Duncan Rhodes Joins Moonstone May 2026 as Guest Judge for Anniversary Competition

Duncan Rhodes, the painter synonymous with "two thin coats" and years of Warhammer TV tutorials, is stepping into the judge's chair for Moonstone May '26, the annual painting competition run by Goblin King Games. Goblin King Games turns 10 in 2026, and the studio has made clear it has plenty planned across the year to mark the milestone. The painting competition is one of the centrepieces of that celebration.

Rhodes became known for his skillful painting and attention to detail as one of the main painters on Games Workshop's 'Eavy Metal team before launching his own painting tutorial channel and the Duncan Rhodes Painting Academy on YouTube in 2020. His presence as a judge gives the Moonstone May competition a significant profile boost in its anniversary year.

The entry window runs from 1 to 31 May 2026, and the process is deliberately low-barrier. Post photos of your painted Moonstone miniatures on social media using the hashtag #MoonstoneMay26, and declare which of the four categories your piece falls into when you submit. One of those categories is Single Miniature, which last year went to @mezzmerize for a piece featuring a standout freehand cloak. The Best Original Concept prize in 2025 was taken by @mikeg_minis with a large-scale Jayda.

The judging runs in two stages. Goblin King Games will first assess all entries based on quality and technical skill, assembling a shortlist from each category. Then, in June, the main images of every shortlisted piece will be passed to Duncan Rhodes, who will make the final call on the winners. The organisers were characteristically direct about why they went after a high-profile guest this year: "As we've got loads of votes going on already, getting you to help us choose which mini will have an alt sculpt this year, we thought we'd invite a special guest to be our judge."

Prize money has increased from the £25 gift cards offered in the 2025 edition. Each category winner this year walks away with a £30 gift card to spend in the Moonstone webstore, with free postage anywhere in the world included. Winners will be announced in June, once Rhodes has reviewed the shortlisted finalists.

One thing to sort before you post: the rules prohibit watermarks or logos on entry images. By entering, you're granting Goblin King Games permission to reuse your photos online and in other media, so shoot clean.

Moonstone is an award-winning fantasy skirmish game for two to four players, with a miniature range whimsical enough to give painters serious room to play with colour and character. If your Moonstone minis have been sitting half-finished on the desk, May gives you both a deadline and a reason.