Dream Neptun Publishes 2026 Miniature Painting Rules, Categories, Registration

Dream Neptun published the official competition rules and schedule for its 2026 miniature painting event, which took place on January 1, 2026. Organisers Jacek Draczyński and Dominika Zajączkowska set out category definitions, judging procedures, logistics for submission and display, and a registration window listed on the site from January 1, 2026 to April 20, 2026.

The rules define eight core categories: Small Single Miniature (≤54mm), Single Miniature (>54mm to 20cm), Group (3–20 figures), Mega Scale, Diorama, Bust, Junior (under 15), plus a Competition Challenge, which is a 6-hour paint challenge held on the first day. The Challenge is capped at 50 participants. A one-time registration fee of 30 PLN covers entry administration and funds starter packs distributed to entrants.

Judging will use a closed system with specified medal allocations per category and separate Standard and Master levels. The organisers stated that judges are experienced medalists and reserve the right to move entries between Standard and Master levels if appropriate. The rules page also outlines submission dates and times, handling and display rules for brought and supplied bases, and expectations for safe transport and presentation of entries.

Practical details are provided to help painters plan travel and schedules for an in-person contest in Poland. Submission windows and display rules clarify when models must arrive and how they will be shown, while the starter packs and Challenge cap affect capacity planning. The explicit size thresholds for Single and Small Single make it easier to decide where models fit without last-minute reclassifications, and the Standard/Master distinction provides a route for more competitive painters to seek higher-level adjudication.

This publication matters because it turns speculation into a checklist: register and pay the 30 PLN fee to secure a starter pack, choose the correct category using the size and figure-count rules, and allow time for the Challenge if attempting the 6-hour event. Plan transport and packing around the handling and display requirements, and expect that judges may reassign entries between levels.

For full procedural details, model standards, and the organisers’ timelines, consult the event rules at dreamneptun.pl/en/competition-rules/. Expect future updates from Draczyński and Zajączkowska on any post-event adjustments; in the meantime, confirm category fits, reserve travel and hotel time, and build a timeline from base coat to varnish if you aim to compete next season.