THE ARMY PAINTER CHALLENGE

@ LVO 2025

The world’s first game-system agnostic army painting competition

At The Army Painter, we are committed to celebrating the unique blend of art and play that defines our hobby. We believe that army painting is an art form and that it should be celebrated!

The Army Painter Challenge is the world’s first game-system agnostic army painting competition, honoring the creativity and skill involved in this craft. Embracing the nuanced balance of technique, artistry, and time-saving tricks that bring our tabletop wargaming armies to life.

Join us as we assemble a coalition of painters, gamers, and hobbyists from around the world for a competition that is sure to be a true battle of creativity and skill!

PRIZES & MORE

We are excited to announce our strategic partnership with Frontline Gaming to launch The Army Painter Challenge at their premiere Las Vegas Open event. This inaugural deployment marks a significant milestone in our commitment to the wargaming community. After nearly two decades of sponsoring tournaments, paint-n-takes, demos, and events of all shapes and sizes, The Army Painter Challenge is our next mission in advancing tabletop wargaming on a global scale. Join us as we assemble a coalition of painters, gamers, and hobbyists from around the world for a competition that is sure to be a true battle of creativity and skill!

This first event will feature 13 trophies in total, including a Best in Show with a cash prize of $1000!

DATE, TIMES, LOCATION

Army submissions will take place at The Rio Hotel and Casino, Convention Center Registration Rotunda. The awards ceremony will be held at TBD.

Thursday, January 16th Army Submission 4PM-9PM

Army Pick-Up 6PM-12AM

Sunday, January 19th Awards Ceremony TBD

AWARDS

Best In Show Trophy, Warpaints Fanatic Wargamer Paint Set, $1000 Cash Prize

  • Sci-Fi Army Podium Trophies

  • Sci-Fi Skirmish Podium Trophies

  • Fantasy Army Podium Trophies

  • Fantasy Skirmish Podium Trophies

CATEGORIES

  • Sci-Fi Army

  • Sci-Fi Skirmish

  • Fantasy Army

  • Fantasy Skirmish

CONTEST RULES

GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR THE ARMY PAINTER CHALLENGE

All armies submitted to The Army Painter Challenge will undergo a preliminary evaluation before being photographed for additional judging. Participants are encouraged to submit their best work—wow the judges with your army! Each army will be assessed on three key elements: Technicality, Composition, and Creativity. Telling a compelling story through your army and showcasing clever time-saving techniques may also sway their opinions.

JUDGING CRITERIA

Technicality: The skill and precision demonstrated in painting and assembly.

Composition: The overall arrangement and aesthetic appeal of the army.

Creativity: The originality and thematic storytelling expressed through the miniatures.

DISPLAY REQUIREMENTS

  • Army Display Board: no larger than 18" x 24"

  • Skirmish Display Board: no larger than 9" x 12"

ARMY CATEGORY SIZE

Each army must consist of 20 or more miniatures (excluding Knights, Ogres, monster or vehicle-heavy armies).

SKIRMISH CATEGORY SIZE

Each skirmish army must consist of 5-20 miniatures.

COMMERCIAL RIGHTS CLAUSE

By entering The Army Painter Challenge, participants grant The Army Painter and LVO the rights to utilize submitted images for marketing purposes across various platforms.

CATEGORIES

The Army Painter Challenge wants to ensure that all participants are well-prepared to showcase their talents in both the sci-fi and fantasy categories. Each category offers a unique opportunity to display creativity, skill, and dedication to your chosen armies. Below are the guidelines for the game systems and miniatures that are permitted in each category.

Please note that there are many game systems available, and the following lists are just examples to help you navigate your selection as you embark on this exciting journey of army painting.

SCI-FI CATEGORIES

Warhammer 40,000
Infinity
Kill Team
Trench Crusade
One Page Rules: Grimdark Future
Marvel: Crisis Protocol
Star Wars: Legion
Star Wars: Shatterpoint
Konflict ‘47
Malifaux
Starfinder
Necromunda
Dropzone CommanderDystopian Wars

FANTASY CATEGORIES

Warhammer Age of Sigmar
Warhammer The Old World
Warcrow
One Page Rules: Age of Fantasy
Lord of the Rings Strategy Battle Game
A Song of Fire and Ice
Warhammer Underworlds
Warcry
Kings of War
Mordheim