The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) recognized Lara Croft this week as ‘The Most Iconic Video Game Character of All Time.’ 

4,000 gamers contributed to the decision in BAFTA’s Players’ Poll, which pitted 20 household names against one another for the crown – including staples like Pikachu, Mario, and Sonic the Hedgehog. 

The poll went live ahead of the BAFTA Games Awards on April 11, where Lara Croft’s original voice actress Shelley Blond will present an award.  

Speaking to BBC Newsbeat, Blond says: “What’s so iconic about Lara Croft is the fact that she is a female lead in a video game.” 

“She’s all about girl power and female empowerment. She’s at the forefront, she is what the adventure is.” 

If you want to experience the origins of Lara Croft’s rise to popularity, you can now play her original three adventures, lovingly restored in Tomb Raider I-III Remastered, available now on all platforms. 

• Steam 

• Nintendo Switch 

• PlayStation 

• Xbox 

• Epic Games Store 

• GOG 

Video Games