It’s time to take a closer look at the stunning winning entries from the “Golden Demon 2026” miniature painting competition, which took place during the AdeptiCon event, and to reveal the name of the prestigious Slayer Sword recipient.
The winners of the American leg of the “Golden Demon 2026” competition were announced at AdeptiCon. Talented artists from around the world gathered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to participate in this premier miniature painting event, celebrating creations from Warhammer and beyond.
The highest accolade of the competition, the Slayer Sword, was awarded to David Arroba for his remarkable diorama, a true masterpiece for fans of the undead.
In the “Warhammer 40,000: Single Miniature” category, the victors were (gold, silver, bronze respectively): Neil Hollis, Bob Cohoun, and Alexi Karahaliou. For “Warhammer 40,000: Unit or Squad,” the honors went to: T. D. McDonald, Lucas Wiggering, and Aaron Clark.
The “Warhammer 40,000: Large Model or Vehicle” category saw the top spots claimed by: Nicolas Rubens Mortensen, Jon Marjiotta, and Katarzyna Gorska. In “Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Single Miniature,” the awards went to: Thibaut Ram, Raphael Boyon, and Katarzyna Gorska.
For “Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Unit or Squad,” the winners were: Lucas Wiggering, Brandon Ryan, and Rafael Garcia Marin. The “Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Large Model or War Machine” category honored: Lucas Holmstrom, Marco Frisoni, and Carlos Garcia.
In “Warhammer: The Horus Heresy,” the top painters were: Mohamed Ait Mehdi, Adam Hitchens, and El K. The “Warhammer: The Old World” category recognized: Lucas Zaba, Magnus Nielsen, and Oliver Pratt. For the “Middle-earth Strategy Battle Game,” the winning entries came from: Nicolas Rubens Mortensen, Nathan Cartwright, and Daniel Jolin.
The “Blood Bowl” category awarded: Magnus Nielsen, Nathan Cartwright, and Kyle Dalton. In “Necromunda,” the best painters were: Daniel Jolin, Bruce Rose, and Alessandro Marinone. The “Epic Scale” category celebrated: Ivan Bocic, Pablo Lopez Gimeno, and Jon Marjiotta.
The “Diorama” category showcased the talents of: David Arroba, Andy Wardle, and Tom Carpie. In the “Duel” category, the top honors went to: Borja Calvo Bertran De Lis, Pierre Marboeuf, and Adam Lee. The “Young Blood” category, celebrating emerging talent, recognized: Graydon, Zak, and Niamh. Finally, the “Open Competition” winners were: Alfonso Giraldes Bordon, Lucas Holmstrom, and Sam Lenz.
