Entry & Payment

Entry Fee
The WSOTT Artist Entry Fee is non-refundable and non-transferable once payment has been received.

Payment Deadline
Payment must be received within 24 hours of acceptance. Failure to complete payment may result in forfeiture of your position in the tournament.

Transfer Policy
Approved transfers may be permitted at the discretion of the organizer and are subject to a $75 transfer fee.

Tournament Participation

Commitment
By entering WSOTT, artists agree to be available for all scheduled rounds from June 26–28, 2026.

Failure to appear for any scheduled round may result in:
- Immediate disqualification
- Forfeiture of entry fee
- Advancement of the opposing artist

Advancement & Elimination
WSOTT is a single-elimination tournament format. Advancement is determined strictly by scoring outcomes. All judging decisions are final.

Forfeiture
Late arrival, failure to complete a tattoo within the allotted time, or inability to continue may result in:
- Point deductions
- Loss of round
- Disqualification

Design Submissions

Requirements
All competing artists must submit their full set of required designs by June 19, 2026.

Designs must:
- Be original work
- Meet required size and style specifications
- Be appropriate for execution within time limits

Design submissions are a mandatory component of tournament participation and are used to facilitate client selection and competition structure.

Failure to submit designs by the stated deadline will result in:
- A $100 non-compliance fee or
- Forfeiture of entry fee and immediate removal from the tournament at the discretion of the organizer

No exceptions will be made for late or incomplete submissions.

Design Usage
By submitting designs, artists acknowledge that:
- Their designs may be selected and tattooed by other competing artists
- Designs may be tattooed multiple times throughout the tournament
- WSOTT may use submitted designs for event operations and promotion

Client Participation

Assignment
Client participants are assigned based on tournament structure and logistical considerations, including style, placement, and fairness of competition.

Artists do not choose their clients.

Design Selection
For Preliminary and Battle rounds:
- Clients select designs from submitted artist catalogs

For Mastery Bracket:
- Clients agree upon a shared style after reviewing both artists’ designs

Client Conduct
Client participants must arrive on time and be prepared for their scheduled tattoo.

Failure of a client to appear may result in:
- Schedule adjustments
- Replacement clients
- Organizer-determined outcomes

Judging & Scoring

Scoring System
All scoring is conducted using the official WSOTT Judging Standards & Definitions.

Finality of Judging
All judging decisions are final and not subject to appeal.
WSOTT reserves the right to interpret and apply scoring standards at its sole discretion.

Tiebreaker
Completion time will be used to resolve tied scores.

Health and Safety Compliance

Licensing
All artists must comply with local and state health regulations.

BBP Certification
Artists must possess an up-to-date OSHA-approved Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) certification and provide proof upon request.

Health Department Inspection
Artists and workstations may be inspected by the health department and event staff at any time.

Failure to meet standards will result in removal from the tournament without refund.

Sanitation
Artists must maintain a clean and sanitary workspace at all times, including proper disposal of sharps and other hazardous materials.

Equipment & Workstation

Artists are responsible for providing:
- All tattoo equipment and supplies
- Arm rests, trays, and lighting

WSOTT provides only the designated tattooing station and chairs.

Conduct & Professionalism

Behavior
All participants are expected to conduct themselves professionally at all times.

Harassment, unsafe practices, or disruptive behavior may result in:
- Point deductions
- Disqualification
- Removal from the event without refund

Client Experience
Complaints from client participants regarding artist conduct may result in scoring penalties or disqualification, at the discretion of the organizer.

Scheduling & Event Operations

Schedule Changes
WSOTT reserves the right to adjust the schedule, timing, or format as necessary for operational or safety reasons.

Station Reassignment
Tattoo stations may be reassigned or removed as the tournament progresses.

Prizes

Prize amounts are based on a full field of 32 competing artists and canvases.

WSOTT reserves the right to adjust prize payouts in the event of changes to participation.

Media & Promotion

By participating in WSOTT, artists grant permission for:
- Photography and video recording
- Use of their name, likeness, and work for promotional purposes

Insurance and Liability

Insurance
Artists are responsible for their own liability insurance, covering any potential accidents, injuries, or damages that may occur during the event.

Liability
The event organizers, venue, and associated staff are not responsible for any loss, damage, or theft of artists’ property or equipment. Artists are advised to secure their belongings and ensure their booths are staffed at all times.

Damage to Venue
Artists are responsible for any damage caused to the venue, including but not limited to walls, floors, and provided equipment. Repair costs will be billed to the artist responsible.

Cancellation Policy

By Participant
All entries are final. No refunds will be issued for cancellations.

By Organizer
If WSOTT is canceled due to unforeseen circumstances, refunds may be issued minus any non-recoverable costs.

General Provisions

Amendments
WSOTT reserves the right to modify these Terms and Conditions at any time.

Agreement
By entering WSOTT, participants acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.

Failure to comply may result in disqualification and forfeiture of all associated fees.