Led Tech is the Business Imperative
- New Book: The Battle for Truth and Shadows - Guardians of Light - Epic Fantasy Unveils a War Between Light and Deception