Tattoo Competitions & Awards
ALL NEW TATTOO COMPETITION CATEGORIES AT HELL CITY:
Tattoo Competitions
“Enter Your Skin to Win” custom Hell City Tattoo Festival awards!
FRIDAY 8PM -11PM
SATURDAY 8PM -11PM
SUNDAY 5PM - 8PM
If you would like to enter your tattoo in one of the many competition categories, simply sign up at the main stage prior to the competitions starting. Registration for each tattoo is $15 which is non refundable & Tattoo of the Day is free if you are an attending Hell City artist. If you are entering your tattoo, it must be fully healed or it will not be judged, see rules below.
Those who take home Hell City awards will take their place upon the Hell City Podium O’ Death during the awards ceremonies. Contest winners will also be photographed on the Podium O’ Death for magazine coverage and be posted in Hell City website photos. Custom Hell City awards will be given to winners by Official Hell City Hotties.
All competitions are as impartial as humanly possible. No sore losers please!!
LIVE @ MAIN STAGE – EVERYDAY
Hosted by Emcee Superfly Jeff Solin!
Competition Schedule
Friday
12 pm – 8 pm – Tattoo Competition Registration – $15 per entry- (Register at Main Stage)
8 pm – 11 pm – Competitions & Awards – (Main Stage)
Tattoo Awards Given after each category is finished being judged – Awards given to winners by Hell City Hotties – (Main Stage)
*Best Asian Tattoo
*Best New School
*Most Unusual & Weird
*Best Traditional
*Best Geometric Tattoo
*Best Hand / Foot Tattoo
*Tattoo Of The Day
Saturday
12 pm – 8 pm – Tattoo Competition Registration – $15 per entry- (Register at Main Stage)
8 pm – 11 pm – Competitions – (Main Stage)
Tattoo Awards Given after each category is finished being judged – Awards given to winners by Hell City Hotties – (Main Stage)
*Best Small Color
*Best Small Black & Grey
*Best Bio / Organic
*Best Arm / Leg Sleeve
*Best Back Piece / Chest Panel
*Worst Tattoo
*Tattoo Of The Day
Sunday
12 pm – 5 pm – Tattoo Competition Registration – $15 per entry- (Register at Main Stage)
5 pm – 8 pm – Competitions – (Main Stage)
Tattoo Awards Given after each category is finished being judged – Awards given to winners by Hell City Hotties – (Main Stage)
*Best Large Color
*Best Large Black & Grey – (includes tribal)
*Best Portrait – (color or b&g)
*Best Overall Female
*Best Overall Male
* BEST STAR WARS TATTOO
*Best Wet Painter
*Artist of Show
*Tattoo Of The Day
*BEST OF SHOW
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Star Wars Tattoo Competition
Star Wars Costume Contest
Bounty Hunter Competition
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New Judges Choice Voting System at Hell City Tattoo Competitions
OHIO 2024 Judges:
Friday
Ana Vesnina
Sonya Grenell
Zak Perry
Travis Chick
Kevin Cly
Saturday
Kento Oriental
Mark Clifford
Cameron "Boney" Morton
Big Greg
Matt Allsman
Tim Sites
Sunday
Diogo Nunes
Angel Bustos
Nicole Dederer
Jeff Barnard
James Hall
Tim Sites
Hell City innovative approach to tattoo competition judging!
The all new Hell City judges choice voting system is an exciting NEW way to judge today’s modern action packed tattoo competitions with judges voting LIVE for their top tattoo choices that take the mainstage to compete as they all enter their skin to win. This all new system will be implemented into Hell City, with the same crucial judging criteria that defines who are clearly the top winners. This LIVE tattoo competition voting system makes judging each tattoo fluent, precise and allows the winners the be declared right when each category has been judged with custom awards being given out by the official Hell City Hotties after every category!
The carefully selected judges every day will critique their favorite tattoos that get presented to them, studying every aspect from line work, to shading, to composition, to color solidity and many more aspects to nominate their top favorite tattoos in each category to 1st. Awards will now be given immediately after each category gets judged, making the results nearly instant, making the LIVE interaction of the judging, the audience and competitors an exciting experience!
Want to be a tattoo competition judge at Hell City?
“Hellaciously Good Judges”
If you would like to be in official tattoo competition judge on the Hell City main stage this year please reply with the following information for your chance to join the other tattoo judges in front of the crowd of Hellions to judge all of the amazing tattoos they get entered into this year‘s tattoo competitions!
A panel of carefully selected tattoo artists will judge the tattoo competition. Experienced Judges will join us again this year to judge the hundreds of amazing tattoos that will enter to win one of a kind awards. Their expert opinion and outlook on the art of tattooing is respected worldwide, which really makes them “One Hell Of Good Judges” at this years tattoo competitions! We always carefully choose the perfect judges every year at Hell City, which has brought legendary artists to the main stage for some intense tattoo judging.
Want to be a judge at Hell City?
TO JUDGE PLEASE EMAIL US AT INFO@HELLCITY.COM
CONTEST RULES AND INFO:
BY ENTERING TATTOO COMPETITIONS, YOU AGREE TO THE FOLLOWING HELL CITY TERMS & CONDITIONS
*** 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place awards will be given for most categories. 1st place winners also receive an Official HC Medallion in addition to their custom award!
*** Contest registration is at the main stage prior to competitions.
*** You CAN NOT enter your tattoo into more than 2 categories/ You can only enter the same tattoo twice, no exceptions.
*** It will cost $15 to enter each category. The entry fee is NON REFUNDABLE!! Tattoo Of The Day is free to enter!!
*** Be sure to be present 30 minutes prior to competing. No refunds for no shows!
*** Tattoos must be FULLY HEALED in order to enter tattoo competitions except for Tattoo Of The Day.
*** Tattoo Of The Day tattoos must be properly cleaned up and presentable (i.e. not seeping or bleeding).
*** Tattoo Of The Day is free to enter! You must have your tattoo done by an Attending HC Tattoo Artist that day of the fest.
*** Tattoo of the Day will have only one trophy that will be given daily.
*** Hell City is not responsible for any damaged items entered in competitions, or hurt feelings resulting from competitions.
*** By entering Hell City and Hell City Tattoo Competitions you release Hell City Ltd. of any and all legalities stemming from copyrighted tattoos, artwork, material or anything in regards to copyrighted tattoos, photographs, clothing or anything else deemed copyrighted or trademarked.
*** Hell City Ltd. is not legally responsible for attendees falsifying artist information upon registration or during competitions.
** If a tattoo artist or creator of tattoo artwork does not want their work to be entered in competitions, photographed, displayed or any other visual appreciation at Hell City, it is their legal responsibility to let the client/ wearer know this and take appropriate actions to ensure that the client does not enter competitions. The client takes full responsibility for future legalities stemming from such an issue and holds Hell City harmless.
*** Any and all photos taken of tattoos at Hell City by official Hell City Tattoo Festival photographers are solely the property of Hell City Ltd.
Meet Louie Safire - HC Mascots
All Hail "Louie Safire", the newest Hell City mascot devil for HC Killumbus featuring incredible makeup and effects by our friend and evil mastermind Todd Reed! Be sure to keep an eye out while roaming the depths of HELL for the towering "Louie Safire" making his way through the gates of Hell City and also various times at the main stage during acts and various awards. Brace your souls to meet Louie at the Hell City main stage every day during the tattoo competitions, grab your photos and have one hell of a good time!
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Hell City Contest winners 2022 Killumbus, OH
Friday
Best Asian Themed Tattoo
Winner: Matt. Artist: Christian Levkus Studio: Gallery 4Twelve
2nd Place: Andy
3rd Place: Phil
Best New School Piece
Winner: Brandon. Artist: Nick Mitchell Studio: Loose Screw Tattoo
2nd Place: Smasher
3rd Place: Nicole
Best Biomech/Organic
Winner: Forrest. Artist: Ty McEwen Studio: The Blind Tiger Tattoo
2nd Place: Jay
3rd Place: Jim
Most Unusual/Abstract Piece
Winner: Ed. Artist: Even Olin Studio: Powerline Tattoo
2nd Place: Rene Levkus
3rd Place: Rob
Best Traditional Piece
Winner: Rene Levkus. Artist: Christian Levkus Studio: Gallery 4Twelve
2nd Place: Chelsea
3rd Place: Britney
Tattoo of the Day
Winner: Samantha. Artist: Evan Olin & Andy Large Studio: Powerline Tattoo
Saturday
Best Small Color Piece
Winner: Ed. Artist: Evan Olin Studio: Powerline Tattoo
2nd Place: Taylor
3rd Place: Brian
Best Small Black & Grey Piece
Winner: Nicole. Artist: Gabe Londis Studio: 9th Realm Gallery
2nd Place: LeAnne
3rd Place: Susanne
Best Arm/Leg Piece
Winner: Sam. Artist: Lefty Colbert Studio: Lefty's Tattoo Parlor
2nd Place: Brandon
3rd Place: Andy
Best Torso/Back Piece
Winner: Smasher. Artist: Jesse Smith Studio: Loose Screw Tattoo
2nd Place: Forrest
3rd Place: Cara
Tattoo of the Day
Winner: Hugo. Artist: Rocket Rodriguez Studio: Sanctuary Tattoo Gallery
Sunday
Best Large Color Piece
Winner: Bianne. Artist: Timothy Boor Studio: Bohemian Tattoo Club
2nd Place: Tony
3rd Place: Brandon
Best Large Black & Grey
Winner: LeAnne. Artist: Gabe Londis Studio: 9th Realm Gallery
2nd Place: Sam
3rd Place: Lil Dizzle
Best Portrait
Winner: Nicole. Artist: Gabe Londis Studio: 9th Realm Gallery
2nd Place: Rob
3rd Place: Shawn
Best Overall Female
Winner: Fawn Baker. Artists: Russ Abbott, Ty McEwen, Adam France, & Others
2nd Place: Rae
3rd Place: Andrea
Best Overall Male
Winner: Sam. Artists: Lefty Colbert, Gabe Londis, Edgar Marquez, & Others
2nd Place: Tony
3rd Place: Forrest
Tattoo of the Day
Winner: Kyle. Artist: Tony Vilella Studio: Inkology Tattoo
Wet Paint
Winner: Max Egy
Artist of the Day
Winner: Gabe Londis
HellCity Contest winners 2019 Phoenix, AZ
Friday Phoenix 2018 Best Traditional Phoenix 2018
Place Id Name Score Image Artist Description
1 2 Gaige Parolicy 183.62 J Espinosa leg
2 9 Kristina Vasic 177.22 2533 Mario G tiger/snake/thigh
3 6 Jason Williams 174.62 2520 Mikey Starrat right calf
Friday Phoenix 2018 Best Asian Tattoo Phoenix 2018
Place Id Name Score Image Artist Description
1 6 Dale usnier 185.93 2510 Anthony romero Left thigh
2 5 mark wolf 182.94 2504 derrick jefferson back/sleeve/chest
3 10 Austin Scott 178.24 2525 Paulo Right full sleeve
Friday Phoenix 2018 Best New School Phoenix 2018
Place Id Name Score Image Artist Description
1 1 josh green 167.11 2511 big greg left thigh
2 3 erin wannamaker 153.03 scotty munster left inner thigh
3 4 haiie Henricks 149.89 2521 Mark Durant rght inner calf
Friday Phoenix 2018 Best Biomech / Organic Phoenix 2018
Place Id Name Score Image Artist Description
1 1 matt driscoll 185.68 2494 ron earhart chest piece
2 6 Clay Weaver 183.17 2507 Jason Athoney Left full sleeve
3 9 lacy SInger 173.55 2523 Nick Lawrence left leg sleeve
Friday Phoenix 2018 Most Unusual / Wierd Phoenix 2018
Place Id Name Score Image Artist Description
1 4 Diamond Dolia 158.85 2506 Hollist full leg sleeve
2 12 sarah kochishen 141.19 2530 brandon bracamonte right ankle
3 3 Jason Windhem 136.47 2505 Jonny Solary bondage/rib peice
ToTD Friday Phoenix 2018 Tattoo of The Day Friday Phoenix 2018
Place Id Name Score Image Artist Description
1 24 Weldon hunt 170.35 Matt driscoll Right cankle
Saturday Phoenix 2018 Best Small Color Phoenix 2018
Place Id Name Score Image Artist Description
1 21 rowan magennis 224.61 2609 Tray Rose
2 4 Daniel luna 221.83 Dillon loos Side on his left calf
3 17 Kelly graff 221.59 Rember A Painted face
Saturday Phoenix 2018 Best Small Black & Grey - (includes tribal) Phoenix 2018
Place Id Name Score Image Artist Description
1 38 Faith patterson 253.88 2635 Syrus slay Upper arm
2 8 Jerrod gonzalves 247.98 Andy pho Side on inner upper left arm
3 34 Marcus Rad 239.15 2625 Manuel flowers Sunglasses
Saturday Phoenix 2018 Best Arm/Leg Sleeve Phoenix 2018
Place Id Name Score Image Artist Description
1 39 Jake ingersoll 281.88 2662 Andy pho Predator
2 10 Pawel T 281.24 levgen Mortal combat arm
3 9 Pawel T 280.82 levgen Star wars on leg
Saturday Phoenix 2018 Best Backpiece / Chest Panel Phoenix 2018
Place Id Name Score Image Artist Description
1 12 Archie 276.67 2611 Sivak Black and grey cock head
2 9 Dale turner 267.54 2608 Rob forrer Cemetery back piece
3 10 Amanda baily 255.71 Rob forrer Space woman
Saturday Phoenix 2018 Worst Tattoo Phoenix 2018
Place Id Name Score Image Description
1 5 Damien bailey 1671.6 2661 Upper back
ToTD Phoenix Saturday 2018 Tattoo of The Day Saturday Phoenix 2018
Place Id Name Score Image Artist Description
1 21 Lauren dunman 275.66 2673 Matt murray Upper left thigh
Sunday Phoenix 2018 Best Large Color Phoenix 2018
Place Id Name Score Image Artist Description
1 4 Austin Scott 259.21 2693 Paulo Right arm color
2 22 Tyler cooper 257.66 Rob forrer
3 10 Blame soltz 249.24 2711 Rember Woman on right upper forearm
Sunday Phoenix 2018 Best Large Black & Grey - (includes tribal) Phoenix 2018
Place Id Name Score Image Artist Description
1 13 Rember orellana 271.65 Carlos torres Two chicks on right abs
2 17 Chris fryer 258.07 2729 Brandon albus Hellraiser
3 9 Brandon medford 252.12 Angel renosa Right leg statue
Sunday Phoenix 2018 Best Portrait - (color or b&g) Phoenix 2018
Place Id Name Score Image Artist Description
1 29 Oscar cifuentes 238.37 2728 Steve Wimmer Stomach
2 25 Jacob ignersoll 235.92 2718 Any fho Arm
3 28 Chris fryer 234.03 2727 Brandon albus Emmitt smith
Sunday Phoenix 2018 Best Overall Female Phoenix 2018
Place Id Name Score Image Artist Description
1 5 Melody daily 236.33 Guy atchinson Everywhere
2 4 Monica Brito 221.39 Rob forrer Full body
3 3 Jan MArie 215.12 Chris Caball Everything
Sunday Phoenix 2018 Best Overall Male Phoenix 2018
Place Id Name Score Image Artist Description
1 3 Billy jack 225.5 Shitloads Everywhere
2 2 Brandon albus 216 2725 Rember Quinn hernandez Chick on right side of chest
3 4 Tyler cooper 212.25 2756 Rob forrer Everywhere
ToTD Sunday Phoenix 2018 Tattoo Of The Day Sunday Phoenix 2018
Place Id Name Score Image Artist Description
1 17 James Riley 232.45 Matt stebly Hip