Presented by Swords and Spoons
"Crack open your paints and claw your way to the top."
Participants may enter in one of the following divisions:
Apprentice – For newer painters and hobbyists.
Journeyman – For intermediate-level painters.
Masterclass – For experienced and advanced artists.
All entries from a participant must be submitted in the same division.
Each division is judged independently by a panel of experienced miniature painters.
Each division awards Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals in the following categories:
Single Model – Small (up to 54mm scale)
Single Model – Large (over 54mm scale)
Diorama (multi-model or narrative scenes)
The Golden Crab uses an open judging system, meaning multiple Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals may be awarded in each category based on the quality of the entry—not direct competition with others.
In addition to division medals, the following special awards will be presented:
Youth Award – Top three painted entries by hobbyists aged 15 and under.
Creativity Award – Top three most creative entries across all divisions.
Historical Award – Best historical figure or diorama within each division.
$5 per entry
Participants may enter multiple categories but must compete within a single division.
Entry Drop-Off: September 20–27, 2025 (during store hours)
Judging:Â Sunday, September 28, 2025
Winners Announced:Â Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Entry Pickup Deadline:Â October 6, 2025
Models must be original work, fully painted, and ready for display.
Base size should be appropriate to the model’s scale; excessively large displays may be declined.
Entries may not include offensive content.
Swords and Spoons is not responsible for lost or damaged entries, but reasonable care will be taken.
By entering, participants agree to allow photographs of their entries to be used for promotional purposes.
Swords and Spoons reserves the right to disqualify entries that do not meet category or division guidelines.
'Near Mint condition cards show minimal or no wear from play or handling and will have an unmarked surface, crisp corners, and otherwise pristine edges outside of minimal handling. Near Mint condition cards appear 'fresh out of the pack,' with edges and surfaces virtually free from all flaws. '
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'Lightly Played condition cards can have slight border or corner wear, or possibly minor scratches. No major defects are present, and there are less than 4 total flaws on the card. Lightly Played condition foils may have slight fading or indications of wear on the card face. '
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'Moderately Played condition cards have moderate wear, or flaws apparent to the naked eye. Moderately Played condition cards can show moderate border wear, mild corner wear, water damage, scratches , creases or fading, light dirt buildup, or any combination of these defects. '
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'Heavily Played condition cards exhibit signs of heavy wear. Heavily Played condition cards may include cards that have significant creasing, folding, severe water damage, heavy whitening, heavy border wear, and /or tearing. '
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'Damaged condition cards show obvious tears, bends, or creases that could make the card illegal for tournament play, even when sleeved. Damaged condition cards have massive border wear, possible writing or major inking (ex. white-bordered cards with black-markered front borders), massive corner wear, prevalent scratching, folds, creases or tears. '
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