The pinnacle of Warhammer painting returned in full force at AdeptiCon 2025, and Golden Demon did not disappoint.
Painters from around the world brought their A-game to this legendary competition, with hundreds of jaw-dropping entries across 16 categories — ranging from sleek single miniatures to cinematic dioramas. At the heart of it all: the quest for the Slayer Sword, awarded to the single most impressive piece in the show.
A Showcase of Talent
The categories covered the full range of Warhammer universes, with awards for:
- Warhammer 40,000 (Single, Unit, Vehicle/Large)
- Warhammer Age of Sigmar (Single, Unit/Warband, Large)
- The Horus Heresy
- The Old World
- Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game
- Blood Bowl
- Necromunda
- Epic Scale
- Diorama
- Duel
- Youngbloods (for painters under 15)
- The Open Competition (for anything that doesn’t fit neatly elsewhere)
Each category saw Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards, with additional pins for Finalists, Commended, and Notables — a huge achievement in its own right given the intense standard of the competition.
Slayer Sword Winner
The Slayer Sword, the most coveted prize in the painting world, was awarded to a truly stunning entry (which remains under wraps for now). Warhammer Community will be showcasing detailed photos and an interview with the artist behind it next week. If you’re curious about top-tier technique, you won’t want to miss it.
What’s Next?
If you’re feeling inspired — or a little intimidated — the great news is that your chance might be just around the corner. The next Golden Demon event is happening at SPIEL Essen in Germany, from October 23rd to 26th, 2025. Whether you’re a seasoned brush-wielder or new to competition painting, now’s the time to start planning your entry.
In the coming weeks, Warhammer Community will be spotlighting some of this year’s Finalist entries, so stay tuned for even more hobby inspiration. Until then, congrats to all the winners and participants — and sharpen those brushes for the next round.
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