Day one
Friday 7 August
- Best Banner
- Tattoo of the Day — Friday (immediately following Best Banner)
7–9 August 2026 · Sydney Town Hall
Tattoo Competitions
Enter the Sydney Tattoo Convention 2026 competitions, with categories for fresh convention work, fully healed tattoos, collectors, specialist styles and major show awards. Entry is open to participating artists and collectors.
$10 per category
Register 1 hour before
Main Stage
Fresh or fully healed work
Three-day program
Competition schedule
All listed competition presentations take place on the Main Stage. Please be stage-side at least 15 minutes before your category.
Day two
Saturday 8 August
- Best Collector
- Best Vintage
- Best Sleeve
- Best Leg
- Best Back
- Best Front / Chest / Torso
- Best Bodysuit
- Best Head
- Best Apprentice
- Best Fineline
- Best Script / Lettering
- Best Japanese
- Best Oriental
- Best Cultural
- Best Neo Tribal
- Best Ornamental / Blackwork
- Best Geometric / Dot Work
- Best Bio Mech / Organic
- Best Anime / Pop Culture
- Best Black & Grey — Small / Medium
- Best Black & Grey — Large
- Best Colour — Small / Medium
- Best Colour — Large
- Best Realism — Colour
- Best Realism — Black & Grey
- Best Neo Traditional — Small / Medium
- Best Neo Traditional — Large
- Best Traditional — Small / Medium
- Best Traditional — Large
- Best Cover-Up
- Tattoo of the Day — Saturday
Final day
Sunday 9 August
- Best Collaboration
- Best Multi-Day
- Tattoo of the Day — Sunday
- Tattoo of the Show
- Artist of the Show
Schedule details are subject to reasonable operational changes during the event.
Before you enter
Competition information
Read the entry requirements before registering so you arrive prepared and do not miss your category.
Register early
Entry is $10 per category. Registration is required at least one hour before your category begins.
Be stage-side
The person wearing the tattoo must be ready at the Main Stage 15 minutes before judging.
Check eligibility
Tattoos must be fresh and completed at the convention, or fully healed. Partially healed work cannot be entered.
On-site-only categories
- Tattoo of the Day — Friday, Saturday and Sunday
- Best Collaboration
- Best Multi-Day
- Tattoo of the Show
Judging criteria
- Artistic quality: line work, shading, saturation and composition
- Originality: concept and creative execution
- Placement: how the tattoo fits and flows with the body
- Technical skill: control, application and finish
Entry rules
Categories & special notes
Some categories have additional eligibility or presentation requirements. Review the relevant notes before entering.
General competition rules
- Open to: participating artists and collectors.
- Registration: enter at least one hour before your category. Entry is $10 per category.
- Stage call: be stage-side 15 minutes before judging.
- Eligibility: fresh convention work or fully healed tattoos only. No partially healed work.
- Collector attendance: the person wearing the tattoo must be present for judging.
- Trophies: winners who are not present must contact the convention to arrange collection.
Size & style-specific rules
Size categories
- Small / Medium: up to 30 cm.
- Large: over 30 cm.
Style definitions
- Blackwork: solid black only.
- Colour: full colour is allowed, including black line work.
- Black & Grey: greywash only, with no colour.
Best Cultural
Recognises tattooing with deep cultural, ancestral or spiritual roots. The category is open to all and may include Aboriginal, Polynesian, Samoan, Tongan, Tahitian, Filipino/Batok and Bornean tattoo traditions.
- Cultural integrity and respectful representation
- Artistic quality
- Visual impact
Best Cover-Up
- A clear “before” photo is required, preferably printed in A4 colour.
- Judging considers both the effectiveness of the concealment and the quality of the finished tattoo.
Best Bodysuit
- The entry must be a cohesive full-body design.
- Fully healed work only.
- Judged on cohesion, technical proficiency, flow and originality.
Best Collector
- A curated collection featuring work from multiple respected artists.
- Fully healed work only.
- Judged on artistic merit, cohesion, diversity and presentation.
Best Vintage
- Tattoo work must be at least 20 years old.
- Judged on aging quality, integrity and how the work has settled into the skin.
Best Banner
- Hand-painted banners only.
- Judging takes place through a floor walkthrough; competition entry is required.
- Judged on creativity, artistic skill, relevance and visual impact.
- Collaborations are allowed. All contributing artists must be credited.
Artist of the Show
- Awarded to the tattooer with the strongest and most consistent results across the competition program.
- Any tie is decided by the judging panel.
Online entry
Ready to compete?
Submit your competition entry online. Registration is $10 per category and must be completed at least one hour before judging.
Helpful answers
Competition FAQ
The essentials for artists, collectors and anyone presenting tattoo work for judging.
How much does it cost to enter a tattoo competition?
Competition entry is $10 per category.
When do I need to register?
Register at least one hour before your category begins. You can use the online registration form or the QR codes displayed around the venue.
Where are the tattoo competitions held?
Competition judging and presentations take place on the Main Stage at Sydney Town Hall.
Can I enter a fresh or healed tattoo?
Yes. Categories are open to fresh tattoos completed at the convention or fully healed tattoos. Partially healed work is not eligible.
Which categories are only for tattoos completed at the convention?
Tattoo of the Day, Best Collaboration, Best Multi-Day and Tattoo of the Show are on-site-only categories.
What is considered a small or large tattoo?
Small / Medium is up to 30 cm. Large is over 30 cm.
Does the collector need to be present?
Yes. The person wearing the tattoo must be present for judging and should be stage-side 15 minutes before the category.
What is required for Best Cover-Up?
Bring a clear “before” photo, preferably printed in A4 colour. The entry is judged on concealment and the finished result.
What happens if I am not present to collect a trophy?
Contact the Sydney Tattoo Convention after the event to arrange trophy collection.
