After almost four months and 1,200+ giveaways, I finally won my first-ever giveaway!

I've found that the best odds of winning come from paying attention to discussion posts and forum threads. Plenty of people like to make special invite-only puzzles/events there. Great way of interacting with the community and also fewer people entering those GAs. Cakeday trains, advent calendars, etc.

Heh I thought you'd made 1200 GAs and had just won your first one. I was gonna say "wow that's quite a ratio you must have".
Anyway, congrats.

Since you plan on playing your wins. This group may be for you. Not sure what the minimum number of played games is so you may be a bit green. Yet I think if you plan a group exclusive GA, they may look at your request.

https://www.steamgifts.com/discussion/qNorC/playing-appreciated-giveaways-with-the-intention-for-the-games-to-be-played-within-a-month

When you join a new Steam Group, manually sync SG so this site knows youre in the new group.

"nearly 3,000 titles" Not bad, kid

My hidden list: 15,323

You may find this old guide of mine helpful https://www.steamgifts.com/discussion/HQucq/how-to-win-a-comprehensive-guide

First of all congratulations!

Personally what worked for me was to be part of select groups that give games I have on my wishlist or want to play. I only go for games I am 100% sure I'll play. Some of the groups offer you awesome games but you're required to play their games in 1-3 months' time. It's perfectly alright for me as I usually tend to play them.

Second thing you can do is create solid relationships around here and you may get yourself whitelisted. That helps to get exclusive giveaways from people that give only to their whitelist. Like the first, I play them and complete them 100% and on top of that I review them. People appreciate it when you play the games you win from them and you're more likely to get friends or whitelists.

This is what worked for me and what I like to do back.

Lastly, give more than you receive. You get a lot more love in the long run by giving and seeing others being happy for the games they won will earn you a nice reputation in Steamgifts.

Good luck and may more games come your way.

PS: Reach out to me if you need a cool group to be in. 😄