The tattoo contests are open to all tattoo-lovers & attending artists who want to showcase their work! Entries are judged by a panel of three artists, and winners receive custom MTTE awards. Whether you're entering a fresh tattoo or a healed masterpiece, we want to see your best! Check out the schedule and guidelines below.
Tattoo Contests
Sunday
2PM
Color: Small, Medium, Large
5PM
Color: Sleeve, Torso
7PM
Collab
Tattoo of the Day
Best In Show
Saturday
2PM
Black & Grey: Small, Medium, Large
6PM
Black & Grey: Sleeve, Torso
9PM
Tattoo of the Day
FRIDAY
5PM
Best Flash Sheet
Best Body Suit Art
Best Booth
Best Banner
Geometric
Tribal - Blackwork
Spooky
Anime
Pop Culture
7PM
Realism
American Traditional
Japanese Traditional
Neo-Traditional
Best Overall Collector
9PM
Tattoo of the Day
Guidelines
Anyone can enter a fresh or healed tattoo in all categories except for the ones noted below which are reserved for attending artists only.
Sign-ups must occur 30 minutes before the start of each contest. Come find us at the merch table near the Main Stage - you’ll see a sign!
Entry fee is $10 per tattoo (cash only).
Except where indicated, each category is any style, size, and color.
Sizing is based on a standard 8.5 x 11” piece of paper.
Small: Smaller than half a sheet of paper.
Medium: Larger than half but smaller than a full sheet of paper.
Large: Larger than a full sheet but less than full coverage of a limb or torso.
Sleeve: Full arm or leg.
Torso: Full back or front.
Best Flash Sheet, Best Body Suit Art, Best Booth, Best Banner, Tattoo of the Day, and Best in Show are for attending artists only and do not cost to enter.
One flash sheet per attending artist is permitted for the Best Flash Sheet category.
Tattoo of the Day: Must be started and finished on the same day.
Best In Show: Must be started and completed during the expo.

