Gaming systems and methods where qualification for play of a bonus game is linked to play of a base game. Multiple players may qualify for the bonus game by achieving preselected criteria associated with play of the base game. The qualified players may participate in the bonus game and achieve a bonus game outcome based on the player's skill or strategy. The bonus game outcome may allow the player to accumulate bonus awards. In addition, the bonus game outcome may impede or terminate the player's movement in the bonus game. Each player's movement in the bonus game may depend on his or her continued play in the base game. Each qualified player may also eliminate other qualified players by occupying the same space in the bonus game.