Spiel des Jahres 2025 predictions!

The weekend has finally arrived! This Sunday, the Jury will announce the winners of the this year’s Spiel des Jahres. Jeremy and Doug and I chatted earlier about our experiences with each game that we have played: 

https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-epvmg-18b5000

But, enough blather, it’s time to predict the winners. Last year, I went only one for three, correctly picking SKY TEAM but missing on the rest of the awards.

This year, I again did not get a chance to attend BGG Spring, so I have not played all of the nominees. But as I say each year, that’s not going to stop me from posting some predictions. No one knows nothin’ about nothin’, anyway (says Matt Riddle).

SPIEL DES JAHRES

For the big award, the Spiel des Jahres, the nominees are:
—Bomb Busters
—Flip 7
—Krakel Orakel

I have played both Bomb Busters and Flip 7 multiple times. (I have no experience yet with Krakel Orakel other than listening to the designer chat with Ben at 5G4D. Bomb Busters feels like a continuation of Sky Team, so I’m going to zag and pick Flip 7. Besides, it’s the greatest card game ever invented, just read the box cover. 

My prediction: Flip 7

Our previous posts:

Believe It Or Not, I’m Flipping This Card: FLIP 7 review

Top Highlights from BGG.CON 2024 Day Two: Cities, Bomb Busters, Exhibit Hall and more!

KENNERSPIEL DES JAHRES

For the Kennerspiel, the nominees are:
—Endeavor Deep Sea,
—Faraway
—Looot

I have played Faraway more than Looot, and have never played the new version of Endeavor. That being said, I think Faraway is clever, quick playing, and has lots of depth for families and is my favorite of the three. But the buzz is on about Endeavor Deep Sea, and I think the Jury rewards the reworking of this very highly rated game. 

My prediction: Endeavor Deep Sea

KINDERSPIEL DES JAHRES

For the Kinderspiel, the nominees are:

—Cascadia Junior
—Die Mäusebande (Le Clan des Souris)
—Topp die Torte!

As I said, I skipped BGG Spring again this year (and I’m skipping it again in 2026 to go to Italy instead), so I have no experience with any of these. But I figure if I keep picking Wolfgang Warsch titles each year, I’m bound to be right at some point? 

My prediction: Topp die Torte!

So, that’s it for the predictions. I’ll check in next week to discuss the winners and how well I did. Do you have any favorites or predictions? 

Until next time, laissez les bon temps rouler! 
— BJ from Board Game Gumbo