UNO ® has announced the first-ever UNO® Elite Playoffs, a nationwide hobby shop–driven tournament offering players the chance to win a $10,000 cash prize and a trip to Las Vegas to compete in the UNO Elite Championship. The UNO Elite Playoffs bring fans into the excitement of football’s playoff season, transforming participating hobby shops into competitive arenas where players can face off for local bragging rights and a chance at the ultimate title.
Participating hobby shops across the country will host official UNO Elite Playoff events, inviting players of all skill levels to join the action. Everyone who participates in a playoff will receive an automatic entry into the UNO Elite Championship Sweepstakes. On January 12, 2026, four finalists will be randomly drawn to compete in the UNO Elite Championship Game in Las Vegas on February 8, 2026, during football’s biggest weekend. One participating hobby shop owner will also be randomly selected to join the sweepstakes winners in Las Vegas and have a seat at the UNO Elite Championship table.
“The launch of the UNO Elite Playoffs marks an exciting new chapter for Mattel and the hobby shop community,” said Matt Brutocao, Vice President, US Marketing, Mattel. “The program rewards both retailers and players with friendly competition and shared excitement as we head into the biggest football weekend of the year.”
Finalists, along with the hobby shop owner, will receive round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations, ground transportation, show tickets, and exclusive access to compete for $10,000 and the title of the first-ever UNO Elite Champion. Championship Sunday starts with a welcome reception and tour hosted at Allegiant Stadium, giving finalists a warm-up experience and first jolt of game-day electricity before they gear up for the final game at a surprise location.
The UNO Elite Championship will be hosted by Pro Football Hall of Famer Joe Thomas, who brings his enthusiasm for both football and UNO to the role. “UNO has been a favorite in my family for years, so partnering with them for the UNO Elite Championship was an easy yes,” Thomas said. “This program brings out the competitive spirit in a fun way, and I’m looking forward to helping crown the first UNO Elite Playoff Champion in Las Vegas.”
How the UNO Elite Playoffs Work:
- Sign-up at participating hobby shops or directly at UNOEliteChampionship.com, Dec. 10, 2025 – Jan. 11, 2026.
- Local Playoff Games: Dec. 10, 2025 – Jan. 11, 2026
- All participants who play in the UNO Elite Playoffs automatically receive an entry into the UNO Elite Championship Sweepstakes
- On January 12, 2026, four players + one Hobby Shop owner will be selected at random to compete in the championship in Las Vegas.
- UNO Elite Championship: February 8, 2026
Additional program information, official rules, and participating details are available at UNOEliteChampionship.com.
