Rematch has officially claimed the Sports Game of the Year award at the DICE Awards, edging out heavy competition and defeating EA SPORTS FC 26 for one of the night’s most competitive categories.

The surprise victory marks a major milestone for Rematch, which impressed voters with its fresh gameplay systems, competitive balance, and strong reception from both players and critics. Going up against FC 26 — a long-standing giant in the sports genre — Rematch’s win signals growing appetite for innovation beyond traditional annual sports releases.

EA SPORTS FC 26 entered the awards season as one of the favorites, backed by its massive player base and continued evolution of gameplay mechanics. However, Rematch’s tighter competitive focus and standout design choices appear to have resonated more strongly with the DICE voting panel.

The DICE Awards, voted on by members of the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences, are widely regarded as one of the most prestigious honors in the gaming industry. Winning in the sports category places Rematch among an elite group of titles that have successfully pushed the genre forward.

With this win, Rematch firmly establishes itself as a serious contender in the sports gaming space — and a title that could influence how future competitive sports games are designed.