Golden Demon’s second leg has wrapped, and trophies have been claimed.
Yet the story does not end with Gold, Silver, and Bronze. Hundreds of entries packed the cabinets with wild skill and style. Consequently, the finalist pins tell a deeper tale. Today’s gallery showcases the pieces that earned that coveted Finalist status.
How Finalist Pins Work
Judges award pins in rising order: Notable, then Commended, then Finalist. Moreover, a Finalist pin qualifies the entry for a potential trophy. Therefore the pin wall matters almost as much as the podium. It marks the projects that truly sang under harsh lights. Additionally, it maps the field for future Slayer Sword runs.
What Categories Lit Up Essen
Warhammer 40,000 shone across Single Miniature, Unit or Kill Team, and Large Model or Vehicle. Meanwhile, The Horus Heresy brought thunderous plate and storied heraldry. Necromunda delivered grime, hazard stripes, and attitude. Furthermore, Epic Scale proved tiny models can punch very hard. Finally, the Open Competition unleashed pure creativity without guardrails.
This is part one, with more finalists coming next week. Consequently, painters can study style, color theory, and storytelling now. You can screenshot poses, edge highlights, and weathering ideas. Moreover, this gallery fuels hobby goals for the year ahead.
Summary
Essen crowned champions, but the finalist wall shows the hobby’s beating heart. These pieces earned pins through technique, vision, and fearless choices. Additionally, they set the bar for anyone chasing that iconic statuette. Therefore grab your brushes, top up the water pot, and get inspired. Part two lands next week, so keep your palette ready.
And remember, Frontline Gaming sells gaming products at a discount, every day in their webcart!
