After the AI controversy at Adepticon, Neil Hollis proved his painting mastery by winning another Golden Demon from SPIEL 2024 with his Horus Ascended model.
Winning a Golden Demon is like capturing lightning in a bottle—twice, and Neil Hollis just did it again. If you’ve been keeping up with the drama in the Warhammer community, you’ll know Hollis isn’t exactly a stranger to controversy. The man’s been at the center of a storm since his AI-assisted backdrop ruffled feathers at Adepticon 2024. But this time, it’s all about the paint, the brushwork, and one seriously impressive Horus Ascended model, with no digital trickery in sight.
Golden Demon “Cheater” Wins Award Without AI
Neil Hollis, a name that’s become both celebrated and controversial in the Warhammer painting community, has once again secured a Golden Demon award, this time at SPIEL 2024 in Essen. This win comes after a whirlwind year for Hollis, who previously faced intense scrutiny following his Golden Demon victory at Adepticon 2024. His latest triumph, however, comes without the controversy that surrounded his earlier win, as his Horus Ascended model featured no AI-generated elements.
The AI Controversy That Sparked Debate
Earlier this year at Adepticon, Neil Hollis submitted a miniature with an AI-generated background. At the time, Games Workshop (GW) did not prohibit AI art as part of the competition, and the judges selected his piece as one of the best. Despite following the rules in place at the time, Hollis’s victory quickly became the subject of heated debate among the Warhammer and miniature painting communities.
The backlash from the community was immediate and fierce. While the craftsmanship of his miniature was undeniable, many fans were angered by the use of an AI-assisted backdrop. This was a significant concern for those who saw it as an unfair advantage in a competition known for celebrating hand-made artistry. In response to the uproar, GW has since revised its rules, disallowing the use of AI-generated art in future competitions.
Hollis Responds to Critics
Neil Hollis didn’t shy away from the controversy. Instead, he faced his critics head-on, delivering a sharp and divisive rebuttal. His most vocal opponents were dismissed as “angry virgins,” a comment that only fueled further debate. While some in the community praised Hollis’s no-nonsense attitude, others found his remarks disrespectful. This division left the community in heated discussions, with opinions split on whether his defiance was admirable or inflammatory.
Despite the criticism, one thing was clear: Neil Hollis remained unphased by the opinions swirling around him, focusing instead on his work and continuing to push boundaries in the world of miniature painting.
A New Win, Free of AI
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At SPIEL 2024 in Essen, Hollis presented his Horus Ascended model, free from the AI-generated elements that had caused such a stir earlier in the year. His craftsmanship spoke for itself, with no additional digital assistance, winning him another prestigious Golden Demon award. Fans of the Horus Heresy will recognize the intricate details in his portrayal of the iconic character, with Hollis’s expert painting skills bringing the Warmaster to life in stunning form.
This time, the win has been met with far less controversy. His mastery of the miniature and the impressive detail work in his Horus Ascended model have earned him praise from fans and judges alike. The debate over AI-generated backgrounds, while still a hot topic, took a backseat to the sheer quality of the model he presented.
Final Thoughts
Neil Hollis’s journey over the past year is a testament to his resilience and skill as a painter. Despite facing backlash, he continues to push forward, refining his craft and securing more top accolades in the miniature painting world.
His victory at SPIEL 2024 shows that his talent extends beyond the controversies, with his Horus Ascended model earning him yet another Golden Demon. Whether or not you agree with his past choices or his outspoken personality, his achievements in the Warhammer community are impossible to ignore.
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What do you think about the use of AI art in the Golden Demon competition, his Horus Ascended model, and Neil Hollis’ response to critics?
About the Author: Travis Pasch
Travis Pasch
Job Title: Head Writer & Editor
Socials: @paschbass
About Travis Pasch: Travis has been a Warhammer 40k hobbyist since the 1990s, playing the game since Third Edition. Through extensive traveling, he’s seen a lot of the miniatures hobby from across the world, giving him a unique perspective on the latest gaming topics and trends.
Travis’s brother even owns a commission painting studio, where he’s picked up a lot of good advice and techniques for painting Warhammer and tabletop miniatures over the years, as well. Travis joined the Spikey Bits team in 2019 and has been the lead writer since 2020.
Currently, he’s working on converting all his 40k Adeptus Mechanicus models and becoming a true tech enjoyer, complete with both sad and happy robot noises!
