By Dave Workman
Editor-in-Chief
Three media professionals, who are also members of the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms’ Board of Directors, have been nominated for 2026 Gundies awards.
According to their website, “The Gundies Awards celebrate excellence in the firearms and outdoor industries by recognizing creators, influencers, and brands making a meaningful impact in our community. Founded to highlight innovation, advocacy, and inspiration, the Gundies shine a spotlight on the individuals and organizations shaping our industry’s future.”
Described as a “people’s choice award” for the Second Amendment community, the Gundies program dates back to 2019, according to CCRKBA Director John Petrolino, who is also one of the three nominees. Joining Petrolino as nominees are Mark Walters, host of Armed American Radio, and Cam Edwards, host of the Cam & Company podcast and editor at Bearing Arms.com.
Petrolino has been nominated for the Top 2A Writer award, Walters has been nominated as the Top Voice of the Second Amendment and Edwards’ nomination is for the Top Podcaster of the Year.
Previously, Massad Ayoob, the veteran gun writer and firearms instructor/authority received the Top 2A Writer award. Ayoob is president of the Second Amendment Foundation.
Voting begins today, Dec. 1 and runs through Dec. 15.
Voting is done by visiting thegundies.com and signing in. There are 19 categories:
1. Best Gun Reviewer
2. Best Outdoorsman
3. Best Shooter
4. Breakout Creator of the Year
5. Firearms Instructor of the Year
6. Influencer of the Year
7. Most Dapper Influencer
8. Most Entertaining Content Creator
9. Most Influential Female of the Year
10. Most Influential Male of the Year
11. Most Innovative Brand of the Year
12. *NEW* Micro Influencer of the Year
13. Photographer of the Year
14. Top Voices of the 2A
15. Video Creator of the Year
16. Podcast of the Year
17. Emerging Brand of the Year
18. King of the Hill
19. Top 2A Writer
Nominations were conducted in October.
The awards ceremony will be held Jan. 19, 2026 in Las Vegas in The Venetian Theater in the Venetian Hotel.
