Last weekend (1st and 2nd March 2025), Warhammer World hosted its annual store anniversary event, an occasion packed with hobby activities, painting workshops, and games for attendees to enjoy. One of the standout elements of the event was Legends of Paint 2025, a painting event—not a competition in the traditional sense—where painters of all levels had the opportunity to showcase their work and receive constructive feedback.
I had the privilege of being invited as an independent judge for the event, alongside a Games Workshop staff member. This role not only allowed me to judge the models submitted but also to interact directly with painters, providing feedback and encouragement throughout the weekend! I made a video about the event, with my thoughts and lots of footage of the cabinets. You can watch it, below, or read my blog post below it.
Legends of Paint 2025 – A More Accessible Painting Event?
Unlike Golden Demon, where only the top three entries in each category receive awards, Legends of Paint follows an open system where multiple participants can earn Bronze, Silver, or Gold depending on the standard of their work. This makes the event much more approachable for painters who may feel intimidated by the extreme competition of Golden Demon.
The format provides an excellent stepping stone for those considering Golden Demon but unsure about competing at such a high level. As I mentioned in the video:
“If you get a Gold award at Legends of Paint, that means you should be confident in your ability and consider moving along to Golden Demon.”
The event is structured to encourage growth and participation, rather than the cutthroat competitiveness that some associate with traditional painting competitions. If you’ve ever hesitated to enter a contest due to self-doubt, this is an event you should consider.
A Packed Weekend with Plenty to Do
One thing that stood out at this event was just how much there was to do. Compared to some previous Warhammer events, Legends of Paint was part of a much more interactive experience:
- Painting Workshops – Attendees could sit down and paint models with guidance from experienced hobbyists.
- Introductory Games – For those new to Warhammer, there were plenty of starter games available.
- The Scrap Demon – Hosted by Pete the Wargamer, this challenge involved creating models out of leftover sprues, resulting in some delightfully chaotic and imaginative creations.
“It really felt like a fun event with lots to do—much more so than at Warhammer Fest.”
Judging and Feedback: A Crucial Element
A major highlight of the weekend was the opportunity to provide direct feedback to participants. After we finished judging, Em (from Warhammer TV) and I spent hours discussing the models with the painters, helping them understand their strengths and areas for improvement. This is something that’s simply not feasible at larger events like Golden Demon, where the sheer number of entries makes detailed individual feedback nearly impossible.
One of the most rewarding aspects was seeing Young Bloods (younger painters) participate and display their work alongside seasoned painters. While their models were judged separately, they were displayed in the same cabinets as all other entries, which helped foster a sense of inclusivity and encouragement.
“The Young Bloods competition allowed newer painters to put their work on display among experienced painters without feeling separated from the main event.”
An Open and Inclusive Format
Legends of Paint also stood out due to its flexible format:
- The event ran on both Saturday and Sunday, with each day judged separately.
- Painters could enter on either day but had to submit a different model if they participated both days.
- There were no strict categories—a single large model like a Knight could be judged alongside a character model from Warhammer 40K or Age of Sigmar.
This broad range of model entries created a striking visual display, where Primarchs, Titans, and infantry stood side by side. Unlike Golden Demon, where entries are split into strict categories, here the diversity of models was part of the appeal.
Debunking Common Myths About Warhammer Painting Competitions
A recurring misconception about Warhammer painting competitions is that only the ‘Eavy Metal style is rewarded. That’s simply not true. At Legends of Paint, we judged models based on their artistic execution, regardless of painting style.
“We were very free to include a variety of painting styles—grimdark, volumetric highlights, vibrant color schemes—everything was considered. There was no requirement to match the ‘Eavy Metal style.”
Similarly, there’s a persistent myth that Games Workshop competitions push a specific agenda by rewarding models that align with their marketing strategies. From my personal experience judging, I can say with confidence that this was absolutely not the case. The process was a genuine collaboration between myself and the Games Workshop staff, and our decisions were based on merit, not corporate influence.
Why You Should Enter Legends of Paint
For those considering entering a painting competition but feeling apprehensive about competing at Golden Demon, Legends of Paint is an ideal starting point. It offers:
- A pressure-free environment to display your work.
- The chance to receive direct feedback from experienced judges.
- The opportunity to meet and learn from other painters.
At its core, Legends of Paint is about participation, growth, and community. Whether you’re a seasoned painter or just starting, it’s an event worth attending.
Final Thoughts
I want to thank everyone who took the time to enter, talk about painting, and generally make the weekend so enjoyable. It was a lot of work, but also incredibly rewarding. If you’re interested in attending a future Legends of Paint event, keep an eye on Eventbrite for ticket announcements—they sell out quickly due to limited venue capacity!
If you’re on the fence about entering, my advice is simple: turn up, put a model in, and enjoy the experience. You might be surprised at just how much you get out of it.
