2025 CONTESTS
| AURORA : HORROR | |||||||
| FRIDAY HEALED | FRIDAY FRESH | SATURDAY FRESH | SUNDAY FRESH | ||||
| 1 | Small Color | 7 | Best Small Color | 12 | Best Large Color | 17 | Best Floral |
| 2 | Large Color | 8 | Best Small Black & Grey | 13 | Best Large Black & Grey | 18 | Best Micro Realism |
| 3 | Small Black & Grey | 9 | Best American Traditional | 14 | Best Large Geometrical | 19 | Best Fineline |
| 4 | Large Black & Grey | 10 | Best Small Horror | 15 | Best Large Horror | 20 | Best New School |
| 5 | Sleeve | 11 | Best of Day Friday | 16 | Best of Day | 21 |
Best Collab or Multi-day
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| 6 | Chest Or Back | 22 | Best of Day | ||||
| 23 | Best of Show | ||||||
| ADDITIONAL: |
FRIDAY: BEST HORROR BOOTH DECOR
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IC CASH PRIZE 1st Place:$500 2nd Place: $250 3rd Place: $150 |
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SATURDAY: BEST HORROR COSPLAY / COSTUME
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1st | IC CASH PRIZE $300 | |||||
| 2nd | IC CASH PRIZE $200 | ||||||
| 3rd | IC CASH PRIZE $150 | ||||||
| BARRIE : ANIME | |||||||
| FRIDAY HEALED | FRIDAY FRESH | SATURDAY FRESH | SUNDAY FRESH | ||||
| 1 | Small Color | 7 | Best Small Color | 12 | Best Large Color | 17 | Best Floral |
| 2 | Large Color | 8 | Best Small Black & Grey | 13 | Best Large Black & Grey | 18 |
Best Small Neo-Traditional
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| 3 | Small Black & Grey | 9 | Best American Traditional | 14 | Best Large Neotraditional | 19 | Best Anime Weapon |
| 4 | Large Black & Grey | 10 | Best Small Anime | 15 | Best Large Anime | 20 | Best Manga Panel |
| 5 | Sleeve | 11 | Best of Day Friday | 16 | Best of Day | 21 |
Best Collab or Multi-day
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| 6 | Chest Or Back | 22 | Best of Day | ||||
| 23 | Best of Show | ||||||
| ADDITIONAL: |
FRIDAY: BEST ANIME BOOTH DECOR
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IC CASH PRIZE 1st Place:$500 2nd Place: $250 3rd Place: $150 |
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SATURDAY: BEST COSPLAY
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1st | IC CASH PRIZE $300 | |||||
| 2nd | IC CASH PRIZE $200 | ||||||
| 3rd | IC CASH PRIZE $150 | ||||||
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WINDSOR : FANTASY
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| FRIDAY HEALED | FRIDAY FRESH | SATURDAY FRESH | SUNDAY FRESH | ||||
| 1 | Small Color | 7 | Best Small Color | 12 | Best Large Color | 17 | Best Floral |
| 2 | Large Color | 8 | Best Small Black & Grey | 13 | Best Large Black & Grey | 18 | Best Micro Realism |
| 3 | Small Black & Grey | 9 | Best American Traditional | 14 | Best Large Neotraditional | 19 |
Best Fantasy Weapon
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| 4 | Large Black & Grey | 10 | Best Small Fantasy | 15 | Best Large Fantasy | 20 | Best Geometrical |
| 5 | Sleeve | 11 | Best of Day Friday | 16 | Best of Day | 21 |
Best Collab or Multi-day
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| 6 | Chest Or Back | 22 | Best of Day | ||||
| 23 | Best of Show | ||||||
| ADDITIONAL: |
FRIDAY: BEST FANTASY BOOTH DECOR
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IC CASH PRIZE 1st Place:$500 2nd Place: $250 3rd Place: $150 |
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SATURDAY: BEST FANTASY COSPLAY
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1st | IC CASH PRIZE $300 | |||||
| 2nd | IC CASH PRIZE $200 | ||||||
| 3rd | IC CASH PRIZE $150 | ||||||
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LONDON : SCI-FI |
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| FRIDAY HEALED | FRIDAY FRESH | SATURDAY FRESH | SUNDAY FRESH | ||||
| 1 | Small Color | 7 | Best Small Color | 12 | Best Japanese Traditional | 17 | Best Floral |
| 2 | Large Color | 8 | Best Small Black & Grey | 13 | Best Bio Mech or Organic | 18 | Best Micro Realism |
| 3 | Small Black & Grey | 9 | Best American Traditional | 14 | Best Portrait | 19 | Best Geometrical |
| 4 | Large Black & Grey | 10 | Best Small Sci-Fi | 15 | Best Large Sci-Fi | 20 | Best Sci-Fi Cartoon |
| 5 | Sleeve | 11 | Best of Day Friday | 16 | Best of Day | 21 |
Best Collab or Multi-day
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| 6 | Chest Or Back | 22 | Best of Day | ||||
| 23 | Best of Show | ||||||
| ADDITIONAL: |
FRIDAY: BEST SCI-FI BOOTH DECOR
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IC CASH PRIZE 1st Place:$500 2nd Place: $250 3rd Place: $150 |
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SATURDAY: BEST SCI-FI COSTUME
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1st | IC CASH PRIZE $300 | |||||
| 2nd | IC CASH PRIZE $200 | ||||||
| 3rd | IC CASH PRIZE $150 | ||||||
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NIAGARA : SUPERHERO & VILLAINS
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| FRIDAY HEALED | FRIDAY FRESH | SATURDAY FRESH | SUNDAY FRESH | ||||
| 1 | Small Color | 7 | Best Small Color | 12 | Best Large Color | 17 | Best Floral |
| 2 | Large Color | 8 | Best Small Black & Grey | 13 | Best Large Black & Grey | 18 | Best Micro Realism |
| 3 | Small Black & Grey | 9 | Best Small Script | 14 | Best Bio Mech or Organic | 19 | Best Geometrical |
| 4 | Large Black & Grey | 10 | Best Small Hero/Villain | 15 | Best Large Hero/Villain | 20 |
Best Saturday Morning Cartoon
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| 5 | Sleeve | 11 | Best of Day Friday | 16 | Best of Day | 21 |
Best Collab or Multi-day
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| 6 | Chest Or Back | 22 | Best of Day | ||||
| 23 | Best of Show | ||||||
| ADDITIONAL: |
FRIDAY: BEST HERO/VILLAINS BOOTH DECOR
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IC CASH PRIZE 1st Place:$500 2nd Place: $250 3rd Place: $150 |
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SATURDAY: BEST HERO/VILLAIN COSPLAY
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1st | IC CASH PRIZE $300 | |||||
| 2nd | IC CASH PRIZE $200 | ||||||
| 3rd | IC CASH PRIZE $150 | ||||||
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PICKERING : HALLOWEEN
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| FRIDAY HEALED | FRIDAY FRESH | SATURDAY FRESH | SUNDAY FRESH | ||||
| 1 | Small Color | 7 | Best Small Color | 12 | Best Large Color | 17 | Best Floral |
| 2 | Large Color | 8 | Best Small Black & Grey | 13 | Best Large Black & Grey | 18 | Best Small Micro Realism |
| 3 | Small Black & Grey | 9 | Best Small Script | 14 | Best Large Neotraditional | 19 | Best Fineline |
| 4 | Large Black & Grey | 10 | Best Small Halloween | 15 | Best Large Halloween | 20 |
Best Halloween Weapon
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| 5 | Sleeve | 11 | Best of Day Friday | 16 | Best of Day | 21 |
Best Collab or Multi-day
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| 6 | Chest Or Back | 22 | Best of Day | ||||
| 23 | Best of Show | ||||||
| ADDITIONAL: |
FRIDAY: BEST HALLOWEEN BOOTH DECOR
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IC CASH PRIZE 1st Place:$500 2nd Place: $250 3rd Place: $150 |
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SATURDAY: BEST HORROR COSTUME
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1st | IC CASH PRIZE $300 | |||||
| 2nd | IC CASH PRIZE $200 | ||||||
| 3rd | IC CASH PRIZE $150 |
Any individual may enter any contest provided the tattoo fits into the category chosen.
No individual may enter the same tattoo in more than two contests. Category winners will automatically be entered in: The Best of Day.
(1st, 2nd & 3rd Place from each category Only can compete for Best of Day)
ALL CONTESTS: Once judging has commenced and your category has been called up, that is the LAST time you can touch that tattoo. NO, you cannot go back to your booth and adjust it, add to it or "finish it". It's already supposed to be finished. Altering a Tattoo once judging has commenced is considered cheating and is subject to disqualification.
Any Tattoo Disqualified for cheating will be stripped of any trophy earned that day and given to the next runner up.
Unfortunately, we had no choice but to write this, we believe in honesty within the Art, but we obviously had to. There are simple rules to winning fresh contests, please follow them. You're not cheating the show, you're cheating yourself and the hard work you put in and the other Artists around you. Trust us when we say all eyes are watching.
THE MEASURING FRAMES: Available at the Contest Registration desk are sized frames. Use them to make sure your Tattoo "Fits In" or "Larger Than" as per the requirements. YES, the frames can be twisted & turned to use the full space available.
FRIDAY - HEALED: HEALED ENTRY DEADLINE IS 5pm. ALL ENTRIES ARE $10.
Healed Contests will commence judging on the side stage at 5pm and the Winner from each category will be announced on the Main Stage before the Fresh Contests. (Usually about 8:45pm'ish)
NOTE: Healed Contests are 1st Place Only. Contestants must be Tattooed by an Artist that is part of the show and fully healed. Both Contestant and Artist must be in attendance to claim the trophy.
FRIDAY FRESH: FRESH ENTRY DEADLINE IS 8:30pm. ALL ENTRIES ARE $10.
8:30pm - JUDGING for all Friday FRESH categories commences
10pm - Best of Day (MAIN STAGE)
FRIDAY HEALED COMPETITIONS:
(HEALED Contests #1 - #6):
Yes, These Entries Must Be Completed Before The Show). Must be fully healed (No more shine to the skin so approx a month fully healed). Artist must be a part of the show.
If you have won with a piece in a prior Inked Circus Event, we ask that you please retire that healed Tattoo and compete with something else. As judges, we want to see your skills improve, so show us something newer/healed. Thanks.
STARTING PENALTY:
These Contests are TIMED. It's a race to the finish and every minute counts.
NO - You cannot start stenciling or tattooing before the official opening of each days doors.
YES, There is a time penalty if you are caught. Determined by the administrator that catches you.
Make no mistake, our contests are firm on our rules, these trophies and the prestige they carry are sought after and many Artists take this very seriously.
(FRESH Contests #7 - #23):
Yes, These Entries MUST have been Started & Finished at the show.
Yes, They MUST be Started and Finished on the assigned day of each contest.
Friday Fresh MUST be Started and Completed on Friday.
Saturday Fresh MUST be Started and Completed on Saturday.
Sunday Fresh MUST be Started and Completed on Sunday.
Any Single Day Tattoo Found to be tattooed over more than one day and entered will be disqualified without refund.
Micro-Realism. This must be a stand alone piece within size restrictions. There is no limit to how small, simply below 6"x6" or Smaller. This cannot be a "part of" or "single element" in a bigger tattoo. Stand Alone means all by itself.
Multi-Day - This Piece must take more than 1 show day to complete. 2 or 3 days are accepted.
Yes, Multiday can enter daily contests, however, the piece of the Tattoo being entered must be a stand alone section of the Tattoo. ex. a full sleeve: The Forearm completed Friday could enter. The Upper Arm Saturday can enter and then Sunday the 2 pieces could be connected for Multiday Sunday. The entries must be clearly defined, separated and disconnected, not a fully laid out stencil with sections done. So Artists, break up your designs or simply only enter Multi-day.
MUST have been Started and Completed at the show, Both the Artist and Client must be in attendance. Artists, If your client wins a Best of the Day Contest, your Client is Automatically Entered in BEST OF SHOW. Make sure they are back for the final contest by 5 pm Sunday. All Clients and Artist must be in attendance for Best of Show or else your client will be disqualified. All Winners of Best of Show for each city are automatically entered into the BEST OF TOUR Contest held at the end of the final tour stop of the year. All Artists and winning clients must be in Attendance to be qualified to win.
(#1-6) - Any Size. Completed Before the Show, Must be healed.
HEALED CONTESTS: (1st Place Awards)
#1. SMALL COLOR (8"x8" and Smaller) |
| #2. LARGE COLOR (8"x8" and Larger) |
| #3. SMALL BLACK & GREY (8"x8" and Smaller) |
| #4. LARGE BLACK & GREY (8"x8" and Larger) |
| #5. FULL SLEEVE (ARM OR LEG) |
| #6. FULL CHEST or BACK |
(#5 & #6) This May Be 1 Design Piece or Combination of Many)
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FRIDAY: ENTRY DEADLINE IS 8:30pm. (#7- #11) ALL ENTRIES ARE $10. Competition Starting at 8:30pm.
FRESH CONTESTS: (1st, 2nd & 3rd Place Awards)
(#7-11) - Must be Started & Completed Day of the Contest).
#7. BEST SMALL COLOR (8"x 8" and Smaller) |
#8. BEST SMALL BLACK & GREY (8"x 8" and Smaller) |
#9. BEST AMERICAN-TRAD (8"x8" and Smaller) |
#10. BEST SMALL HORROR (8"x8" and Smaller) |
10pm - #11. BEST OF THE DAY CONTEST |
- ONLY Tattoos that won 1st, 2nd or 3rd place in the previous contests(# 7-#10) may enter contest #11 provided they were started and completed in the day entering.
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SATURDAY: ENTRY DEADLINE IS 8:30pm. (#12-16) ALL ENTRIES ARE $10. Competition Starting at 8:30pm.
FRESH CONTESTS: (1st, 2nd & 3rd Place Awards)
(#12-16) - Must be Started & Completed Day of the Contest).
Full Project Started and Completed within the day.
FRESH CONTESTS: (1st, 2nd & 3rd Place Awards)
| #12. BEST LARGE COLOR (8" x 8" and Larger) |
#13. BEST LARGE BLACK & GREY (8" x 8" and Larger) |
#14. BEST LARGE GEOMETRIC (8"x8" and Larger) |
#15. BEST LARGE HORROR (8"x 8" and Larger) |
| 10pm - #16. BEST OF THE DAY |
- ONLY Tattoos that won 1st, 2nd or 3rd place in the previous contests(# 12-#15) may enter contest #16 provided they were started and completed in the day entering.
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SUNDAY: ENTRY DEADLINE IS 5:00pm. ALL ENTRIES ARE $10. Competition Starts At 5:00pm.
All Entries Must Have Been Started and Finished At the show.
FRESH CONTESTS: (1st, 2nd & 3rd Place Awards)
#17. BEST FLORAL (6"x6" and Larger) |
#18. BEST MICRO REALISM (6"x6" and Smaller) |
#19. BEST FINELINE (6"x6" and Larger) |
#20. BEST NEW SCHOOL (6"x6" and Larger) |
#21. BEST COLLABORATION TATTOO or MULTI-DAY PIECE |
(Collab or Multi-day Tattoo is NOT Eligible to enter Best of the Day Sunday, As We Believe It Is An Unfair Advantage To Have Multiple Artists or Days Enter/Win a Best of Day). Which is why we made it a category all it's own. A Multi-Day Piece designed in separated sections, fully complete per day however can enter Friday or Saturday as an individual piece as long as it is fully complete and not connected to the next days portion.
SUNDAY: 6pm
#22. BEST OF THE DAY.
- ONLY Tattoos that won 1st, 2nd or 3rd place in the previous contests(# 17-#20) may enter this contests provided they were started and completed in the day entering.
SUNDAY: 6:30pm
FINAL CONTEST: 1st Place Only - 1 Winner / 1 Award
#23 BEST OF SHOW.
BEST OF SHOW CONTEST: ENTRIES:
This Contest is for the 1st Place Best Of Day Winners ONLY.
Artist and Client MUST be in Attendance.
Why? Because if a Tattoo already won BEST OF DAY, Then it already beat the rest of the Tattoos for it's day.
This is :
BEST OF DAY FRIDAY vs. BEST OF DAY SATURDAY vs. BEST OF DAY SUNDAY.
WINNER OF BEST OF SHOW MOVES ON TO BEST OF TOUR.
ONE WINNER TO RULE THEM ALL.
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FINAL CONTEST IN PICKERING, ONTARIO:
BEST OF THE TOUR (CONTEST IN PICKERING):
BEST OF THE SHOW AURORA -VS-
BEST OF THE SHOW BARRIE -VS-
BEST OF SHOW WINDSOR -VS-
BEST OF SHOW LONDON -VS-
BEST OF SHOW NIAGARA FALLS -VS-
BEST OF SHOW PICKERING
One Artist will be crowned BEST OF THE TOUR.
(Rules for BEST OF SHOW: Best Of Show):
OPEN ONLY TO ANY TATTOO THAT HAS WON A PREVIOUS "BEST OF DAY". Friday vs Saturday vs Sunday.
Not including Collab Tattoos or Multi-Day Tattoos , see Contest #21 for details.
WINNERS OF THE BEST IN SHOW WILL MOVE ON TO THE BEST OF TOUR CONTEST, HELD DURING THE LAST STOP IN PICKERING.
- WINNER OF THE BEST OF THE TOUR CONTEST WILL RECEIVE NOT ONLY THEIR ARTIST BOOTH FOR FREE (2025 Tour) TO DEFEND THEIR TITLE AT NEXT YEAR'S INKED CIRCUS TATTOO EXPOS, BUT PRIZES AND BRAGGING RIGHTS.
BEST OF DAY(3) and BEST OF SHOW CONTESTS are Sponsored in part by Primal Attitude.