Bringing the Lion to Life: Custom Awards for BetMGM Poker Tournaments
2025 Aria Poker Classic Award, designed by Bennett Awards
At Bennett Awards, every project starts with a vision. When BetMGM reached out to us, their vision was clear: create a trophy that would symbolize more than just a poker win. They wanted something iconic—something that would inspire players, reflect their brand’s prestige, and become a lasting symbol of triumph.
Part 1: The Ask — Building a Symbol for Champions
BetMGM, a leading name in online sports betting and gaming, initially contacted us to design a custom award for their poker tournaments. The goal? Craft a piece that incorporated the MGM lion—an instantly recognizable brand element—and gave players something to aspire to beyond cash prizes.
The project began with a “tombstone” style award—industry lingo for a symbol on a base. We were chosen for our experience in crafting brand-forward, custom awards that blend artistry with durability. As a company that already held multiple accolades in the gaming industry, BetMGM knew their tournaments needed a prize that looked and felt as premium as their platform. What started as a single project quickly grew into a strong, ongoing partnership.
Part 2: Concept to Creation — From Sketches to Roars
Our collaboration with BetMGM began with their first custom logo award. They emphasized the importance of showcasing their modern lion logo—the same design used on their customized poker chips. Our design team developed a 10-inch tall award made from layered black acrylic. The standout feature was a waterjet-cut brass plate forming the lion logo on the front. This rested on a sleek, black octagonal base engraved in gold with the winner’s name.
This award became an instant success. The visual connection between their chips, branding, and the physical trophy gave the poker experience a whole new level of excitement. BetMGM was so pleased, they began ordering the awards in bulk so we could keep inventory on hand and ship engraved versions as needed—ensuring a seamless experience for every tournament.
Riding the success of the first design, BetMGM approached us again with a new challenge. For their larger, high-stakes tournaments, they wanted something more visually impactful. The request: a three-dimensional lion sculpture that felt like a true centerpiece. The design would pay homage to the famous lion statue “Leo” outside MGM's Las Vegas casino, but with a twist—the lion needed to be roaring, matching the energy of their brand logo.
They also wanted this sculpture to stand apart from similar lion-themed awards used by an Asian poker championship, requiring a distinct visual identity. Our design team explored several stylistic directions, eventually honing in on a chiseled, angular take on the lion, with exaggerated features to give it a modern, sculptural edge.
Collaborating closely with BetMGM, we refined the piece further—adjusting the base shape from square to round, tweaking proportions, and finding the right visual balance. The result: a striking lion sculpture, nearly 14 inches tall, cast in resin and finished in a bold gold electroplate.
Part 3: The Final Product — Elegant, Eye-Catching, Iconic
The final designs reflect both BetMGM’s stature in the gaming world and our commitment to customized artistry.
The Logo Award: A 10-inch tall, layered black acrylic trophy featuring a precision-cut brass lion, set on a black octagonal base with gold-filled engraving. Elegant, clean, and brand-aligned.
The 3D Lion Award: A nearly 14-inch tall roaring lion in gold electroplated resin, with a matching gold base—an intentional design choice to create a unified, premium look. Winner names are engraved on a black laser plate with gold text.
Because these awards are often flown home by winners across the country, weight and portability were important. To balance aesthetics with practicality, the lion awards are hollow but filled with sand to give them a satisfying weight without compromising ease of transport.
These pieces don’t just serve as trophies—they act as lasting reminders of high achievement and moments of prestige.
Part 4: Impact — Awards That Make a Statement
So far, the feedback has been resounding. One of the lion prototypes has already been used in promotional material at a recent poker event, and BetMGM has confirmed that the new awards will be featured at future tournaments.
While specific retention or engagement statistics aren’t yet available, BetMGM’s decision to place ongoing bulk orders speaks volumes. These awards have become an integral part of the tournament experience. They inspire players, elevate the brand, and create share-worthy moments both online and off.
In an industry where customer loyalty and memorable experiences are everything, these awards offer real, tangible value. They strengthen BetMGM’s brand image and ensure players walk away with more than just winnings—they take home a piece of the story.
Conclusion: A Creative Partnership That Pays Off
At Bennett Awards, we pride ourselves on bringing ideas to life in a way that honors both artistry and intention. Working with BetMGM gave us the opportunity to push our creative boundaries and reimagine the concept of a poker trophy. From a sleek logo award to a roaring lion sculpture, each piece we crafted serves as a symbol of excellence.
We're proud to continue our partnership with BetMGM—helping champions celebrate their victories, and helping a world-class brand stand tall, one lion at a time.
Need custom awards for your next big event?
Let’s bring your vision to life. Get in touch with Bennett Awards.
