You can use an XML file with the Windows installer to disable/uninstall most of the bloat and spyware. It'll also automatically configure local accounts for you so you don't have to manually bypass the Windows account install step.
This site will generate the file you need based on the options you select: https://schneegans.de/windows/unattend-generator/
And this video might help you if you get stuck: https://youtu.be/h9SpKVEc_Yo
Another vote for Bazzite, or really any of the Universal Blue images. There is no other distro out that is as full-featured and bulletproof for Linux newbies. Since gaming is important to you, Bazzite is almost certainly the best choice. It comes in both Gnome and KDE flavors. KDE will feel more familiar coming from Windows.