From Duncan to Louise, get the inside scoop on the AdeptiCon 2025 AdeptiCup Army Showcase—who can enter, and who’s judging it!
If you’ve ever drybrushed until your wrist cramped or spent an entire weekend building a display board with more foam than actual miniatures, the AdeptiCon 2025 AdeptiCup Army Showcase is your kind of party.
It’s where the best-painted armies across all game systems now square off—not with dice, but with dazzling paint jobs and show-stopping setups.
We’re breaking down who’s painting, who’s judging, and why Long War Doubles (we can hope) might just be the sleeper hit that brings home the trophy.
What Is the AdeptiCup Army Showcase Anyway?
Every year, AdeptiCon rolls around, and hobbyists start furiously highlighting their armies, stress-flocking bases, and constructing display boards that defy the laws of gravity and good sense. And this year? It’s shaping up to be an absolute feast for the eyes.
One of the standout events to keep an eye on is the AdeptiCon 2025 AdeptiCup Army Showcase—a celebration of craftsmanship, creativity, and, let’s be honest, probably some very tired airbrush compressors.
A Whole Lot of Game Systems, One Giant Spotlight
So, what makes the AdeptiCup Army Showcase such a big deal? Simple. It’s the only event at AdeptiCon where the best-painted armies from across all game systems square off—not in a dice-fueled battle, but on pure aesthetic excellence. We’re talking:
- Warhammer 40,000
- Age of Sigmar
- Marvel: Crisis Protocol
- Star Wars: Legion and Shatterpoint
- Infinity
- BattleTech
- Halo: Flashpoint
- Horus Heresy
- Judgement
- Bolt Action
- SAGA
- And more than a dozen other events
It’s a mash-up of miniatures, paint styles, and game worlds that really shouldn’t make sense together—and yet, somehow, it totally does.
How It All Works
Army From AdeptiCon 2024
Each participating event sends forward its most jaw-dropping armies, handpicked by their tournament organizers. These aren’t casual nods. These are selections based on visual punch, storytelling, craftsmanship, and pure hobby swagger.
On Saturday night, things get real. Finalists gather in the Baird Center Grand Ballroom Foyer (that’s first floor—don’t get lost), where the whole thing kicks off:
- 6:30 PM: Instructional meeting
- 7:00 PM: Setup begins
- 8:00 PM: Viewing and judging
- 10:00 PM: Awards time
- 11:00 PM: Tear-down and probably a lot of celebratory beverages
Showtime For Your Army
Each team will have a time slot to present their army to a panel of three judges. After all presentations, the judges will huddle up and pick the winner based on the full package.
What are they looking for? Everything that makes your display pop, including:
• Creative flair
• Paint job quality
• Storytelling on the table
• Eye-catching wow factor
• Technical skill
Meet the Judges (AKA, People Who Know Their Stuff)
This panel isn’t your average bunch of hobby nobodies. These are the big names:
- Duncan Rhodes – Yes, that Duncan. Two Thin Coats himself.
- Louise Suggs – Goblin queen, miniature wizard, and all-around painting powerhouse from Rogue Hobbies.
- Eric Locke – Terrain master with a love for cinematic builds.
- Victoria Lamb – Golden Demon champion and Aussie legend.
- Dave Taylor – If it’s got paint on it, he’s probably painted one (or 12,000) just like it.
This squad has seen it all. They’re looking at your work with equal parts appreciation and laser-focused scrutiny. And they’re not just checking for clean lines—they’re soaking in the story you’re telling with your models.
What Can You Win? Glad You Asked.
Army From AdeptiCon 2024
We all say it’s not about the prizes… but c’mon. The AdeptiCup Best of Show is a massive, traveling trophy awarded to the overall winner. And it gets displayed with pride at the winning game system’s event for the entire next year.
There are also awards for:
- Reserve Best of Show
- Best Skirmish
- Best Display Board
- People’s Choice (because your friends matter too)
- Judge’s Choice (each judge picks their personal favorite)
- Commended Entries (for armies that absolutely deserve recognition)
Why We’re Stoked for the Long War Doubles
Army From AdeptiCon 2024
Let’s get selfish for a second: the Long War Doubles is our jam. It’s a blast to run, full of wild teams, clever lists, and beautiful armies. But this year? We’re especially excited because we get to nominate two teams from our event to the Showcase (see last year’s awesome armies here!).
Two chances to represent. Two opportunities to stand among the best-painted armies at AdeptiCon. And if one of them takes the trophy home? Oh yes—we’re absolutely displaying it with a smug grin in 2026.
So, Should You Care? Absolutely.
Army From AdeptiCon 2024
If you’re heading to AdeptiCon with a lovingly painted army, don’t sleep on this. Even if you’re not aiming for the Showcase, knowing what’s possible can be a huge inspiration.
And if you do get tapped to join the Showcase? That’s no small thing. It means your work stands out in a sea of incredible talent. So bring your A-game, charge your camera, and maybe pack a lightbox.
We’ll be there—trying not to drool on your display board.
See All the Details on AdeptiCon 2025 Here!
Are you excited to check out all the amazing armies that will be on display for the Adepticup?
