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About the Event
The Rocky Top Model Painting Competition is dedicated to inspiring local artists and fostering a sense of community. Our goal is to provide an educational event where artists can learn new techniques, share ideas, and engage with fellow miniature painters.
This is an open-format competition, with awards and trophies given based on merit and skill. Entries will be judged by a panel selected by Rocky Top Game Con administration in partnership with Mythic Minis, a local miniature painting studio.
Event Details
Dates: Friday, May 23rd – Sunday, May 25th, 2025
Location: Jacob’s Building, 3301 East Magnolia Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37914
Event Schedule
- Start: Friday, May 23rd, 10:00 AM EST
- End: Sunday, May 25th, 4:00 PM EST
- Awards Ceremony: Sunday, May 25th, 3:30 PM EST
- Entry Pickup: Sunday, May 25th, starting at 12:00 PM EST
Registration
Entry Limits: Each competitor may submit one entry in up to two unique categories.
All models must be painted by the person entering the model. Commission painted entries will be disqualified. In the spirit of the competition, entries ideally would be painted for the purpose of this competition. If your model is a winner from another event or painting competition it would be more ethical and honorable to enter a different model.
To enter, submit your entry at the event along with a completed registration form. Registration forms will be available online and at the event. Participation is free with the purchase of Tournament Entry Tickets or Convention Passes.
Get tickets for the Rocky Top Game Con
In-Person Registration: Submit your entry between 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM on Friday, May 23rd.
Register Online – It is recommended to register online to claim an entry should we exceed capacity.
Competition Categories
Single Miniature
This category highlights the finest detail work on a single, smaller-scale miniature, whether sci-fi or fantasy-themed. Ideal for infantry-sized models, this category focuses on precision, technique, and creativity. Judges will evaluate workmanship, painting skill, presentation, creativity, and difficulty. This category is designed for smaller sized heroes, infantry, or cavalry as larger models should be entered into the Monster or Vehicle categories. Bring your best character to life and showcase your artistry!
Squads / Units
This category showcases the cohesion and artistry of a group of miniatures painted as a unified force. Whether a squad of elite warriors, a regiment of fantasy soldiers, or a sci-fi strike team, entries will be judged on painting skill, consistency, presentation, creativity, and difficulty. Units should typically consist of 3 to 10 models on appropriately sized bases. Larger creatures or vehicles should be entered into their respective categories. Show off your ability to bring a team to life with color, composition, and detail!
Monsters
In the Monsters category, the focus is on larger, more imposing miniatures that capture the awe and terror of fantastical creatures. Whether it’s a mythical beast from fantasy realms or a colossal entity from a sci-fi universe, entries will be judged on painting skill, creativity, presentation, and difficulty. These models should be significantly larger than standard infantry, cavalry and heroes. Bring your monstrous vision to life with intricate detailing, dynamic paintwork, and a sense of scale!
Vehicles
The Vehicles category celebrates the craftsmanship and creativity behind painting and detailing larger, mechanical miniatures. Whether it’s a sleek sci-fi starship, a heavily armored fantasy war machine, or an iconic vehicle from any universe, entries will be judged on painting skill, creativity, presentation, and difficulty. Models should be larger than typical infantry or smaller stealth-suits or mechs. Showcase your ability to bring these powerful machines to life with precision, weathering, and dynamic paint effects!
Busts and Display Models
This category showcases the artistry and craftsmanship of Busts & Display Models, highlighting expressive characters, intricate details, and masterful painting techniques. Whether it’s a heroic warrior, a mythical creature, or a striking portrait, entries in this category should focus on storytelling, atmosphere, and artistic execution. Judges will look for exceptional brushwork, smooth blends, and creative use of color, light, and texture to bring these stunning display pieces to life.
Judging Process
Each category will be judged by a panel of three judges. Judges will score entries based on five key criteria:
- Difficulty: Complexity of painting techniques and design.
- Creativity: Originality, use of color, and innovative concepts.
- Workmanship: Preparation, construction, and technical precision.
- Painting Skill: Execution of shading, details, and contrast.
- Presentation: Overall aesthetic and theme cohesion.
Judging Notes: While painting skill is the most heavily weighted criterion, strong performance in other areas can be a deciding factor in winning a category.
Judging Rules
- Judges’ decisions are final.
- Scorecards with critiques will be provided when entries are picked up.
- Feedback will be available after the awards ceremony on Saturday.
- Judges may award a special “Judges’ Award” for the most innovative entry that did not win its category.
Competition Rules
- Entries must be painted by the entrant.
- All models must be fully painted and based.
- Rocky Top Game Con and Mythic Minis are not responsible for lost or damaged models.
- Staff and volunteers may compete, but judges will not have entries in the competition.
- All entrants must behave respectfully; inappropriate conduct may result in disqualification.
- By entering, participants grant Rocky Top Game Con the right to photograph and display entries online and in print.
Liability & Intellectual Property
- RTGC is not liable for loss or damage to entries.
- RTGC does not claim ownership of competition entries but reserves the right to display and promote them.
- RTGC may change event details at any time and will communicate any changes to entrants.
Privacy & Data Protection
All personal data will be handled in accordance with the RTGC Privacy Policy. By entering, you confirm that your information is accurate and complete.
2 Responses
Cant wait. Had a blast last year. Ever thought about adding a statue or bust category?
Hi Chad – that is an interesting idea, and quite possibly a solution for a mild debate James and I were having about judging display models versus tabletop! Thank you for your input!