Albany Tattoo Invitational 2024

By the decree of fate and destiny's hand, we summon thee to partake in a most illustrious and enigmatic gathering - the inaugural "Albany Tattoo Invitational."

In the mystical heart of Albany, New York, amid the crimson hues of October in the year 2024, a unique spectacle awaits your presence. The spirits of ancient warriors and mystics shall bear witness as the tattooed tapestry comes to life in a contest like no other. You, the chosen few, have been personally sought after, for your prowess in the art of tattooing resonates with the echoes of centuries past. In this sacred tournament, your needles shall weave stories of courage, honor, and legends untold. As the ink flows like the rivers of yore, your hand shall be guided by the spirits of tattooed ancestors who walked the path before you. This is the very first Tattoo Kumite of its kind, a single elimination bracket competition, to decide who is the ultimate victor of Capitaland in 2024. Know this, dear artists, you stand at the precipice of history. Your journey to Albany shall be a pilgrimage to the heart of tattooing's ancestral legacy, where the ancient and the contemporary intertwine. We beseech you to heed this call and embark upon this journey of a lifetime. Join us, as the mystic energies converge, and the Dead Man's Hand Tattoo Combat unfurls its secrets. For it is said that those who partake shall find not only renown but also a place among the legends. If you are up to the challenge or you have been summoned by the tattoo gods please fill out the form and await further instructions...... May your ink flow true, and your spirit remain unbroken.

Rules:

  • The committee will pick from applicants, any personal invites are automatic on a first come basis. booth must be purchased to officially enter.

  • Once artists are notified and ALL agree the bracket will be posted at least two months before the tournament so artists can prepare. No one knows who they are competing against until the day the bracket is posted. Artist selection deadline TBA If you are competing in the tournament it will consume each day until you are eliminated so charge accordingly.

  • Each tattoo must be started(witnessed) and completed that day and remain in the style the artist is registered to compete in. Times TBA

  • Rounds 1-3: The best of 5 votes advances the artist. One vote each from the 4 physical judges and the 5th vote (tie breaker only) is the online vote.
    ALL online results will not be shown until the vote is closed

  • Championship Roundd is ONE vote online only Friday round 1 is the chosen 16 artists (8 contests) competing against someone with the same style

  • Saturday is when round 2 begins - the remaining 8 artists square off (4 contests)

  • Sunday is round 3. The final 4 artists (2 contests), followed by the championship vote of the 2 winning tattoos to decide the champion.

  • The winner receives the championship belt and a bunch of other prizes. They are allowed to have it for a month. After that, they are required to return it or be charged a BIG fine. Winner and year will be engraved annually as long as the belt exists. The winner is automatically invited back to defend the championship and gets a free booth. A tattoo that is eliminated from the tournament and doesn't advance to the next round can enter "tattoo of the day" the day of completion. Artists, tattoos, the bracket, and possibly video will be posted in real-time.

  • All participants are expected to be a guest on the Dead Man's Hand podcast. All participating artists are expected to remain silent until bracket is revealed.