2015 to 2025 – The Evolution of the Vapouround Global Awards

In 2016, the very first Vapouround Awards ceremony was held — a pioneering event that marked the beginning of what would soon become one of the most prestigious accolades in the global vaping and alternative nicotine industry. At the time, the sector was still in its formative years, characterised by early-generation vape kits, limited e-liquid options, and a fiercely passionate community driving advocacy and innovation. That inaugural ceremony crowned 16 winners and set the stage for an annual celebration of excellence, ingenuity and influence.

2018: Growth Mirrors Innovation

By 2018, the Vapouround Awards had entered its third year, and with it came an expansion — 22 winners were recognised, reflecting the rapid growth of the industry. This period coincided with the mainstream rise of pod systems, which revolutionised vaping by offering more compact, user-friendly devices and the introduction of nicotine salts, allowing for smoother, more satisfying hits at higher nicotine concentrations. These innovations drastically changed the market, attracting new adult consumers and increasing the demand for higher quality products — a shift the awards began to echo in its categories and judging criteria.

2020: A Virtual Milestone Amid Global Challenge

In 2020, the Vapouround Awards – now in its fifth year – faced an unexpected challenge alongside the rest of the world. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event became the first and only fully virtual ceremony in the awards’ history. Despite the limitations, the livestreamed celebration united the global vaping community in a time of disconnection, and 23 winners were crowned. The resilience of the industry during this time was mirrored by ongoing trends: the proliferation of disposable vapes, particularly in regions with tighter regulations, and continued growth in flavour development and hardware innovation.

2021-2022: Luxury, Recovery and Redefinition

Following the global pause, the sixth annual ceremony in 2021 took the awards to new heights — literally. Held in Dubai for the first time, the event took place aboard a luxury mega yacht, symbolising both the resilience of the industry and a renewed appetite for celebration, connection and progress. During this time, big puff disposable devices became increasingly popular, offering users longer-lasting alternatives with a growing emphasis on design and convenience.

Meanwhile, the industry was also beginning to see significant traction in alternative nicotine products, such as nicotine pouches and heated tobacco devices, expanding the scope of innovation far beyond traditional vape kits. This evolution laid the groundwork for broader industry recognition — and for the awards to reflect a truly global and diverse market.

2023: A Global Identity

In 2023, the eighth annual ceremony marked a significant milestone: the rebranding to the Vapouround Global Awards. This name change symbolised the event’s evolution into a truly international celebration of the entire nicotine innovation landscape. With 36 award winners, this edition acknowledged both emerging players and longstanding industry giants from across the globe.

This period also saw a major pivot in consumer preferences, with sustainability and regulation compliance becoming critical issues. As governments across various countries imposed tighter restrictions on packaging, flavour availability and advertising, the industry began embracing recyclable and eco-conscious devices, pushing manufacturers to blend performance with responsibility.

2024: Breaking Boundaries

The ninth annual ceremony in 2024 built on this momentum, recognising 38 outstanding winners. The industry had become more competitive and more global than ever before. Brands were pushing boundaries with multi-functional devices, hybrid systems, and more refined nicotine alternatives, all while navigating complex regulatory landscapes in different regions.

With consumers demanding cleaner, safer and more stylish options, the Vapouround Global Awards adapted to highlight achievements not only in innovation and flavour, but also in sustainability and harm reduction advocacy.

2025: A Decade of Excellence

This year, the tenth annual Vapouround Global Awards marked a decade of excellence with its biggest and boldest celebration to date. With 42 award winners across a wide array of categories, the ceremony didn’t just look at the previous year — it honoured those who have shaped the industry over the past ten years with a brand new and exclusive category: Best of the Decade.

The 2025 ceremony represents more than just an awards show. It’s a reflection of the journey the vaping and alternative nicotine sector has taken — from its modest beginnings to a sprawling, dynamic global industry. The evolution of the awards mirrors the story of vaping itself: ever-adapting, constantly innovating, and always driven by passion.

As the Vapouround Global Awards steps into its second decade, one thing remains certain: this is a celebration of an industry that never stops moving forward. From pioneering brands and fearless innovators to bold disruptors and global trailblazers, the past ten years have set the stage for an even more exciting future.