The Best of Show category is the grand finale of the tattoo convention, a celebration of supreme artistry, technical brilliance, and unforgettable visual impact. This award is reserved for a single, extraordinary tattoo that rises above all others in execution, creativity, and difficulty. It is the ultimate recognition of an artist’s vision and mastery.

This tattoo isn’t just good, it’s transformative. It evokes emotion, tells a story, and stops people in their tracks. Whether it’s a large-scale black-and-gray piece dripping with detail, a vibrant explosion of color and texture, or a mind-bending design that challenges the boundaries of what a tattoo can be, Best of Show honors the most awe-inspiring work produced during the convention.

Judging Criteria:

• Technical Precision: Linework, shading, saturation, and skin trauma management

• Composition & Flow: How well the tattoo works with the body and reads from a distance and up close

• Originality & Creativity: Unique design and bold artistic decisions

• Overall Impact: Visual power, storytelling, and lasting impression

• Difficulty & Ambition: Scale, complexity, and how successfully it was executed

Eligibility:

Only tattoos started and completed on the convention floor are eligible. The piece must be artistically ambitious, finished to a high degree, and reflect the best of what modern tattooing has to offer.

Winning Best of Show means more than taking home a trophy. It represents a career-defining moment for the artist—and often sets the bar for the entire tattoo community. This is the title that crowns a legend.

Submission Deadline: All tattoos must be completed and submitted by [TBD]
Judging Location: [TBD]
Winners Announced: [TBD]
Cost: $50 per entry [Cash Only]