Golden Demon 2026: Meet the AdeptiCon Finalists Pushing Miniature Painting to New Heights
Take a look at the work of the other talented painters who earned a coveted Finalist pin.
The Golden Demon Awards returned to AdeptiCon 2026 in spectacular fashion, showcasing an extraordinary collection of miniature painting talent from across the hobby community. Competitors from around the world gathered to pit their finest work against one another in one of the most prestigious painting competitions in the miniature wargaming world.
Earning a Finalist pin at Golden Demon is no small feat. Judges scrutinize every entry for technical excellence, creative flair, and overall presentation, meaning only the very best pieces advance to the finalist stage. The standard this year was widely regarded as one of the highest seen in recent memory.
Among the standout entries in this second group of finalists were breathtaking display pieces featuring intricate freehand work, masterful blending techniques, and incredibly detailed scenic bases. Painters demonstrated a remarkable range of styles, from hyper-realistic textures to bold, stylized interpretations of classic Warhammer characters.
Single miniature categories drew fierce competition, with several entries showcasing advanced Non-Metallic Metal techniques and subtle Object Source Lighting effects that left onlookers and judges alike genuinely impressed. The level of precision on show highlighted just how far the hobby has evolved in recent years.
Unit and regiment entries also delivered memorable moments, with cohesive color schemes and consistent quality across multiple models proving a significant challenge that many finalists rose to with distinction. Achieving uniformity while maintaining individual character across a squad of miniatures is a skill that separates seasoned painters from the rest.
The Large Model and Monster categories once again proved crowd favorites, with several enormous centerpiece models receiving well-deserved recognition. These entries demonstrated ambitious scope and exceptional execution, combining technical skill with imaginative storytelling through paintwork alone.
For those who earned a Finalist pin this year, the recognition represents countless hours of dedication, practice, and passion for the craft. Whether or not they took home a coveted Daemon trophy, every finalist can be proud of producing work that stood out among an already elite field of competitors.
Golden Demon at AdeptiCon continues to serve as both a celebration of miniature painting and an inspiring benchmark for hobbyists of all skill levels. With the bar raised once again in 2026, anticipation is already building for what next year's competitors will bring to the table.