Skip to main content
MERCH |  CONTACT |  PRESS  |  ABOUT US

GOLDEN DEMON

GOLDEN
DEMON

Golden Demon at SPIEL Essen 2025

We are happy to have the European leg of the Golden Demon again at the SPIEL this year.

Golden Demon is the ultimate Warhammer painting competition. Every year, thousands of entries are received from all over the world.

Painters of all levels are invited to submit their best work for glory, bragging rights, coveted trophies and a well-deserved sense of achievement in this pinnacle of the hobby.

The best of each competition will be recognized as the overall winner and receive the legendary Slayer Sword.

Experienced painters, as well as those attending the event for the first time, will be in for a treat!

All information about the competition can be found on Games Workshop's Golden Demon page.

Golden Demon Website

CATEGORIES

The best of the 14 participating categories will automatically be considered for the competition's top prize, the Slayer Sword. These categories are: 

1. Warhammer 40,000: Single Miniature
2. Warhammer 40,000: Unit or Kill Team
3. Warhammer 40,000: Large Miniature or Vehicle
4. Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Single Miniature
5. Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Unit, Warcry Warband or Underworlds Warband
6. Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Large Miniature or War Machine
7. Warhammer: The Horus Heresy
8. Warhammer: The Old World
9. Middle-earth™ Strategy Battle Game
10. Blood Bowl
11. Necromunda
12. Epic Scale
13. Diorama
14. Duel

There are also two special categories, but these are not taken into account when awarding the Slayer Sword:

Youngbloods (age 12-15 years)
The Open Competition

WHAT & WHEN

To participate in Golden Demon, Youngbloods or the Open Category at SPIEL Essen 2024, you must first purchase your Visitor ticket and Golden Demon ticket.

Proof of purchase is required to enter the competition.

To register your entries, simply fill out the online registration form. We recommend that you complete this form in advance to ensure the smoothest and most efficient registration process, but you also have the option of completing the form at the registration desk if necessary. You must be present in person for the registration and award ceremony.

The registration deadline for all categories for Golden Demon, Youngbloods and the Open category is October 25, 2024, 12:00 noon.

REGISTRATION DESK OPENING TIMES

October 23 - 10:00-18:00
October 24 - 10:00-18:00
October 25 - 09:00-12:00

MINIATURE COLLECTION
October 26 - 13:00* Non-Finalist Entries ONLY
Oktober 26 - 17:00* Finalist & Above

AWARD CEREMONY
Oktober 26 - 16:00-17:00

*Please note that you will be able to collect your miniature(s) anytime from this time until the end of the competition. All times shown are for the timezone applicable to the event location.

AWARD CEREMONY

In all categories, the jury evaluates many different characteristics of the entries. Technical skill, atmosphere, consistent quality and narrative are all key components that characterize a winning entry.

In each of the 14 main categories as well as the special categories, prizes are awarded for:

  • Notable
  • Commended
  • Finalist
  • Gold, Silver and Bronze

For the Slayer Sword award, the main winner of the Golden Demon will be selected by the jury from the gold-placed entries in the 14 categories.

Entry Guidelines

Guidelines