The Golden Demon painting competition consistently showcases some of the most remarkable artistry in the Warhammer hobby. At SPIEL in Essen, not only were the winners celebrated, but a special focus was also given to Commended entries—incredible works that nearly clinched top spots and deserve recognition for the talent and effort behind them. Let’s take a look at the categories and the stunning entries that stood out:
Warhammer 40,000: Single Miniature
This is always one of the most fiercely contested categories, with countless artists dedicating hours to perfecting a single character. The precision and narrative captured in these miniatures consistently push the boundaries of what is possible in painting. Expect to see dynamic poses, atmospheric lighting, and immaculate detailing.
Warhammer 40,000: Unit or Kill Team
This category is all about cohesion. Painters are tasked with crafting a unified look and feel across a group of miniatures, whether it’s a Kill Team squad or an elite Warhammer 40,000 unit. Each entry in this category tells a collective story, displaying both uniformity and individual character details.
Warhammer 40,000: Large Miniature or Vehicle
From imposing daemons to powerful tanks and towering battle suits, this category brings out the big guns—literally. Larger canvases like these offer painters the opportunity to flex their technical skills across more significant surface areas, experimenting with weathering, lighting effects, and environmental storytelling.
Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Single Miniature
In the Mortal Realms, painters bring fantastical warriors and creatures to life. This category is always highly competitive, with each entry demonstrating mastery over texture, color, and detail on a single figure. Expect breathtaking interpretations of classic Age of Sigmar characters.
Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Unit or Warcry Warband
Similar to the 40k Unit category, this one challenges artists to make their Age of Sigmar units or Warcry warbands stand out while keeping a cohesive aesthetic. Painters excel at blending the uniqueness of individual fighters with the broader narrative of the group they belong to.
Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Large Miniature or War Machine
The ultimate category this year, and the source of the Slayer Sword winner at SPIEL, this is where towering monsters, Chaos war machines, and vast behemoths compete for glory. These large-scale miniatures are impressive canvases for expert painters to explore textures, dramatic lighting, and fine details.
Warhammer Underworlds
Packed with character, the Warhammer Underworlds warbands present an ideal challenge for competition painters. Each band of fighters has a unique flair, and the best entries find ways to emphasize that individuality while maintaining a cohesive style across the entire warband.
The Golden Demon showcase at SPIEL is not just about the winners—it’s about celebrating all the artists who bring their creativity, skill, and passion to the table. More Commended entries will be unveiled throughout the week, keeping the spotlight on these stunning works of art.
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