Furry of the Year: How Dealers Den & Conventions Choose Winners (2026 Guide)

Furry of the Year” is one of the most respected awards in the furry fandom. It’s given annually to recognize outstanding members for their contributions – whether through amazing fursuits, artwork, community help, charity work, or positive influence.

The award is closely tied to Dealers Den and major conventions like Anthrocon and Midwest FurFest. In this 2026 guide, we explain exactly how winners are chosen, the nomination process, categories, and how you (or someone you know) can be part of it.

What Is Furry of the Year? Furry of the Year is a community-driven award that celebrates the best of the fandom each year. It started as a fun idea in the early 2000s and has grown into a prestigious honor announced at big conventions.

The award is run by Dealers Den (the popular furry marketplace) in partnership with cons. Winners are chosen by fan votes and sometimes a panel of judges.

How Winners Are Chosen in 2026 The process is usually the same each year (minor changes may happen – always check Dealers Den or con announcements for 2026 updates):

1. Nominations Open
   • Late 2025 or early 2026 (usually December–February)
   • Fans nominate people via a form on Dealers Den or a con site
   • Anyone can nominate (self-nominations often allowed)
   • You need a reason: ” Best fursuit maker ”  , “amazing artist”, “helped the community during tough times”, etc.
2. Finalists Selected
   • Nominations are reviewed (by Dealers Den team or con staff)
   • Top 5–10 finalists announced (usually March–May 2026)
   • Categories may include: Overall Furry of the Year, Best Fursuit, Best Artist, Best Newcomer, Community Hero, etc.
3. Voting Period
   • Fans vote online (via Dealers Den site or con portal)
   • Voting usually runs 2–4 weeks before the announcing con
   • One vote per account (email or social login required)
4. Winner Announcement
   • Usually during closing ceremonies at a major con (most often Anthrocon in July)
   • Winner gets a trophy, badge, feature on Dealers Den, and lots of community love
   • Sometimes multiple winners (one per category)

Past Furry of the Year Winners (Examples)

• Many winners are fursuit makers, suit performers, artists, or community helpers
• Common traits: consistent high-quality work, kindness, helping newcomers, charity involvement
• 2025 winner (example): A well-known maker who donated suit profits to animal shelters and mentored new builders

How to Get Nominated or Win in 2026

• Be active and positive in the community (FurAffinity, X, Discord, cons)
• Share your work regularly (suits, art, tutorials)
• Help others (mentoring, charity streams, answering questions)
• Attend cons and network – visibility matters
• Ask friends/fans to nominate you (with good reasons)
• Focus on one category (e.g., Best Fursuit if you’re a maker/wearer)

Which Conventions Announce Furry of the Year?

• Most often Anthrocon (Pittsburgh, July)
• Sometimes Midwest FurFest (Chicago area, December)
• Occasionally other large cons like Texas Furry Fiesta or Further Confusion
• Dealers Den usually coordinates the voting platform

Why Furry of the Year Matters Winning or even being nominated boosts visibility – more commissions, followers, and respect in the fandom. It’s also a way to celebrate kindness, creativity, and positivity that keeps the community strong.

Do you think someone deserves a nomination for 2026? Or are you hoping to be in the running? Comment below or DM us on X!

Planning to attend cons and show off your suit in 2026? We make custom fursuits, heads, partials, and accessories – high quality and con-ready. Get your quote today and aim for that spotlight!