Australian Tattoo Expo holds the ugliest tattoo competition at the Sydney International Convention Center
Thousands of tattooed fans from around the world have flocked to the 12th annual Australia Tattoo Expo, including a brave crowd revealing their worst creations.
The three-day festival will take place at the Sydney International Convention Center in Darling Harbor with events running from Friday to Sunday.
The crowd on Saturday got to enjoy the fan-favorite ugliest tattoo contest, in which attendees take the stage to show off their worst tattoo.
Several characters from The Simpsons appeared on the list of regretted tattoos.
The annual Australian Tattoo Expo drew a huge crowd in Sydney on Saturday. In the photo, Nicole, who participated in the highly anticipated ugliest tattoo competition.
Nicole will now remove her hideous phoenix tattoo (pictured) for free
Tattooed fire spinners on stage kept the crowd entertained
Thousands of tattoo fans flocked to the three-day event at the International Convention Center
Several characters from The Simpsons made appearances on the list of sorry tattoos
Other highlights included a huge unfinished koi fish, a beautiful rendition of the word ‘moo’, and a questionable sketch of a cat.
Competition prizes include tattoo removal vouchers and prank trophies.
Nicole, 28, was declared the winner with her Phoenix Bird tattoo on her back, which the competition sponsor was removing for free.
Fortunately for those looking to cover up their past mistakes, the massive event brought together over 400 of Australia’s favorite tattoo artists to provide new ink.
A cheeky contestant was seen fleeing the venue after he was allegedly arrested trying to enter the competition with fake tattoos.
For those not looking for new tattoos, the expo offered an opportunity to learn about different genres, trends, and techniques.
At least one attendee got her first tattoo at the event.
Various fun side shows including sword swallowers and fire dancers.
“With an emphasis on talent, Australian Tattoo Expo invites the public to come and experience the tattoo industry up close and personal,” the event organizers said.
“There is no better place to learn about the niche and complex culture of tattooing and body art than at the Australian Tattoo Expo.”
Many attendees were proud to display their colorful inked designs.
This Attendee Allegedly Tried To Enter The Ugliest Fake Ink Tattoo Competition
Over 400 tattoo artists were able to showcase their talents at the annual event
A single day pass to the expo netted attendees $45 – $30 for concession card holders, but multi-day passes were available online
On Saturday, dozens of brave tattoo fans showed off their most regretful ink.
Fortunately for those looking to cover up their past mistakes, the expo brought together over 400 of Australia’s favorite tattoo artists to provide fresh ink.
Other highlights from the competition included a beautiful rendition of the word ‘moo’ and a questionable sketch of a cat.
The exhibition also marks the launch of the Competitive Tattooing Association Australia’s Tattoo Series competition, which boasts prizes of $60,000. In the photo there are more unfortunate tattoos.
Other main events included a live chat with famed Hollywood tattoo artist Ami James and Sydney’s own Kian Forreal from Authentic Ink.
Ami, who is Jewish and served in the Israeli army, participated in one of TLC’s first reality shows, Miami Ink.
On the show, she starred alongside controversial beauty influencer Kat Von D.
It was alleged at the time that Kat made anti-Semitic comments about Ami, but she strongly denies the allegations.
When asked about the Daily Mail Australia comments on Saturday, Ami said: “A lot of people make (make anti-Semitic comments), leave it at that.”
The event also attracted tattoo artists, who were hard at work on Saturday.
Prizes for Saturday’s ugliest tattoo contest included coupons for tattoo removal.
Expo attendees on Saturday were treated to the fan-favorite ugliest tattoo competition as brave attendees take the stage to show off their worst tattoo.
Other main events of the exhibition include a live chat with famed Hollywood tattoo artist Ami James and Sydney’s own Kian Forreal of Authentic Ink.
Another highlight of Saturday’s ugliest tattoo competition was an unfinished giant koi fish.
A single-day pass to the event cost attendees $45, but multi-day passes were available online.
The exhibition also marks the launch of the Competitive Tattooing Association Australia’s Tattoo Series competition.
The competition will see Australia’s top tattoo artists compete for their share of a $60,000 prize.
The competition will take place over seven rounds as the exhibition moves through the state capitals and ends in Melbourne on December 3.
Winners for three different categories will be announced: a solo artist will take home $30,000, a collaboration series can win $20,000, and $10,000 is up for grabs for the public’s choice.
Australia’s 12th Annual Tattoo Expo saw dozens of brave tattoo lovers display their worst ink for the ugliest tattoo competition
Prizes for the ugliest tattoo contest included coupons for tattoo removal and prank trophies.
The exhibition featured several fun side shows including performances by sword swallowers and fire dancers.