Here's your chance to compete in Duncan Rhodes Painting Academy's, Sir Coates Masters painting competition! Showcase your miniature painting skills for a shot at winning the prestigious Sir Coates Trophy. Plus, get your hands on exclusive, highly sought-after event miniatures available for purchase on the day. Join the fun and make your talent known.

The competition will be judged by Duncan Rhodes who will judge each submission on creativity and narrative along with painting skill. It welcomes all types of miniatures from all game systems and beyond. The competition will take place on Saturday 8th February 2025 within the Beachhead expo itself.

Categories:

Single Miniature: This category is for any single human-sized miniature, mounted on an appropriately sized base. This includes everything from solitary troopers to majestic, genetically enhanced commanders. This includes miniatures mounted on smaller vehicles and creatures like bikes, jet bikes, and beasts or mounts.

Squad/Unit: This category is for squads or units of three or more miniatures. The unit may be displayed on an appropriately sized base. This includes miniatures on foot and miniatures mounted on bikes, jet bikes, and beasts, provided they are organised into a unit of three or more models.

Vehicle: This category is for any single vehicle. This includes tanks, walkers, and flyers – everything from historically accurate machinery to strange and wonderful sci-fi and alien Tanks or craft. Models entered into this category, that for any reason do not require a base, may still be mounted on an appropriately sized base.

Monster: This category is for any single large than human sized miniature, mounted on an appropriately sized base. This is the category to really go to town with if you enjoy whimsical fantasy creatures or hulking alien monstrosities!

Squires: This category is for entrants 15 years of age and under. Any single miniature can be entered into this category from Monsters, single miniature, or vehicle.

Entering:

Entry is free for anyone with a ticket to Beachhead Tabletop Games Expo 2025. You can enter as many categories as you like, but you may only enter each category once.

To enter, you'll need to fill in the Sir Coates Masters entry form here, and take your entries to the Sir Coates Masters stand at Beachhead Expo before 12:00pm on Saturday 8th February 2025.

If, for any reason, you're unable to complete the online form before the big day, no worries! You can bring your entries directly to the Sir Coates Painting Masters stand. Our team will be happy to take your details and check your entries in. Please note that this process may take a bit longer, so we appreciate your patience.

Each entrant has the chance to win a bespoke Sir Coates trophy for first, second, and third place respectively, and the best in show. Every entrant will get a pin badge!

Schedule:

Saturday 8th - Submissions are welcome until 12:00pm at which point judging shall begin with an awards ceremony at 16:45pm.

Sunday 9th - There will be no competition on this day but there will be some of the winning entries kept in the cabinets to view. Duncan Rhodes Painting Academy will still be on hand selling exclusive merchandise and the Two Thin Coats paint range.

FAQs

Can I enter if I don't fill out the entry form before submitting my entry?

Yes. You're welcome to bring your entries to the Sir Coates stand without having already filled out the entry form. It'll just take a little longer to get things sorted as the team take your details and get you booked in.

Can I enter if I am not a member of the Duncan Rhodes Painting Academy?

Yes, This event is for everybody to enter. There are monthly painting challenges available to members separate from the Sir Coates masters.

Can I leave my miniatures at the event overnight?

We will be in attendance on the second day of the Expo but the Painting Masters takes place on Saturday only. Winning entries may be kept on display but are left at their owner's risk (we will have these locked and be on site).

Can I enter the Squires category if I am 15 years old?

Yes, Any person aged 15 and under can enter (even if it is one day before your 16th birthday).

Can I enter the other categories if I am 15 and under?

Yes, if you feel keen and confident entering the other categories you can but you can only a specific miniature into one category and only enter a category once.

What is the deadline for entries?

The deadline is 12:00pm on Saturday 8th February.

What miniatures are allowed in the competition?

Any and all of them! The categories have been specifically chosen to cover any miniature system or miniature range available.

Will Duncan Rhodes be judging the competition?

Yes, Duncan will be on hand as chief judge and will have the final decision in each category.

Can I purchase a Sir Coates or Gyzmo exclusive miniature at the event?

Yes! We will have plenty available over the weekend to purchase.