Prizeman

Prizeman is a term used primarily in speculative fiction, game design, and puzzle communities to refer to a character, role, or persona associated with prizes. The name fuses prize and man to indicate someone who awards, guards, or earns prizes through contests, challenges, or quests. There is no single canonical definition, and the concept varies by work or group.

Origins of the term are informal; it has appeared in fan fiction and indie games since the late 20th or early 21st century, but it has not entered mainstream usage.

Typical portrayals depict the Prizeman as an enigmatic host who presents trials, a collector who assembles rewards, or a guardian of a prize vault. In interactive fiction and alternate reality games, the Prizeman persona can function as a puzzle master or contest organizer, prompting players to solve clues to win prizes or unlock content.

In some communities, Prizeman may also be used metaphorically to describe someone repeatedly successful in competitions or sponsorships, though this is informal usage rather than a formal title.

Variants and related concepts include prize bearers or prize masters in fantasy settings, but these are not standardized. The term remains niche, with usage skewed toward fan-made and indie projects.

See also: prize, award, contest, prize puzzle, host, scavenger hunt.