Glow Night & Big Wins: WV Vibes Creator Awards to Spotlight Rising Talent
By Amanda Barber
Update (4/24/26 @ 3:30 p.m.): West Virginia Vibes released the finalists for the 2026 Creator Awards, which will take place Saturday night. More than 11,700 votes have been submitted as of Thursday, and there is still some time to make your pick.
The impressive turnout reflects strong interest in the Mountain State’s growing “creator economy,” with passionate fans supporting their favorite online personalities, sharing voting links, and making their voices count.
“When we launched the WV Vibes Creator Awards earlier this year, we had no idea what we were starting,” WV Vibes says on its website. “What began as a simple idea — a way to honor the digital creators putting West Virginia on the map — turned into a full-blown movement.”
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Based on current results, the finalists across all six categories are below. Voting is open until Friday at 11:59 p.m., so rankings are subject to change. At the ceremony, WV Vibes will present an official 2026 Creator Award trophy to the winner of each category.
The Mountain State Storyteller (Best Overall Content)
🥇 Jake Griffith — Korcle
🥉 Dan Means — Appalachian Journey
The Appalachian Aesthetic (Best Photography & Videography)
The 304 Funny Bone (Best Comedy & Skits)
The Wild & Wonderful Foodie (Best Food & Hospitality)
🥇 Jay Silverman — Have Fun WV
The Hometown Hero (Best Community & Small Biz Impact)
The New Peak Award (Breakout Creator of the Year)
🥉 Dustin Holston the Biohacker
Finalists, creators or influencers planning to attend can check in ahead of time to receive a gift bag with special perks upon arrival. Those planning to attend – or those who cannot be present and want to share a video message or quote – can reach out to WV Vibes directly at wvvibesyt@gmail.com.
The ceremony will take place at Mardi Gras Casino & Resort in Cross Lanes, West Virginia. For more details on the event, the activity schedule, voting and exclusive giveaways, read BBG’s original article below.
Black By God has been covering a new generation of storytellers working to highlight the Mountain State: The West Virginia Content Creator. On Saturday night, these digital storytellers will be recognized at the WV Vibes 2026 Creator Awards.
Doors will open at 9 p.m. inside Louie’s Lounge at Mardi Gras Casino & Resort in Cross Lanes, West Virginia. For two hours, JK’s Glow Night, a massive, free glow party presented by AAA Entertainment, will take place with music, giveaways, “Instagram-worthy” moments, and networking opportunities for fans and creators. At 11 p.m., the awards ceremony will start and announce winners across six specialized content categories:
- The Mountain State Storyteller – Best Overall Content
- The Appalachian Aesthetic – Best Photography & Videography
- The 304 Funny Bone – Best Comedy & Skits
- The Wild & Wonderful Foodie – Best Food & Hospitality
- The Hometown Hero – Best Community & Small Biz Impact
- The New Peak Award – Breakout Creator of the Year
There is still some time to vote or submit a nomination for your favorite creator, with voting open until Friday. To cast a vote or nominate, click here and follow the instructions to select your choice for a top talent creator in West Virginia.
The current nominees include:
- Quentin Murphy (Murphy Photography and Film)
- Lisa Lambert
- Jay Silverman (@havefunwv)
- Creepalachia
- Dustin Holston the Biohacker (@dietcoach4u)
- Anna Halstead
- Autumn Collete
- Babyt Sexton
- Jessica A. Martin
- (Read Jessica’s BBG profile here)
- Jake Griffith (@korcle)
- Dalton and Sako (@dalton.aint.worried)
- (Read Dalton and Sako’s BBG profile here)
- Denita Barr
- Dan Means (@appalachianjourney)
- Jordan and Steven 304
Winners will receive official WV Vibes Creator Award trophies, along with cash prizes and exclusive bonus giveaways. But creators are not the only ones who have an opportunity to walk away as winners. AAA Entertainment and WV Vibes are also handing out prizes and giveaways to attendees.
To participate, guests just need to check in on Facebook when they arrive and tag the event or AAA Entertainment. Additionally, there will be a scanable QR code at the event for guests to view other prize opportunities with instructions to enter each giveaway.
The 2026 Creators Awards will celebrate the state’s vibrant “Creator Economy” and honor the crafts of technical skill, storytelling, and authentic production that digital artists bring to West Virginia. To learn more, visit the WV Vibes website.
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