Atomic Mass’s Path of the Worthy Painting Contest Returns to AdeptiCon

AdeptiCon announced that The Path of the Worthy, Atomic Mass Games' Marvel: Crisis Protocol painting competition, will return to AdeptiCon 2026 in Milwaukee. The event will run alongside the convention, which takes place March 25–29, 2026, and brings a competitive painting spotlight to tabletop fans attending the show.

The contest is back with four judging categories and open-format judging, designed to recognize a broad range of techniques and experience levels rather than forcing entries into a narrow scoring rubric. Organizers highlighted that past years drew notable entries, and the event will again award painters at different stages of their hobby journey. Atomic Mass Games is listed as the competition host, with the entry guide and event page linked from AdeptiCon’s event listings for full details.

For painters, the practical takeaway is straightforward: the entry guide contains the full rules, submission instructions, and category definitions. Review the guide carefully to confirm scale, basing and display requirements, and any restrictions on conversions or mixed media. Open-format judging rewards creative risk and clear presentation as much as technical polish, so plan a display that tells a story without obscuring technique. Keep AdeptiCon’s schedule in mind when planning travel, assembly, and last-minute touch-ups so your piece arrives ready for inspection.

The return of this contest is a good opportunity for painters who want a marquee show-floor presence without committing to the stricter, one-size-fits-all categories some contests enforce. Open-format judging tends to favor imaginative entries and lets newer painters compete alongside seasoned names without being shut out by a single numeric standard. The inclusion of multiple categories means you can enter work that reflects your current focus—be it speed painting, diorama composition, or showcase-level single models.

If you plan to enter, register for AdeptiCon and follow the submission timeline in the entry guide. Prepare photos, documentation of techniques where required, and secure your piece for travel. With the event returning to Milwaukee, prepare to polish those rims, tidy basing, and stage a display that speaks to your strengths.

This contest’s return makes AdeptiCon 2026 a must-watch for painters who want exposure and feedback under open-format judging; expect a mix of veterans and newcomers pushing creative boundaries and raising the bar for Marvel: Crisis Protocol and miniature presentation at large.