OUR 2025 SPONSORS

NEW FOR 2025

GWTS 25 will be using the TattScore judging system in 2025.

This system is the most secure and efficient way of judging a tattoo competition. TattScore aims to virtually remove any concerns of judges favourites, all tattoos in the same category gets judged to exactly the same standard, the highest scoring tattoos of the weekend win best of show and runner up and the results are available instantly.

If no tattoo reaches the minium required score then no one wins, no more attendance awards.

We will be able to provide private feedback to all artists after the show.

TattScore understand that there are still going to be some dissapointed artists and even those that will shout about how they should have won but that this process and it’s future iterations are the best way so far.

By reducing the number of awards and standardising the scoring process, the bio phrase “TattScore Award Winning Artist” will have weight and meaning.

Click the logo to run through the DEMO JUDGING system, exactly as you will be judged at GWTS (minor amendments may take place).

COMPETITION TIME

  • All tattoos can be entered and judged on either Saturday or Sunday.

  • All awards will be announced on Sunday.

  • The artist is responsible for attending the Artist Support Location with their entry card and client between 4pm and 6.30pm each day.

  • Entries will not be called for by artist or category.

  • Attendance outside of this time without prior arrangement will void the entry.

  • You can complete the onlne entry form on or before the Saturday and still enter the same tattoo on the Sunday.

  • A tattoo can only be entered in one category but an artist can enter multiple tattoos.

  • All tattoos must be started and finished at the convention. If your tattoo contains healed work make sure your client informs the judges so they can judge the new work or it will be disqualified.

  • Colaborations  are only permitted in the large categories and in Realism and Steam if over A4. You client must inform the judges it was a collaboration but not the artists identities.

  • Artists must not attend the judging area. You must leave your client to attend after photographs in the Artist Support area.

  • Tattoos must be judged in person, photos or video will not be accepted.

  • All categories will have 2nd place announced including the Best Of Show.

  • If you are unclear about the requirements for a category please speak to the judging team at the Artist Support Location. 

JUDGING CATEGORIES

Best Newcomer

An artist with 3 years or less experience and no previous convention awards.

This will need to be evidenced with a social media account history.

Any style, colour, placement, any size. 

ELIGIBILITY WILL BE THOROUGHLY CHECKED AND THOSE FOUND TO BE OUTSIDE THE REQUIREMENTS WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING ANY OF THE COMPETITION.

Best Realism

The highest scores over the weekend will be one winner and runner up. 

The tattoo can include other styles such as graphic art or illustration in colour but this must not represent more than 20% of the tattoo and the main subject deemed Realism.

Any colour, placement, any size.

Best Small Black & Grey Tattoo

Any style or placement.

Must use black and grey wash and white for highlights only.

Opaque grey would be entered into colour or other suitable category.

The tattoo can include other styles such as graphic art or illustration in colour but this must not represent more than 20% of the tattoo and the main subject deemed Black & Grey.

Size up to A4

Best Large Black & Grey Tattoo

Any style or placement.

Must use black and grey wash and white for highlights only.

Opaque grey would be entered into colour or other suitable category.

The tattoo can include other styles such as graphic art or illustration in colour but this must not represent more than 20% of the tattoo and the main subject deemed Black & Grey.

Size over A4

Best Small Colour Tattoo

Any style or placement.

Must contain more than white, black and grey.

Size up to A4.

Best Large Colour Tattoo

Any style or placement.

Must contain more than white, black and grey.

Size over A4.

Best Small Blackwork Tattoo

Any style or placement.

Must be black ink. Size up to A4.

Best Large Blackwork Tattoo

Any style or placement. Must be black ink only. Size over A4

Best Steam Themed Tattoo

Any style, size or placement.

Must be an obvious connection to the word Steam

JUDGING

Judging will take place on the mezzanine above the main hall. Clients and Artists must attend the photo area in the Artist Support area before the client heads upstairs for the tattoo to be judged. For clients with mobility restrictions a lift is available. Please let a team member know. Artists must not attend the judging. 

We have four judges who are experienced tattoo artists with over half a century of tattooing experience. This judge is an avid collector and not an artist.

The judging will take place ‘blind’ with the judges not being told the identity of the artist.

Each tattoo will be individually scored by each judge using the TattScore system.

The highest score for each category wins.

The judges decisions are final and cannot be challenged.

Any query or issue with the rules MUST be raised with the show management team prior to entering.

Any queries will be discussed by the judges and changes may be made to the rules until 25th July 2025.

Contact GWTS

GWTS and  (The) Great Western Tattoo Show are trading names for events organised by

© Ingenious (Events & Consultancy) Ltd