Table Flipping Championship at Board Game Bash - two competitors holding tables overhead with crowd watching and laughing

The Legendary Board Game Bash Returns

Table Flipping Championship, life-sized games, and 12 years of beloved traditions revived — JGBGB honors Jonathan Grabert's legacy this August 2026 in Austin, Texas

No spam • First access to Early Bird tickets • 42 gamers already in

Carrying Forward a Legacy

Jonathan Grabert built something special. For 12 years (2011-2022), Board Game Bash brought the Austin gaming community together for an annual reunion unlike any other convention.

Jonathan was a beloved figure who organized multiple gaming events — Board Game Bash, Role Play Rally, ManaSlam, MegaGame Texas. He ran South Austin Game Night weekly. As friends described him, he was "a fun-loving, complex individual who brought people together."

When Jonathan passed away in October 2023 at age 44, the community lost not just an organizer, but the heart of what made BGB special.

Now we're reviving that tradition. Matt Stephans attended all 12 Board Game Bash events as Jonathan's close friend. He founded the first MegaGame in Texas, which Jonathan later ran. With 20 years of event organizing experience, Matt is bringing back the Table Flipping Championship, the custom dice tradition, and the intimate community Jonathan built.

The original 2011 custom die - where Jonathan's tradition began

The first custom die from 2011 — where it all began

The reunions that happened every year

The Traditions You Remember

These are the moments people looked forward to all year. We're bringing them all back.

Table Flipping Championship

The legendary final-night event with wrestling-style intros. Competitors flip actual card tables while the crowd votes on winners. Pure BGB chaos and joy.

Life-Sized Board Games

Massive floor game setups that transform the venue. Giant Pitch Car, oversized dice, and games you can walk through. Experiences you can't get anywhere else.

Custom Dice Tradition

Jonathan started this in 2011 - every year brought new custom dice for attendees. Collectible keepsakes that became treasured mementos of each Bash.

Everything Major Cons Aren't

JGBGB is intentionally small, local, and community-driven. Here's why that matters.

Small & Intimate

200-300 attendees, not 1000+. Everyone knows each other. Personal connections, not anonymous crowds. This is your gaming family's annual reunion.

Your Annual Reunion

For many, BGB was the ONE time they'd reconnect with out-of-town gaming friends. That dedicated 72-hour block you never schedule at home.

Local & Affordable

Right in Austin. No flights, no major travel for Texas gamers. $40-60 tickets vs. $200+ at major conventions. Easy to attend, easy on your wallet.

Community, Not Corporate

Grassroots event honoring Jonathan's legacy, not sponsor-driven programming. Bring your own games, host your own events, build the experience together.

In Trusted Hands

Matt Stephans isn't just bringing back BGB — he was there from the beginning:

Attended all 12 Board Game Bash events (2011-2022)
Close personal friend of Jonathan Grabert
Founded the first MegaGame in Texas (later run by Jonathan)
Attended BGG.CON and BGG Spring for 7 consecutive years
20 years running An Exceptional Life (founded 2005)
Founded Competition Unlimited (Midnight Madness citywide treasure hunts)
Supervised 200-person events successfully

42Early supporters already committed

March 2026Venue confirmation milestone

August 2026JGBGB weekend in Austin

Ticket Pricing (For Your Planning)

Tickets won't be available until after the venue is confirmed in March 2026. We're sharing pricing now so you know what to expect.

Limited Availability

Early Bird

$40

First 50-100 tickets • Waitlist gets first access • Save $20

Full 3-4 day weekend pass
All hosted events & tournaments
Table Flipping Championship
Access to community games

Regular Admission

$60

Available after Early Bird sells out

Full 3-4 day weekend pass
All hosted events & tournaments
Table Flipping Championship
Access to community games

Join the Founding Community

Be the first to know when tickets go live. Waitlist members get exclusive first access to Early Bird pricing before the general public.

No spam, ever. Just updates on venue confirmation and ticket launch.

Questions?

When and where is JGBGB 2026?

When: August 2026 (specific weekend TBD based on venue availability)
Where: Austin, Texas. We're targeting the original venue (Austin Marriott South) where Board Game Bash was held from 2011-2022. Venue will be confirmed by March 2026.

Who should attend JGBGB?

Former Board Game Bash attendees looking to reconnect with the community. Texas board gamers from Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas who want an intimate alternative to massive conventions. Anyone who values small-scale, community-driven gaming events where everyone knows each other.

When can I buy tickets?

Tickets will go on sale in April 2026 after the venue is confirmed. Waitlist members will get exclusive first access to Early Bird tickets ($40, limited to first 50-100) before the general public. Regular tickets will be $60.

What's included in the ticket price?

Full access to the 3-4 day event, all hosted events and tournaments, Table Flipping Championship participation, open gaming throughout the weekend, and access to community game libraries. Optional swag packages (custom dice + t-shirt) will be available as add-ons.

How is this different from BGG.CON or other major conventions?

JGBGB is intentionally small (200-300 vs 1000+ attendees). It's your annual reunion with the same community, not anonymous crowds. We're reviving beloved BGB traditions like Table Flipping Championship and life-sized games. It's grassroots and community-driven, not corporate-sponsored. Plus it's local to Texas — no flights required, tickets are $40-60 vs $200+ at major cons.

Be Part of Writing the Next Chapter

Jonathan built something remarkable. Now we're carrying it forward. Join the founding community and help revive the traditions that made Board Game Bash legendary.

First access to Early Bird tickets • Save $20 • Be part of the legacy