PRESS ARTICLE

King of Ink International Tattoo Championship 2026 • The Pinnacle of the Tattoo World

King of Ink European & International Tattoo Championship
The Ultimate Experience for Tattoo Artists and Enthusiasts Worldwide

In October 2026, the spectacular King of Ink International Tattoo Championship will revolutionize the tattoo scene at the Jakob-Kiefer-Halle in Bad Kreuznach, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany. Featuring 1,000 artists competing over five days in an epic showdown, this championship will bring together the world’s finest talents. With record-breaking prize money, a prestigious jury, breathtaking shows, and an unparalleled accompanying program, this event sets a new standard for tattoo competitions. Only 1,000 tickets are available, each serving as the exclusive key to the gates of THE KING OF INK. Be part of history—Be the King of Ink!

Dates and Schedule

2026: The Launch of the Spectacle

Date: October 12–16, 2026, with a concluding Tattoo Convention on October 17–18, 2026
Location: Jakob-Kiefer-Halle, Bad Kreuznach, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
Schedule:
- October 12–16: The International Tattoo Championship The King of Ink takes place. 1,000 artists from around the globe compete over five days in various categories to prove their mastery.
- October 17–18: Tattoo Convention for visitors and tattoo fans. Doors open to ticket holders, offering the chance to get inked by the world’s best artists.

2027: The Triumph Continues

Date: October 4–8, 2027, with a concluding Tattoo Convention on October 9–10, 2027
Location: Jakob-Kiefer-Halle, Bad Kreuznach, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
Schedule:
- October 4–8: The International Tattoo Championship The King of Ink brings together 1,000 artists once again, competing over five days for fame and prize money.
- October 9–10: Tattoo Convention for visitors. Ticket holders can get tattooed by top artists and soak in the unique atmosphere.

The Largest Prize Money in Tattoo History

The King of Ink Championship offers the highest prize money ever awarded in a tattoo competition. This is your chance to win not only fame but also a life-changing sum:

1st Place: €100,000 – The King or Queen of Tattooing! The winner also receives the unique King of Ink Scepter, a handcrafted masterpiece by a renowned designer. Similar to a trophy, this scepter symbolizes ultimate triumph and can be taken home by the champion. As the titleholder, the winner earns the privilege of returning the following year to defend their title.
2nd Place: €20,000 – A remarkable recognition of exceptional talent.
3rd Place: €10,000 – Well-deserved prize money for masterful performances.

This prize money, combined with the prestigious scepter, makes the King of Ink Championship the most coveted stage for tattoo artists worldwide.

Competition Categories and Rules

The King of Ink Championship offers two categories for artists to showcase their skills. Artists can freely choose which category to compete in.

Competition Details:

Design Choice: Artists can freely select their design to fully showcase their creativity and style. The design must be at least 25 cm x 15 cm in size.
Working Time: The working time is 7 hours, during which artists must complete their masterpiece.
Judging: Entries are evaluated by a prestigious jury based on criteria such as creativity, technical precision, artistic expression, and overall impact.

Enter the championship with your art—show the world what you’re capable of!

The Ultimate Opportunity for Artists: Meet the Elite of the Tattoo World

The King of Ink Championship is more than a competition—it’s a unique platform to connect with the best in the industry, network, and learn. With 1,000 artists from around the world, from renowned veterans to rising stars, this is your chance to exchange ideas, discover new techniques, and elevate your career. The event offers:

High-Level Networking: Connect with the most influential figures in the tattoo world.
Inspiration and Innovation: Be inspired by the creative masterpieces and innovative styles of your peers.
International Recognition: Showcase your skills before a global jury and an international audience.

This is where legends are born. If you want to be among the best, the King of Ink Championship is where you need to be.

A World-Class Jury

The judging panel consists of the most renowned experts in the tattoo world, bringing decades of experience, a deep understanding of the art of tattooing, and an eye for perfection. They evaluate entries based on creativity, technique, precision, and artistic expression, ensuring a fair and transparent process that highlights the true masters of tattoo art.

An Unforgettable Experience for Visitors

The King of Ink Championship is not only a highlight for artists but also an unforgettable experience for tattoo fans and visitors. On the final day of each event (October 16, 2026, and October 17, 2027), the Tattoo Convention opens its doors to those with one of the exclusive 1,000 tickets, offering:

The chance to get tattooed by the world’s best artists.
Live viewing of breathtaking artwork in progress.
Vendor booths with high-quality tattoo equipment, jewelry, clothing, and art.
The unique atmosphere of an international tattoo community.

Tickets

Price: €369 per person
Availability: Only 1,000 tickets are available, with a limit of one ticket per person. This ticket is your exclusive key to the gates of THE KING OF INK.
Purchase: Tickets are available on Eventim.light. Secure your spot early, as spaces are strictly limited!

Spectacular Shows and Culinary Experience

The King of Ink Championship stands out with its spectacular accompanying program:

Opening Show: Each event kicks off with a breathtaking show that immerses visitors and artists in a world of art, music, and emotion. Expect the unexpected!
Closing Show and Party 2026: On the final day of the 2026 championship, a grand show celebrates the crowning of the winners, making the event’s conclusion unforgettable.
Closing Party 2027: In 2027, the event concludes with an epic closing party, uniting artists and visitors for a night of music, dance, and celebration.
Culinary Highlight: The world’s best artists are treated to an exquisite buffet prepared by a top chef in a live-cooking format. This culinary experience elevates the event to a new level, offering artists the appreciation they deserve.

Why You Must Participate

The King of Ink European & International Tattoo Championship is the ultimate stage for artists striving for fame, recognition, and the chance to make history. Here’s why you can’t miss this event:

Record-Breaking Prize Money and Scepter: With €100,000 and the unique King of Ink Scepter, this is the most lucrative and prestigious tattoo competition ever.
Title Defense: As a winner, you have the exclusive opportunity to return the following year as champion to defend your title.
Top Artists and Jury: Meet and learn from the giants of the tattoo world and have your work judged by a world-class jury.
Unique Atmosphere: Experience the energy of an international community with 1,000 artists and only 1,000 visitors sharing a passion for tattoos.
Career Boost: A win or placement at the King of Ink Championship opens doors to global recognition and new opportunities.
Unforgettable Shows and Experiences: From the opening show to the closing party, this event will stay with you forever.

Be there and become the King of Ink!

The King of Ink European & International Tattoo Championship is more than a competition—it’s a celebration of art, creativity, and passion. Whether you’re an artist competing for the title or a visitor with one of the exclusive 1,000 tickets experiencing the magic of the tattoo world, this event will inspire and captivate you.

Mark your calendar:

2026: October 12–18
2027: October 4–10

Register as an artist or secure one of the 1,000 tickets for €369 on Eventim.light. This ticket is your key to the gates of THE KING OF INK. Get ready for the world’s greatest tattoo event—Be the King of Ink!