Sir Coates Painting Masters Comes To UKGE 2025
UK Games Expo are proud to announce an exciting partnership with Duncan Rhodes Painting Academy, as we launch the Sir Coates Painting Masters at UKGE 2025.
Are you ready to unleash your creativity and make your mark at the UK’s biggest tabletop gaming event? The first-ever painting competition at the UKGE. is here! For the first time ever, UK Games Expo (UKGE) has partnered with the Duncan Rhodes Painting Academy to present this ground-breaking event, giving artists and hobbyists the chance to showcase their incredible miniature painting skills.
Taking place at NEC Birmingham from 30th May to 1st June 2025, this UKGE Painting Competition is open to all – whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time painter, there’s a category for everyone.
Why Enter Your Miniature?
- Recognition: Get your work seen by a panel of expert judges and the wider gaming community.
- Exciting Prizes: Compete for amazing trophies in multiple categories.
- Inspiration: Connect with fellow artists, learn new techniques, and celebrate the artistry of miniature painting.
What Categories Are Included?
- 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 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.
- Board Games: This exclusive category is for board game enthusiast who want to paint the miniatures that come with their board game. These entries must be from a board game defined by a small board that comes with their miniatures, which will include a grid or hex system to move you across the game. The miniatures entered must not be available to use in a wargame (Space Hulk etc..) as these miniatures would be better suited in the singles category.
How to Enter Sir Coates Painting Masters
Entering is simple:
- Visit the The Sir Coates Painting Masters registration desk at the event in Hall 4 and drop off your entry at the same time.
- Alternatively you can register online and drop off your entries to the event desk in Hall 4.
- Join us for the awards ceremony (time tbc), where winners will be revealed!
Prizes
- Everyone who enters into Sir Coates Painting Masters will receive a unique pin badge.
- Those entrants who make it as finalists will received a brass pin badge and certificate.
- Winners will receive a trophy
Sir Coates Painting Masters FAQs
Can I enter if I am not a member of the Duncan Rhodes Painting Academy?
Yes, this event is open to everybody. Members can enter monthly painting challenges separate from the Sir Coates masters.
Can I leave my miniatures at the event overnight?
We will be in attendance on each day of the Expo but the Painting Masters judging takes place on Sunday 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 enter a specific miniature into one category and only once.
What is the deadline for entries?
The deadline is 12:00pm on Sunday.
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 alongside some guest judges.
Can I purchase a Sir Coates or Gyzmo exclusive miniature at the event?
Yes! We will have plenty available over the weekend to purchase.
If I give my personal details in the entry form, will they be secure?
Absolutely! We will have a locked file for the entry forms that will never be left unattended and after the event, all information will be shredded securely.
What counts as a board game miniature?
Any miniature that comes within a board game that includes a separate board with a grid or hex system. The miniature must also not be an alternate miniature to an option in wargame (Space Hulk Terminators/Genestealers, Underworlds, etc…) As these are best placed in the Single Miniature category.
Can the miniature/s entered be from any manufacturer from any minis range?
Yes. The miniatures entered can be from any manufacturer and any miniature range from any release date. However, please remember this is a painting contest for everybody so no sexually explicit miniatures depicting adult and inappropriate acts.
Can my miniatures be made of any material?
Yes. Any material that would be used to produce miniatures or bases is absolutely fine.
Can I convert my miniatures using parts from multiple miniature ranges or gaming systems?
Yes. The more creative the better we say!
Can I enter all of the categories?
Yes. You may enter each category you are eligible to once (one entry per category)
Can I enter the other categories if I am under 15?
Yes. If you want to try your hand at the other categories then please feel free.
Can I enter a miniature I am using in a game over the weekend?
No. Please ensure that any miniature you enter can be left in the cabinets for judging across the whole weekend.
I am new to the hobby of miniature painting, will I have a chance?
Yes! We encourage beginners or those recently entering the glorious world of toy soldier painting. Not only do we judge the competition on creativity as much as skill but it is also a great way to get some feedback on your skills and learn. Everybody has a chance so don’t be afraid to try your hand.
Stay Updated
Please visit the Duncan Rhodes Painting Academy website for event info here.
Please also follow UK Games Expo and Duncan Rhodes Painting Academy on social media for the latest updates.
Unleash your creativity and make your mark—Sir Coates 2025 awaits your masterpiece!