Tattoo Contests

Size Definitions

• "BEST": Open to any size, not limited to color or black & grey
• "BEST SMALL": 8" Diameter and smaller (as defined by contest)
• "BEST LARGE": 8" Diameter and larger (as defined by contest)
• MICRO-REALISM: 3" Diameter or smaller, not limited to color or black & grey

Entry Requirements

• Any individual may enter any contest provided the tattoo fits the category definition
• No limit to entries per tattoo if they fit category definitions
• Category winners automatically enter Best of Day (FRESH only: 1st, 2nd, 3rd)
• All entries are $10 each
• The Measuring Frames are available at the Contest Registration desk to verify sizing

Contest Deadlines

Judging & Conduct

• Once judging commences, NO alterations to the tattoo. This includes going back to booths to adjust, add to, or finish pieces
• Altering a tattoo after judging begins is considered cheating and results in disqualification
• Disqualified tattoos lose all trophies earned that day; trophies go to the next runner-up
• STARTING PENALTY: No stenciling or tattooing before official opening. Penalties apply if caught

Fresh Contest Rules (All Days)

• Entries MUST be started AND finished at the show on the assigned day
• Friday Fresh must be started and completed Friday only
• Saturday Fresh must be started and completed Saturday only
• Sunday Fresh must be started and completed Sunday only
• Tattoos found to span multiple days will be disqualified without refund
• Multi-Day Pieces: Must take 2-3 days to complete. Each section entered must be clearly defined and standalone (not part of a larger stencil)
• Micro-Realism: Must be standalone pieces under 3" Diameter. Cannot be a single element in a larger tattoo

Saturday Healed Contest Rules

• Entries must be fully healed (approx. 1 month, no shine to skin)
• Artist must be part of the show; both artist and client must be present to claim trophy
• 1st Place only is awarded in healed categories
• If you won with a piece in a prior Inked Circus event, please retire that tattoo and compete with something newer
• Entry deadline: 5:30pm. Judging commences immediately after on the Main Stage

Best of Day & Best of Show

• Only 1st, 2nd, 3rd place winners from daily contests may enter Best of Day
• Winners are automatically entered; no additional fee required
• 1st place winners from each Best of Day automatically enter Best of Show
• Best of Show: Client and Artist must be in attendance by 5pm Sunday or will be disqualified

Best of Tour — The Ultimate Title

• Only the Best of Show winner from each city moves on to compete in the Best of Tour contest
• Best of Tour is held at the final tour stop of the year — for 2026, that's Oshawa
• Each city's Best of Show Champion receives a premium 8x8 solo booth free of charge at the final stop as part of their prize
• For 2026, the 8 Best of Show Champions face off: Aurora vs Barrie vs Windsor vs London vs Sudbury vs Niagara Falls vs Kitchener vs Oshawa
• Best of Tour takes place after Best of Day Sunday at the final city
• Best of Tour Champions must complete one new tattoo each day — 3 individual pieces over 3 days (one per day, each standalone and completed same-day)
• After all 3 days, Champions choose one of their three pieces to enter as their final entry for the Best of Tour contest
• Best of Tour is the only contest these artists enter — they are there to focus on their tattoo each and every day of the show