Posts Tagged ‘nail art’
Nailympia announces its latest location as San Juan, Puerto Rico for Sept 2026
Nailympia Competitions is extremely excited to announce its 15th location – Puerto Rico – in its 22-year history with Seed Publishing Ltd (Scratch magazine).
This new location will be hosted by two nail industry figures, Michelle Soto (@chellysnails) and Lyssa Avilés of The Nails Expo in San Juan; to be held on 27-28 September 2026.
Michelle Soto
Talking about her relationship with colleague Lyssa Avilés, Michelle notes, “Lyssa and I have built a beautiful friendship over the years, rooted in mutual respect, shared values and a deep love for our industry and our island.
“We share the same vision for elevating our community and creating opportunities for others. What makes our partnership so special is that our strengths complement each other. Together, we bring leadership, experience, passion and purpose to everything we do. More importantly, we both believe in pouring into others and helping shape the future generation of nail artists and entrepreneurs. At the centre of everything is our faith, which guides our decisions and keeps us focused on serving with intention, integrity and love.”
An established international nail educator, mentor, judge and competition figure, Michelle is known for her aspirational nail art style and her incredible skills, which she shares frequently on her social platforms and through her work as an educator and product developer/innovator for Valentino. Moving into competition organisation is a new and exciting world to explore, so when quizzed on what inspired the move to host Nailympia in Puerto Rico, Michelle states, “Puerto Rico is where my journey began. It’s where I first picked up a brush, built my career and dreamed about what was possible. As opportunities opened up for me throughout the years, my dreams continued to grow, but my heart has always remained connected to my island.
Lyssa Avilés & Michelle Soto
“Bringing Nailympia to Puerto Rico is incredibly special because it’s something I wish had existed when I was starting out. I know first-hand how life-changing opportunities like this can be. My vision is to create a platform that opens doors for local nail artists while also inviting professionals from around the world to experience the beauty, culture, talent and warmth of Puerto Rico. This is more than a competition it’s a way of giving back to the place that gave me my start. It’s my Home.” Michelle continues, “What excites me most about this project, is the opportunity it creates for our local nail community. Nailympia is a world-renowned competition, and having it on our island gives artists access to an experience that many have only dreamed about.
“Competition introduces you to a completely different side of the industry. It challenges you, pushes you beyond your comfort zone and helps you discover strengths you didn’t know you had. I believe it will open minds, inspire growth and show nail professionals that their talent can compete on a global stage. For many artists, this could be the beginning of a whole new chapter in their careers.”
The Nails Expo, San Juan, Puerto Rico
What does Michelle hope competitors will take away from this event beyond medals, score sheets and trophies? The answer is simple: she wants every visitor to leave having truly experienced Puerto Rico. While the competition itself is a major draw, Michelle believes the real magic lies in the people, culture and connections that surround it.
“Of course, I want people to enjoy competing and challenging themselves,” she cites. “But beyond that, I want every person who attends to feel Puerto Rico. I want them to experience our culture, our people, our hospitality and the love that we pour into everything we do.”
As host of Nailympia Puerto Rico, Michelle sees the event as an opportunity to showcase not only world-class nail artistry, but also the spirit of the island itself. From the warmth of its welcome to the friendships formed throughout the competition, she hopes visitors will leave with something far more meaningful than a medal. “Puerto Rico has a warmth that is difficult to put into words. It’s something you feel,” she reflects. “My mission is for competitors to leave not only with memories of the competition, but with memories of the island, the connections they made and the feeling that they were welcomed like family.”
It’s becoming clear worldwide that nail competitions provide a level of exposure that can truly change careers and allow artists to be seen not only for their talent, but for their commitment, discipline and dedication to their craft. As Michelle asserts, “Anyone who has competed understands the amount of preparation, sacrifice and heart that goes into it. That’s what makes competition so special. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been in the industry for one year or 20 years, when you step onto that competition floor, your work speaks for itself. My hope is that artists gain confidence, recognition, new opportunities and a deeper belief in what’s possible for their future.
“My dream is for Nailympia Puerto Rico to become the competition destination of the Caribbean. The event that artists mark on their calendars every year because they simply can’t miss it.
“I want it to be known not only for excellence in competition, but also for the energy, culture and unique flavour that Puerto Rico brings. We have something special here. We have talent, passion, and yes, we have ‘SAZÓN’ haha. I hope competitors from all over the world come to experience that magic year after year.
Lyssa Avilés & Michelle Soto of The Nails Expo & Nailympia Puerto Rico 2026 – September 27-28
“Nailympia Puerto Rico offers so much more than a competition. It’s an opportunity to challenge yourself professionally while also experiencing one of the most beautiful and welcoming places in the world.
“Come compete, learn, connect and grow, but also come to recharge. Enjoy our culture, our food, our beaches, our music and the warmth of our people. Puerto Rico has a way of filling your heart and your spirit with energy. Our island is ready to welcome everyone with open arms,” Michelle enthuses.
REGISTRATION OPENS SOON.
Nailympia Orlando 2026: THE RESULTS
The seventh edition of Nailympia Orlando took place at Premiere Orlando, 31 May and 1 June – and was the biggest turnout in the region to date, with 102 competitors from 13 countries taking 329 competition seats.
The results are:
MANICURE POSTER
Division 1
- 1st – Iryna Shemet – USA
- 2nd – Evgeniia Chernigina – Egypt
- 3rd – Inna Bohdan – USA
Division 2
- 1st – Daryna Khalepa – USA
- 2nd – Zhanna Fedorenko – USA
- 3rd – Uliana Vadiuk – USA
Division 3
- 1st – Oksana Viriutina – USA
- 2nd – Karyna Kliushyk – USA
- 3rd – Liudmyla Kermet – USA
PEDICURE POSTER
Division 1
- 3rd – Inna Bohdan – USA
- 2nd – Shamel Robinson – USA
- 1st – Iryna Shemet – USA
Division 2
- 1st – Olena Fedorchenko – USA
- 2nd – Uliana Vadiuk – USA
- 3rd – Olha Khlomova – USA
Division 3
- 1st – Oksana Viriutina – USA
- 2nd – Olena Brylova – USA
- 3rd – Liudmyla Keremet – USA
GEL POLISH MANICURE
Division 1
- 1st – Kateryna Tabota – USA
- 2nd – Melant Edenfield – USA
Division 2
- 1st – Yanin Echevarria – USA
- 2nd – Olha Khlomova – USA
- 3rd – Yevheniia Alienikova – USA
Division 3
- 1st – Diana Manucharian – USA
- 2nd – Maksymilian Borowy – Ireland
- 3rd – Svitlana Palchuk – USA
REALITY NAILS
Division 1
- 1st – Thi Linh Nhi Nguyen – USA
- 2nd – Elizabeth Baez – USA
- 3rd – Yen Bui – USA
Division 2
- 1st – Maria Teresa Concu – Italy
- 2nd – Yanin Echevarria – USA
- 3rd – Be Lee – USA
Division 3
- 1st – Phi Dang – USA
- 2nd – Francesca Paliotto – Italy
- 3rd – Maksymilian Borowy – Ireland
RUNWAY NAILS
Division 1
- 1st – Iryna Shemet – USA
- 2nd – Yen Bui – USA
- 3rd – Kristina Kolisnyk – USA
Division 2
- 1st – Yevheniia Alieinikova – USA
- 2nd – Daryna Khalepa – USA
- 3rd – Uliana Vadiuk – USA
Division 3
- 1st – Kelsey McQuay – USA
- 2nd – Halyna Kaliugina – USA
- 3rd – Veronica Luviano – USA
AI NAIL VISION STYLING POSTER
Division 1
- 1st – Hanna Drana – USA
- 2nd – Danica Hargett – USA
- 3rd – Kristina Kolisnyk – USA
Division 2
- 1st – Uliana Vadiuk – USA
- 2nd – Duong Bui – USA
- 3rd – Daryna Khalepa – USA
Division 3
- 1st – Karyna Kyliushyk – USA
- 2nd – Halyna Kaliugina – USA
- 3rd – Liudmyla Keremet – USA
EXTREME NAIL STYLING POSTER
Division 1
- 1st – Iryna Shemet – USA
- 2nd – Alina Didenko – USA
- 3rd – Nora David – Hungary
Division 2
- 1st – Diana Suleac – Italy
- 2nd – Iuliia Pashina – USA
- 3rd – Olha Khlomova – USA
Division 3
- 1st – Georgina Takacs – United Kingdom
- 2nd – Anita Chahal-Millar – United Kingdom
- 3rd – Vira Bushta – USA
FLAT ART BOXED
Division 1
- 1st – Thi inh Nhi Nguyen – USA
- 2nd – Hanna Drana – USA
- 3rd – Makayla Reed – USA
Division 2
- 1st – Hoa Huynh – Canada
- 2nd – Inessa Ostavnienko – USA
- 3rd – Tetiana Lvovska – USA
Division 3
- 1st – Liudmyla Komlieva – USA
- 2nd – Phi Dang – USA
- 3rd – Vinh Le – USA
TO STILETTO & BEYOND
Division 1
- 1st – Iryna Shemet – USA
- 2nd – Yen Bui – USA
- 3rd – Inna Alieksieieva – USA
Division 2
- 1st – Iuliia Pashina – USA
- 2nd – Duong Bui – USA
- 3rd – Tetiana Lvovska – USA
Division 3
- 1st – Liudmyla Keremet – USA
- 2nd – Elena Soldatenkova – USA
- 3rd – Mariana Dolganova – USA
SALON NAILS
Division 1
- 1st – Yen Bui – USA
Division 2
- 1st – Maria Teresa Concu – Italy
- 2nd – Marilyn Fontanez – Puerto Rico
- 3rd – Duong Bui – USA
Division 3
- 1st – Melissa Monaco – Italy
- 2nd – Francesca Paliotto – Italy
- 3rd – Valentina Federici – Italy
THE JOY OF NAILS
Division 1
- 1st – Yen Bui – USA
- 2nd – Inna Alieksieieva – USA
- 3rd – Melant Edenfield – USA
Division 2
- 1st – Maria Teresa Concu – Italy
- 2nd – Olena Fedorchenko – USA
- 3rd – Uliana Vadiuk – USA
Division 3
- 1st – Francesca Paliotto – Italy
- 2nd – Valentina Federici – Italy
- 3rd – Monia Martellini – Switzerland
L&P ACRYLIC COMPETITION STYLE NAILS
Division 1
- 1st – Yen Bui – USA
Division 2
- 1st – Maria Teresa Concu – Italy
- 2nd – Duong Bui – USA
- 3rd – Marilyn Fontanez – Puerto Rico
Division 3
- 1st – Francesca Paliotto – Italy
- 2nd – Valentina Federici – Italy
- 3rd – Melissa Monaco – Italy
UV GEL COMPETITION STYLE NAILS
Division 1
- 1st – Yen Bui – USA
Division 2
- 1st – Maria Teresa Concu – Italy
- 2nd – Marilyn Fontanez – Puerto Rico
- 3rd – Uliana Vadiuk – USA
Division 3
- 1st – Francesca Paliotto – Italy
- 2nd – Valentina Federici – Italy
- 3rd – Melissa Monaco – Italy
STILETTO NAILS
Division 1
- 1st – Yen Bui – USA
Division 2
- 1st – Maria Teresa Concu – Italy
- 2nd – Duong Bui – USA
- 3rd – Eric Vega – Puerto Rico
Division 3
- 1st – Francesca Paliotto – Italy
- 2nd – Valentina Federici – Italy
- 3rd – Monia Martellini – Switzerland
ART WINNER OF WINNERS
YEN BUI – USA
TOP USA TECH
DUONG BUI
WINNER OF WINNERS
- Division 1 YEN BUI – USA
- Division 2 MARIA TERESA CONCU – ITALY
- Division 3 FRANCESCA PALIOTTO – ITALY
INDIVIDUAL TOP SCORER
FRANCESCA PALIOTTO – ITALY
For information about future Nailympia competitions, visit nailympia.com
Nailympia China 2026: THE RESULTS
The second edition of Nailympia China, hosted by Kimi Chang and her team, took place at the Elephoto building in Shanghai: a multi-functional space that housed the competition arena, display area for entries, brand activations and a runway show for nails.
The competition, which ran 20, 21 and 22 May, welcomed 132 nail professionals representing 14 countries across 14 categories: eight arena and six online/turn-in.
Global Nailympia Competitions director, Alex Fox, led proceedings, and head judge for the event was Anneke van de Sar from The Netherlands, with Jacqui O’Sullivan (UK) and Liesbeth Van Langelaan as head floor judges. They were supported by a prestigious global judging panel: Anna Lee (UK/China); Catherine Wong (Singapore); Damon Ho (USA/Vietnam); Elena Maltseva (Tunisia); Elena Popova (Russian Federation); Joanna Bandurska (Poland); Max Braga (Italy); Mino Vo (UK/Vietnam); Oana Flutur (Romania); Sandy Cheung (China); Stephy Pang (Malaysia); Tatiana Litvinov (Romania); Valerie Ducharme (Canada); Zrinka Vuksan Bolancha (Canada/Croatia). Sean O’Sullivan (UK) and Helena Biggs (UK) administered scoring for the event.
THE RESULTS
美甲海报 – MANICURE POSTER
新手组 – Division 1
- 1st – Ngoc Huyen Tran Nguyen / 澳大利亚 Australia
- 2nd – 陳玉珠 Gigi / 中國香港 Hongkong, China
入门组 – Division 2
- 1st – Marina Savelyeva / 俄罗斯 Russian Federation
- 2nd – Olena Fedorchenko / 美国 USA
- 3rd – Diana Manucharian / 美国 USA
大师组 – Division 3
- 1st – Katerina Drasler / 斯洛文尼亚 SIovenia
- 2nd – Zita Shirgazina / 俄罗斯 Russian Federation
- 3rd – Ekaterina Moor / 俄罗斯 Russian Federation
美足海报 – PEDICURE POSTER
新手组 – Division 1
- 1st – Ngoc Huyen Tran Nguyen / 澳大利亚 Australia
- 2nd – 陳玉珠 Gigi / 中國香港 Hongkong, China
入门组 – Division 2
- 1st – Svetana Logunova / 俄罗斯 Russian Federation
- 2nd – 柯煒淩 Winnie / 中國香港 Hongkong, China
- 3rd – Olena Fedorchenko / 美国 USA
大师组 – Division 3
- 1st – Zita Shirgazina / 俄罗斯 Russian Federation
- 2nd – Mateja Petkov / 斯洛文尼亚 Slovenia
- 3rd – 楊沛麟 Pitt / 中國香港 Hongkong, China
甲油胶 GEL POLISH MANICURE
新手组 – Division 1
- 1st – 郑月兰 Zhen Yuelan / 中国 China
- 2nd – 范小莉 Fan Ziaoli / 中国 China
- 3rd – 胡茜 Hu Qian / 中国 China
入门组 – Division 2
- 1st – 杨小琴 Yang Xiaoqin / 中国 China
- 2nd – Svetlana Logunova / 俄罗斯 Russian Federation
- 3rd – 王苏红 Wang Suhong / 中国 China
大师组 – Division 3
- 1st – Mateja Petkov / 斯洛文尼亚 Slovenia
- 2nd – Zita Shirgazina / 俄罗斯 Russian Federation
- 3rd – 楊沛麟 Pitt / 中國香港 Hongkong, China
穿戴甲全贴甲片 – 中国风 – FULL COVER CREATIVE
新手组 – Division 1
- 1st – 陳玉珠 Gigi / 中國香港 Hongkong,China
- 2nd – 苏缘 Su Yuan / 中国 China
- 3rd – 阚颖 Kan Ying / 中国 China
入门组 – Division 2
- 1st – 黃艷芬 Wong Yim Fan / 中國香港 Hongkong, China
- 2nd – 柯煒淩 Winnie / 中國香港 Hongkong, China
- 3rd – Svetlana Logunova / 俄罗斯 Russian Federation
大师组 – Division 3
- 1st – 楊沛麟 Pitt / 中國香港 Hongkong, China
- 2nd – 唐灵芝 Tang Linzhi / 中国 China
- 3rd -: Ekaterina Moor / 俄罗斯 Russian Federation
图像灵感美 – REALITY NAILS
新手组 – Division 1
- 1st – 黃乙穎 Zoe / 中國香港 Hongkong, China
- 2nd – 钱瑞怡 Qian RuiYi / 中国 China第三名
- 3rd – 欧文 Ou Wen / 中国 China
入门组 – Division 2
- 1st – Svetlana Logunova / 俄罗斯 Russian Federation
- 2nd – 柯煒淩 Winnie / 中國香港 Hongkong, China
- 3rd – 陈华银 Chen Huayin / 中国 China
大师组 – Division 3
- 1st – 中山竜司 Nakayama Ryuji / 中国 China & 日本 Japan
- 2nd – 楊沛麟 Pitt / 中國香港 Hongkong, China
- 3rd – Mateja Petkov / 斯洛文尼亚 Slovenia
平面手绘艺术美甲盒 – 平行宇宙 FLAT ART BOX – Parallel Universe
新手组 – Division 1
- 1st – 邸斯 Di Si / 中国 China
- 2nd – 黃乙穎 Zoe / 中國香港 Hongkong, China
- 3rd – 谢可可 Xie Keke / 中国 China
入门组 – Division 2
- 1st – Irina Lutkovskaya / 俄罗斯 Russian Federation
- 2nd – 刘火星 Liu Huoxing / 中国 China
- 3rd – 王宇 Wang Yu / 中国 China
大师组 – Division 3
- 1st – 楊沛麟 Pitt / 中國香港 Hongkong, China
- 2nd – Ainabekova Arailym / 哈萨克斯坦 Kazakhstan
- 3rd – 中山竜司 Nakayama Ryuji / 中国 China & 日本 Japan
美甲的喜悦 THE JOY OF NAILS
新手组 – Division 1
- 1st – 王昱婷 Wang Yuting / 中国 China
- 2nd – 陳玉珠 Gigi / 中國香港 Hongkong, China
- 3rd – 陈玮琪 Chen Weiqi / 中国 China
入门组 – Division 2
- 1st – Dariya Yakoviv / 俄罗斯 Russian Federation
- 2nd -王苏红 Wang Suhong / 中国 China
- 3rd – 黄鑫 Huang Xin / 中国 China
大师组 – Division 3
- 1st – 楊沛麟 Pitt / 中國香港 Hongkong, China
- 2nd – Ainabekova Arailym / 哈萨克斯坦 Kazakhstan
- 3rd – Mateja Petkov / 斯洛文尼亚 Slovenia
3D艺术创作美甲盒 – MIXED MEDIA 3D BOXED ART – Open theme
新手组 – Division 1
- 1st -黃乙穎 Zoe / 中國香港 Hongkong,China
- 2nd – 黄琼仪 Huang Yiqiong / 中国 China
- 3rd – Nguyễn Thị Thu Vân / 越南Viet Nam
入门组 – Division 2
- 1st – 包桂婷 Bao Guiting / 中国 China
- 2nd – 黄思彤 Huang Sitong / 中国 China
- 3rd – 王苏红 Wang Suhong / 中国 China
大师组 – Division 3
- 1st – Ekaterina Moor / 俄罗斯 Russian Federation
- 2nd – Viktoriia Nikitina / 俄罗斯 Russian Federation
- 3rd – 唐灵芝 Tang Linzhi / 中国 China
花样法式 FRENCH TWIST
新手组 – Division 1
- 1st – Ngoc Huyen Tran Nguyen / 澳大利亚 Australia
- 2nd – Ann Bui / 澳大利亚 Australia
- 3rd – 张艺 Zhang Yi / 中国 China
入门组 – Division 2
- 1st – Razmyslova Yana Eduardovna / 俄罗斯 Russian Federation
- 2nd – 王苏红 Wang Suhong / 中国 China
- 3rd Place: 刘婷 Liu Ting / 中国 China
大师组 – Division 3
- 1st – Mateja Petkov / 斯洛文尼亚 Slovenia
- 2nd – Zolotulhina Tatyana / 俄罗斯 Russian Federation
- 3rd – 中山竜司 Nakayama Ryuji / 中国 China &日本 Japan
沙龙美甲 – SALON NAILS
新手组 – Division 1
- 1st – Ann Bui / 澳大利亚 Australia
- 2nd -王昱婷 Wang Yuting / 中国 China
- 3rd – Ngoc Huyen Tran Nguyen / 澳大利亚 Australia
入门组 – Division 2
- 1st – 杨小琴 Yang Xiaoqin / 中国 China
- 2nd – Razmyslova Yana Eduardovna / 俄罗斯 Russian Federation
- 3rd – 柯煒淩 Winnie / 中國香港 Hongkong, China
大师组 – Division 3
- 1st – Genki Itou / 日本 Japan
- 2nd – Mateja Petkov / 斯洛文尼亚 Slovenia
- 3rd – Zolotulhina Tatiana / 俄罗斯 Russian Federation
水晶延长 – L&P ACRYLIC COMPETITION NAILS
新手组 – Division 1
- 1st – Ann Bui / 澳大利亚 Australia
- 2nd – 陳玉珠 Gigi / 中國香港 Hongkong,China
- 3rd – Ngoc Huyen Tran Nguyen / 澳大利亚 Australia
入门组 – Division 2
- 1st – 杨小琴 Yang Xiaoqin / 中国 China
- 2nd – 陈华银 Chen Huayin / 中国 China
- 3rd -王苏红 Wang Suhong / 中国 China
大师组 – Division 3
- 1st – Genki Itou / 日本Japan
- 2nd – 中山竜司 Nakayama Ryuji / 中国 China & 日本 Japan
- 3rd – Ainabekova Arailym / 哈萨克斯坦 Kazakhstan
光疗硬胶延长 – UV GEL COMPETITION NAILS
新手组 – Division 1
- 1st – Ann Bui / 澳大利亚 Australia
- 2nd – 黃乙穎 Zoe / 中國香港 Hongkong, China
- 3rd – 王昱婷 Wang Yuting / 中国 China
入门组 – Division 2
- 1st – 黄鑫 Huang Xin / 中国 China
- 2nd – 杨小琴 Yang Xiaoqin / 中国 China
- 3rd – 王苏红 Wang Suhong / 中国 China
大师组 – Division 3
- 1st – Mateja Petkov / 斯洛文尼亚 Slovenia
- 2nd – Genki Itou / 日本 Japan
- 3rd – 中山竜司 Nakayama Ryuji / 中国 China &日本 Japan
艺术甲–创造一个美甲造型 – 不限主题 TO STILETTO & BEYOND
新手组 – Division 1
- 1st – Ann Bui / 澳大利亚 Australia
- 2nd – Ngoc Huyen Tran Nguyen / 澳大利亚 Australia
- 3rd – Phuong Thao / 越南Viet Nam
入门组 – Division 2
- 1st – Irina Lutkovskaya / 俄罗斯 Russian Federation
- 2nd – Tatiana Fedorova / 俄罗斯 Russian Federation
- 3rd – Nadezhda Tarasevich / 俄罗斯 Russian Federation
大师组 – Division 3
- 1st – Shcherbakova Anna Vladimirovna / 俄罗斯 Russian Federation
- 2nd – 唐灵芝 Tang Linzhi / 中国 China
- 3rd – Le Thoang / 越南Viet Nam
尖高跟美甲 – STILETTO NAILS
新手组 – Division 1
- 1st – Ann Bui / 澳大利亚 Australia
- 2nd – 黃乙穎 Zoe / 中國香港 Hongkong, China
- 3rd – Ngoc Huyen Tran Nguyen / 澳大利亚 Australia
入门组 – Division 2
- 1st – Razmyslova Yana Eduardovna / 俄罗斯 Russia
- 2nd -王苏红 Wang Suhong / 中国 China
- 3rd – 柯煒淩 Winnie / 中國香港 Hongkong, China
大师组 – Division 3
- 1st – Genki Itou / 日本 Japan
- 2nd – 楊沛麟 Pitt / 中國香港 Hongkong, China
- 3rd – Mateja Petkov / 斯洛文尼亚 Slovenia
艺术总冠军 ART WINNER OF WINNERS
楊沛麟 Pitt – 中國香港 Hongkong, China
Representing 亚洲巨星光芒联盟 / Asian Superstar Luminous Alliance team
总冠军 WINNER OF WINNERS
新手组 – Division 1
Ann Bui – 澳大利亚 Australia
入门组 – Division 2
杨小琴 Yang Xiaoqin – 中国 China
大师组 – Division 3
Genki Itou – 日本 Japan
团队总冠军 TEAM TROPHY
亚洲巨星光芒联盟 / Asian Superstar Luminous Alliance
- 中山竜司 Nakayama Ryuji
- 楊沛麟 Pitt
- 陳玉珠 Gigi
- 黃乙穎 Zoe
- 柯煒淩 Winnie
- 黄鑫 Huang Xin
INDIVIDUAL TOP SCORER
中山竜司 Nakayama Ryuji – 中国 China & 日本 Japan
1,079 POINTS
Representing 亚洲巨星光芒联盟 /Asian Superstar Luminous Alliance team
Nailympia Competitions is powered by Scratch magazine. For information about upcoming events, visit www.nailympia.com
Nailympia Anaheim 2026: THE RESULTS
The third edition of Nailympia Anaheim welcomed 83 competitors taking 252 seats – 87 of which were in the arena during the two-day event at Premiere Anaheim.
Turn-in art entries and poster submissions were all extremely popular at this event with Runway Nails, Gel Polish Manicure and Joy of Nails leading the way and Reality Nails taking pole position.
“I have been delighted to witness the growth of Nailympia Anaheim, in addition the steady growth of the competition in Orlando and San Antonio. Clearly, nail professionals across the USA and beyond are seeing and feeling the power of competing,” enthuses Alex Fox, global director for Nailympia Competitions. “It’s a very exciting time to see this power emerging and to recognise that nail artists see profound positives to their business lives when they take part.
“It’s not just the competition itself, it’s the people they meet, the connections they make that help transform and illuminate them. It really makes me happy to be part of this whole experience.”
Register for upcoming Nailympia competitions at www.nailympia.com
THE RESULTS
INDIVIDUAL TOP SCORER
Francesca Paliotto – Italy
WINNER OF WINNERS
Division 1 Thanh Thao Tran – USA
Division 2 Linh Duong – Canada
Division 3 Francesca Paliotto – Italy
ART WINNER OF WINNERS
Thanh Thao Tran – USA
TOP USA TECH
Anh Thy Vu – USA
GEL POLISH MANICURE
Division 1
- 1st – Anna Pryshchepa – USA
- 2nd – Uliana Vadiuk – USA
- 3rd – Iuliia Pashina – USA
Division 2
- 1st – Olga Preston – USA
- 2nd – Natalia Iakovleva – USA
- 3rd – Viktoriia Fedorovykh – USA
Division 3
- 1st – Mateja Petkov – Slovenia
- 2nd – Viktoriya Komar – USA
- 3rd – Anastasiia Moskaliuk – USA
REALITY NAILS
Division 1
- 1st – Thanh Thao Tran – USA
- 2nd – Anne-Marie Menard – Canada
- 3rd – Lauryn Silva – USA
Division 2
- 1st – Naomi Nguyen – USA
- 2nd – Linh Duong – Canada
- TIED 3rd – Oksana Viriutina – USA & Halyna Kaliugina – USA
Division 3
- 1st – Jennie Yen Nguyen – Canada
- 2nd – Francesca Paliotto – Italy
- 3rd – Hanna Khalin – USA
RUNWAY NAILS
Division 1
- 1st – Thanh Thao Tran – USA
- 2nd – Kim Dang – USA
- 3rd – Carmen Ramos – USA
Division 2
- 1st – Halyna Kaliugina – USA
- 2nd – Naomi Nguyen – USA
- 3rd – Oksana Viriutina – USA
Division 3
- 1st – Maryna Kozhevnikova – USA
- 2nd – Hanna Khalin – USA
- 3rd – Jennie Yen Nguyen – Canada
SALON NAILS
Division 1
- 1st – Thuy Tran – USA
- 2nd – Huong Quynh Dang – USA
- 3rd – Kim Dang – USA
Division 2
- 1st – Linh Duong – Canada
- 2nd – Anh Thy Vu – USA
- 3rd – Olena Fedorchenko – USA
Division 3
- 1st – Francesca Paliotto – Italy
- 2nd – Mateja Petkov – Slovenia
- 3rd – Viktoriya Komar – USA
FLAT ART BOXED
Division 1
- 1st – Evguenia Nowatzki – USA
- 2nd – Thanh Thao Tran – USA
- 3rd – Akiko Morita – Japan
Division 2
- 1st – Yuen Ting Lau – France
- 2nd – Liudmyla Keremet – USA
- 3rd – Naomi Nguyen – USA
Division 3
- 1st – Veronica Luviano – USA
- 2nd – Flavia Andresa Alexandre Menezes – Brazil
- 3rd – Karyna Kuliushyk – USA
PEDICURE POSTER
Division 1
- 1st – Uliana Vadiuk – USA
- 2nd – Aaliyah Sagall – USA
- 3rd – Alla Ismailova – USA
Division 2
- 1st – Khrystyna Baranska – USA
- 2nd – Oksana Viriutina – USA
- 3rd – Robin Sloangrepo – USA
Division 3
- 1st – Zita Shirgazina – Russia
- 2nd – Hanna Khalin – USA
- 3rd – Tetiana Dolhosheia – USA
Click to view the gallery of Nailympia Anaheim Pedicure Poster entries.
MANICURE POSTER
Division 1
- 1st – Diana Manucharian – USA
- 2nd – Alla Ismailova – USA
- 3rd – Madison Sao – USA
Division 2
- 1st – Oksana Viriutina – USA
- 2nd – Olena Fedorchenko – USA
- 3rd – Yu-Chieh Wang – Canada
Division 3
- 1st – Viktoriya Komar – USA
- 2nd – Viktoriia Voloshyna – USA
- 3rd – Karyna Kyliushyk – USA
Click to view the gallery of Nailympia Anaheim Manicure Poster entries.
EXTREME NAIL STYLING POSTER
Division 1
- 1st – Olga Ponomareva – Russian Federation
- 2nd – Brigitta Szelei-Farkas – Hungary
- 3rd – Huong Quynh Dang – USA
Division 2
- 1st – Oksana Viriutina – USA
- 2nd – Victoria Korableva – Russia
- 3rd – Olena Fedorchenko – USA
Division 3
- 1st – Anita Chahal-Millar – United Kingdom
- 2nd – Inna Kharlak – Russian Federation
- 3rd – Hanna Khalin – USA
Click to view the gallery of Nailympia Anaheim Extreme Nail Styling Poster entries.
AI NAIL VISION POSTER
Division 1
- 1st – Kim Dang – USA
- 2nd – Diana Manucharian – USA
- 3rd – Huong Quynh Dang – USA
Division 2
- 1st – Halyna Kaliugina – USA
- 2nd – Linh Duong – Canada
- 3rd – Oksana Viriutina – USA
Division 3
- 1st – Georgina Takacs – United Kingdom
- 2nd – Alexandra Molnar – USA
- 3rd – Karyna Kyliushyk – USA
Click to view the gallery of Nailympia Anaheim AI Nail Vision Poster entries.
TO STILETTO & BEYOND
Division 1
- 1st – Thanh Thao Tran – USA
- 2nd – Huong Quynh Dang – USA
- 3rd – Iuliia Pashina – USA
Division 2
- 1st – Liudmyla Keremet – USA
- 2nd – Halyna Kaliugina – USA
- 3rd – Linh Duong – Canada
Division 3
- 3rd – Maryna Kozhevnikova – USA
UV HARD GEL COMPETITION NAILS
Division 1
- 1st – Uliana Vadiuk – USA
- 2nd – Huong Quynh Dang – USA
Division 2
- 1st – Anh Thy Vu – USA
Division 3
- 1st – Francesca Paliotto – Italy
- 2nd – Mateja Petjov – Slovenia
- 3rd – Viktoriya Komar – USA
L&P ACRYLIC COMPETITION NAILS
Division 1
- 1st – Thanh Thao Tran – USA
- 2nd – Alla Ismailova – USA
Division 2
- 1st – Linh Duong – Canada
- 2nd – Anh Thy Vu – USA
Division 3
- 1st – Francesca Paliotto – Italy
- 2nd – Alexandra Molnar – USA
- 3rd – Veronica Luviano – USA
THE JOY OF NAILS
Division 1
- 1st – Thanh Thao Tran – USA
- 2nd – Kim Dang – USA
- 3rd – Iulia Pashina – USA
Division 2
- 1st – Anh Thy Vu – USA
- 2nd – Linh Duong – Canada
- 3rd – Olena Fedorchenko – USA
Division 3
- 1st – Francesca Paliotto – Italy
- 2nd – Mateja Petkov – Slovenia
- 3rd – Viktoriya Komar – USA
STILETTO NAILS
Division 1
- 1st – Thanh Thao Tran – USA
- 2nd – Kim Dang – USA
Division 2
- 1st – Linh Duong – Canada
- 2nd – Anh Thy Vu – USA
- 3rd – Yuliia Benzyk – USA
Division 3
- 1st – Francesca Paliotto – Italy
- 2nd – Mateja Petkov – Slovenia
- 3rd – Viktoriya Komar – USA
Register for upcoming Nailympia competitions at www.nailympia.com
Nailympia Anaheim: Sponsor Spotlight – Byootique
Where Organisation & Efficiency Meet Artistry
In today’s fast-moving beauty industry, professionalism extends far beyond technical skill. From first impressions to daily workflow, the tools an artist uses – and how they are presented – play a vital role in shaping success. At the forefront of this movement is Byootique, a brand redefining what it means to work with confidence, efficiency and style.
Byootique specialises in premium organisational solutions designed for beauty professionals. From nail technicians and make-up artists to hairstylists, educators and students, the brand creates specialised cases, storage systems and portable units that help practitioners keep their tools perfectly organised, accessible and protected. The result is a streamlined workflow that supports creativity while projecting a polished, professional image.
Functionality sits at the heart of every Byootique design, but the brand’s philosophy extends well beyond practicality. Each year, new collections are introduced that reflect contemporary colour palettes and design trends, ensuring that artists are able to express their personal style alongside their professional expertise. Byootique believes that organisation should never be dull – it should inspire confidence and pride in one’s craft.
Positioned as a leading innovator in the North American market for nail, make-up, and hairstyling storage solutions, Byootique continues to stand out through its commitment to user-centred design. Rather than relying solely on internal development, the brand actively engages with the beauty community, gathering insight from professional expos, state-certified schools, industry trainers, students and working artists.
This collaborative approach allows Byootique to continually refine case structure, mobility and functionality while remaining closely aligned with evolving aesthetic trends. The result is a product range that balances intelligent engineering with visual appeal – offering tools that are both highly practical and distinctly personal.
Its partnership mindset is reflected in every detail, from durable materials and thoughtful layouts to sleek finishes and adaptable compartments. Each case is designed to support the real-world demands of working professionals while reinforcing their identity and credibility.
Looking to the future, Byootique remains committed to innovation across design, functionality and sustainability. The brand is focused on integrating smart organisational features, eco-conscious materials and personalised aesthetics into upcoming collections. By maintaining close relationships with artists, educators and students, Byootique aims to anticipate emerging needs and set new standards before trends fully emerge.
Ultimately, Byootique strives to define what professional beauty tools should represent: intuitive design, inspiring aesthetics and authentic reflection of the artist behind them. In an industry where presentation, efficiency and individuality are inseparable, Byootique continues to prove that organisation is not just a necessity – it is a powerful form of self-expression.
Behind Byootique’s continued growth is founder Andy Lee, whose leadership is supported by a dedicated product development and branding team. Operating as a subsidiary of Yescom USA, Inc, the brand is guided by a mission rooted in Andy’s long-standing commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and service professionals. This philosophy laid the foundation for Byootique and continues to shape its direction today. “Your toolkit should empower your creativity, not limit it. We design for the artist who sees every nail as a canvas,” explains Andy Lee. “What motivates the team most is the real-world impact of their work,” explains Andy Lee. “ Hearing directly from customers that Byootique’s products help them better serve their own clients remains a powerful source of inspiration. These stories not only affirm the brand’s purpose, but also fuel its ongoing commitment to innovation, quality and improvement. The professionals who place their trust in Byootique remain at the heart of every design decision we make.”
Byootique supports nail artists at every stage of their professional journey – creatively, commercially and operationally. Functionally, its cases and storage systems are engineered to optimise organisation and workflow, allowing artists to focus fully on artistry and client experience. Creatively, contemporary trends and customisable elements are woven into each design, enabling technicians to express individuality while enhancing their professional presence. From a business perspective, the brand’s durable and portable cases help artists build a strong, polished image and adapt seamlessly to diverse working environments, from salons to on-location services.
Its philosophy of collaboration is reflected in Byootique’s sponsorship of Nailympia Anaheim. For the brand, the competition represents the highest levels of creativity, skill and professionalism – qualities that mirror its own values.
The partnership extends beyond traditional sponsorship. It offers a meaningful opportunity to connect with inspiring professionals, celebrate artistic achievement and support a platform that elevates the industry as a whole. By standing alongside Nailympia, Byootique reinforces its commitment to empowering artists, promoting excellence and helping the beauty profession continue to thrive.
Within the competitive landscape of the beauty industry, events such as Nailympia play a crucial role in shaping careers and elevating professional standards. Byootique recognises that competitions are more than showcases of talent – they are essential platforms for growth, recognition and creative evolution. They challenge artists to refine their skills, explore new techniques and push the boundaries of what is possible within nail artistry.
Nailympia, in particular, stands out for its role in raising global benchmarks of excellence. With rigorous judging processes, trend-setting entries and opportunities for professional exchange, the competition fosters an environment where innovation thrives. It not only celebrates outstanding achievement but also helps shape the direction of nail artistry for years to come.
In parallel with this commitment to professional development, Byootique remains deeply attuned to emerging trends and evolving client expectations. The brand maintains close connections with its community through industry expos, educational institutions and direct customer feedback. This ongoing dialogue enables Byootique to integrate practical advancements and contemporary design elements into its collections while ensuring durability, usability and performance remain central to every product.
Looking to the future, the brand places strong emphasis on inspiring and educating emerging talent. This commitment is reflected in a series of focused initiatives designed to support professional development at every stage. “We believe in the professional behind the polish. Our goal is to help you build not just a clientele, but a legacy,” cites a spokesperson for the product design team.
At Byootique, the mission is to empower artistry with tools that reflect skill, style and professionalism. The team will support – not just with products, but as a partner in industry growth. Together, it hopes to elevate the craft, celebrate creativity and build a more inspired future. Its brand director summarises, “When you thrive, the industry rises. We’re here to listen, learn and keep creating what helps you grow.”
Nailympia London: Sponsor Spotlight – Umia
Nail Art Through AI Working in Harmony & Supporting Nail Artists Globally
At the crossroads of artificial intelligence, robotics and artistry sits Umia, a brand quietly yet confidently reshaping what is possible in the nail industry. As the company behind the world’s first AI-powered nail painting system, Umia is not positioning itself as a novelty product, but as a new category – one designed to support and elevate the entire nail ecosystem.
Founded with the belief that technology should enable creativity rather than replace it, Umia’s vision extends far beyond machinery. The company describes its work as building infrastructure – a framework where nail artists, business owners and consumers can all benefit from innovation working in harmony with craftsmanship.
“Our goal has never been to replace artists,” says Modi Liu, co-founder of Umia. “We are creating tools that remove physical and logistical limitations, so creativity can travel further, reach more people and become more sustainable as a profession.”
The name Umia – inspired by the concept of utopia – reflects this ethos. For the brand, a ‘happy world’ means balance: accessibility for consumers, scalability for businesses and opportunity for artists. By offering a consistent, high-quality nail art experience powered by AI, Umia aims to make premium nail design more widely available while complementing existing salon operations rather than competing with them.
For nail artists, the platform introduces an entirely new medium. Designs created once can now live globally, worn by clients the artist may never meet in person. This model not only expands creative reach but opens new income streams and long-term visibility – something Umia views as essential to the future of nail artistry.
“Creatively, we’re giving artists a new canvas,” Modi Liu explains. “Commercially, we’re helping them build sustainable careers that aren’t limited by geography. Authorship and individuality matter to us and our platform is designed to respect both.”
Umia’s philosophy of championing artists has already translated into action. Last month, the brand launched a special holiday campaign at Selfridges London, presenting a curated seasonal nail art collection executed through its AI-powered system. The initiative brought nail artists’ work into one of the world’s most iconic retail environments – an early yet powerful statement of Umia’s commitment to visibility and respect for artistry.
This commitment also underpins Umia’s decision to sponsor Nailympia London, the world’s leading nail competition platform. For the brand, the partnership is less about marketing and more about alignment.
“Nail artists are the cornerstone of the community we are building,” enthuses Modi Liu. “Supporting Nailympia is our way of standing alongside artists, celebrating their excellence and contributing to a forward-moving industry.”
Umia views competitions as vital spaces for growth and recognition. They provide artists with the opportunity to reflect on their skills, push creative boundaries and gain visibility within a global professional network. Events like Nailympia, the brand believes, play a critical role in driving innovation and raising standards across the industry.
“Competitions don’t just showcase talent,” adds Modi Liu. “They create connection, encourage progression and help artists build confidence and careers. That kind of environment is essential for long-term industry health.”
Innovation sits at the heart of Umia’s identity, but the brand is careful not to dictate trends. Instead, it positions itself as a neutral, adaptive platform – one that responds to evolving client demands while leaving creative control firmly in the hands of artists.
“AI is our native language,” Modi Liu explains, “However, inclusiveness and individuality guide everything we build. Everyone has their own beauty language and Umia exists to support that – not overshadow it.”
Looking ahead, education and empowerment remain key priorities. Umia is developing tools that help artists work more efficiently, reach broader audiences and view technology as a creative ally rather than a threat. By doing so, the company hopes to inspire the next generation of nail professionals to embrace innovation with confidence.
Ultimately, Umia’s mission is rooted in balance – between art and technology, progress and tradition, scale and individuality. “We want to help create a happier, more balanced ecosystem for everyone in the nail industry,” cites Modi Liu. “When artists thrive, the industry thrives – and that’s the future we’re building towards.”
As Umia continues its journey, one thing is clear: this is not just about machines painting nails. It is about redefining how nail art is created, shared and valued on a global stage.
Behind-the-scenes: how I created Nailympia’s 2026 marketing imagery
Globally renowned nail artist & educator, ELENA MALTSEVA, reveals the creative process behind Nailympia’s 2026 campaign images
Originally published in the January issue of Scratch – click here to read for free.
The vision
The concept for Nailympia’s 2026 campaign stemmed from a desire to showcase not only beautiful nail silhouettes, but the creative styles represented at Nailympia competitions. These range from mixed media to extreme stiletto designs and hand-painted artistry. I tried my utmost to showcase one or more of these elements in each nail.
The idea didn’t come to me right away. I was considering what would look most striking against a black backdrop when I had an epiphany: I would use the nails to share my story as a competition techniques coach.
I chose mixed media as the main focus of the composition, as it is my signature style. I took the idea of the artwork from my online course, The Little Prince, which I created during the pandemic. It has been completed by artists around the world, including renowned educators.
Timeline
The nails combine elements that I’ve demonstrated in my training courses and saved to use in future. For example, there are pieces from classes I’ve taught on crafting a realistic eye, portraiture, hand-painting and using the bas-relief moulding technique to create a face. In the centre of the composition, I placed a mixed media piece that I created several years ago.
The nail bases and accompanying, connecting elements were created over the course of six days prior to the photo shoot. I try not to create my work too far in advance of a deadline, and instead dedicate myself to it fully within a specific timeframe.
Styling symbolism
I wanted to show how everything is in motion metaphorically, via the secondary and tertiary elements of the piece. The nail shapes, reminiscent of cogs and circles, are like a mechanism that connects and fastens the fixed, leading elements of the design. This sets the rhythm of the entire work and represents that nothing in life stands still: everything moves and changes.
Inspiration
I drew my inspiration from the Art Nouveau movement, and to some extent pop art, because I sought to convey a riot of colour. I wanted all the colours of the world to be expressed in this work, while maintaining structure. This was quite a detour from my usual style and a step outside of my comfort zone, because I’m generally more of a classicist. But why look for easy ways to do things? I always want to try something new.
My creative process
I rarely sketch ideas for my designs. While I help my students craft plans for their designs, mine are clearly laid out in my mind, so I believe that putting them on paper wastes time. I close my eyes and see what I want to create. I first determine the colour scheme, which is either instant or inspired by imagery I find. Next, I select the central focuses for each nail. To unite them,
I create connecting elements, which I call ‘leitmotifs’. These are showcased across the nails via repeating symbols. After placing the key elements on each nail, I add supporting elements to create a complete composition.
I don’t attach all the elements right away. Each nail is laid out and the elements are arranged so I can see that they balance against each other: within each nail and across the complete set.
Nail techniques
For Nailympia’s campaign imagery, I used a variety of techniques, including hand-painting with gel pastes and paints, and working with wet acrylic to sculpt and paint. Additionally, I used relief sculpting and created 3D elements, primarily with acrylic, but also with gel.
I made sure to incorporate volume and depth in my work. I always use black and white shades very carefully, and include them in the final stage to ensure the creation delivers maximum contrast and readability, especially in photographs. For this imagery, I added black and white using liquid acrylic painting techniques to achieve balance.
Challenges
The main difficulties I encountered when creating the Nailympia imagery were related to time and location. I was travelling when I needed to craft the nails, so wasn’t in my usual workspace, but I did have all the products, tools and basic components I needed. It was challenging to relax and give in to my creativity, but I’m grateful to my colleague, Elena Popova, who offered me space in her training studio to finish and perfect the design.
My motivation
It’s an honour to have my work used by such a significant competition organisation as Nailympia. For as long as I can remember, I wanted to make it to Nailympia London. It is the pinnacle of any self-respecting professional’s aspirations – and a meeting point for nail artists from all over the world. Nailympia has long been a championship that is close to my heart, and I have the deepest respect for its organiser, Alex Fox.
I experienced a special feeling in May 2025, when, after a long time unable to attend a Nailympia event for various reasons beyond my control, I judged at Nailympia China and was immersed in a magical atmosphere of celebration. I saw many experts and colleagues that I hadn’t seen in years and was overwhelmed with emotion. I was so impressed that I decided to give something back to Nailympia. This turned into offering up the results of my 25 years of nail industry experience for this campaign. I am deeply honoured that Nailympia accepted, and that my work will adorn the promotion of this wonderful organisation for 2026.
Go-to tools
My main tools are nail brushes, and I use many kinds – though mainly for L&P acrylic. I have a long history using the system and continue to promote and praise it. I believe that acrylic is the most pliable product for creative work. You can sculpt and paint with it, and when creating three-dimensional elements, it conveys texture amazingly.
Collaboration
I enjoy working closely with other creatives. I used to be more inclined to work solo, but am now interested in collaborating with professionals who are equal in experience.
Elena Popova supported me during this project by providing a location to work from and emotional support. We were also collaborating on another photo shoot at the time, which involved other professionals, so shot several works alongside the Nailympia imagery. The shoots combined the efforts of nail pros, make-up artists, hair stylists, videographers and photographers.
What I love about Nailympia
I am inspired by the teamwork that is involved in Nailympia. The judging panel brings together specialists of such high calibre, experience and expertise. I value their friendliness and willingness to help each other if questions arise or something isn’t clear. Language difficulties bear no obstacle. I recognise the respect that the judges have for participants, and the attention and patience they show in difficult situations. That is why I always want to return to judge Nailympia competitions: to feel the aura of these people, whom I miss deeply.
Industry evolution
I believe that creative competitions, such as extreme nail categories, have excellent prospects. These not only showcase the capabilities of the materials and products that artists work with, but enable the creation of beautifully crafted works. Competitions empower nail artists to develop creatively, step out of their comfort zones and create something more profound than salon work. I’m certain that Nailympia, as a global platform, will continue to expand, and I am ready to assist in any way possible.
The Nailympia Competitions 2026 global campaign imagery is courtesy of:
Nails: Elena Maltseva @elena_maltseva_nail
Photographer: Elena Gelberg @pena_litrova
Make-up artist: Varvara Tabutarova @varvara_tabu
Hair stylist: Ksenia Golubeva @kcenja_golubeva
Model: Elizaveta Plotnikova @plotnikova_elizabet
Sculptor of Nail Style with Soul – meet Genki Itou – Winner of Winners Division 3 – Nailympia China 2025
Genki Itou- Tokyo, Japan – the Sculptor of Nail Style with Soul
For over two decades, Japan’s Genki Itou has quietly, yet confidently crafted his name into the fabric of the global nail industry. With 21 years in nails, Genki is not only a celebrated international competitor, but also a revered educator, product developer and the founder of Nail Atelier GENKI.
“I started learning nails at 15,” Genki recalls. “I used to travel about two and a half hours from my hometown to Tokyo to attend classes.” That early dedication laid the foundation for a lifetime of artistry. Though he originally dreamed of becoming a figure prototype sculptor or working in special effects make-up, one segment on Japanese TV showcasing nail art shifted everything. “After watching that programme, I just knew – this was my path and so I decided then and there to pursue a career in nails.”
Today, Genki’s primary focus is education through his academy in Japan, while also delivering seminars and competing across Asia and in the UK. Genki’s creative philosophy remains grounded in authenticity. “I don’t like copying others,” he shares. “I draw inspiration from outside the nail world from movies, music, textures, even conversations can spark and fuel something in me for design. I like to stay in touch with all my senses – sight, sound and touch, when I’m inside the creative process.”
Despite a trophy cabinet filled with accolades, including four Nailympia Winner of Winners titles and over 30 medals across nine Nailympias (all in division 3 masters), Genki remains humbly driven. “Honestly, I don’t feel like I’ve achieved anything yet. I’m always aiming to do better than my last creation. If I ever feel satisfied, I think I’ll stop growing.”
Competition, for Genki, is more than a quest for titles; it’s a tool for growth. “My first competition in 2006 was just for fun. But once I started teaching, I realised I needed to keep my knowledge sharp for my students. Competing helps me check if my teaching is still relevant.” He adds with a smile, “It’s not about winning. It’s about the journey of preparation.”
That philosophy was tested in May 2025 at Nailympia China. “I was honoured to receive the Winner of Winners title, but even so, I saw many areas for improvement. I’ll continue training to create work I’m truly satisfied with.”
Genki’s winning nails for the Online Nailympia Division 4
Beyond the arena, Genki’s influence is quietly revolutionary. His thoughtful approach has inspired students in China, Korea, Malaysia and Thailand. “The people in this industry are so detail-focused. It’s a passionate world,” he says. “Being part of it feeds my soul.”
Genki is also deeply aware of the confidence challenges many new competitors face. His advice? “Start small. Pick one category that excites you and compete with a model you trust. Don’t overwhelm yourself. And if you’re ever competing where I am, then come and say ‘Hi’. I don’t speak much English, but I’ll help calm your nerves. Sharing the experience and having fun together is what makes competition so rewarding.”
At his core, Genki Itou is a sculptor of nails, ideas and human connection. With his sights set on exploring new global scenes and continuously refining his teaching methods, he remains, above all, an artist in constant evolution.
Genki Itou at Nailympia Vietnam in 2024
Nailympia News – meet Nakayama Ryuji – Individual Top Scorer Nailympia China 2025
Introducing…competitor: Nakayama Ryuji
Nail artist, educator and brand developer who is mixed race Chinese/Japanese and lives in Shanghai, China. Nakayama won the Individual Top Scorer trophy at Nailympia China 2025.
Nakayama has been a dedicated nail artist for over 14 years. Although nail art wasn’t his initial career choice, it eventually became the perfect outlet for his creativity and passion for design. Originally aspiring to become a haute couture designer, Nakayama studied skincare, make-up, and aromatherapy in order to deepen his understanding of aesthetics and fashion. It was during this journey that he rediscovered nail art, which he found to be an easily accessible and expressive form of art.
Nakayama’s passion for nails began early. While still in middle school, his curiosity about fashion led to an introduction through his English teacher to May, a local nail salon owner – who would later become his mentor and now business partner. Intrigued, Ryuji began learning manicure techniques during summer breaks at May’s salon. May immediately recognised his unique perspective and enthusiasm, sharing her knowledge generously and encouraging him to attend popular Japanese nail seminars. These formative experiences laid the foundation for his future in the nail industry.
While attending university, Nakayama came to the realisation that pursuing a career in fashion design would be financially challenging. While in contrast, nail art offered an artistic platform that was not only fulfilling but also more attainable.
In 2019, Nakayama launched his own nail product brand, Ryuji&May. Alongside product development, he also teaches professional nail training courses and serves as a translator for renowned Japanese nail educators, helping bring advanced techniques to Chinese-speaking students. However, Nakayama’s creative pursuits don’t stop at nails, he is also a jewellery designer.
When seeking creative inspiration, Nakayama browses Instagram for fresh ideas, although the world of fashion and performance art are extremely powerful sources for him. He is especially drawn to bold visuals from runway shows and music concerts, analysing costumes and stage design before translating into intricate nail art designs.
Things got exciting for Nakayama when Nailympia announced its debut in China. He seized the opportunity, not to win, but to learn. At Nailympia China 2025, Nakayama competed in Division 3 and achieved extraordinary results: a gold medal in Salon Nails, silver in Joy of Nails, bronze in Full Cover Creative and won one of the top accolades, the Individual Top Scorer trophy having attained with 1088 points
This was his first major international competition, having only participated in a flat art contest in Taiwan beforehand. The experience proved transformative. Nakayama formed friendships with other passionate nail artists and strengthened his belief in the power of competition as a learning tool. Nakayama emphasises, “Competition mirrors high-level salon work. While some view it as impractical, I see it as a training ground to sharpen technical skill, precision and professionalism. I encourage everyone to embrace the challenge. Competing doesn’t diminish credibility, it enhances it. Even failure can generate meaningful content and career growth when shared authentically.
“Internet traffic may come and go,” he continues, “but professionalism and skill build a lasting legacy. Competitions are a platform to elevate the industry and demonstrate that nail artistry is a career deserving of deep respect and global recognition.”
During Nailympia, Nakayama met industry icon Jan Arnold, co-founder of CND. This personal meeting left a lasting impression since Jan shared words of encouragement, praising his efforts to promote professionalism and literacy within the Chinese nail industry, and offered this advice, ‘Stay true, stay professional, stay scientific,’ which has become his guiding mantra.
Looking ahead, Nakayama’s mission is clear: to elevate the literacy and credibility of the Chinese nail industry. With the market rapidly expanding, he’s determined to uphold professionalism and fight against misinformation and unverified product endorsements promoted by unqualified influencers. He believes the future of the industry depends on transparency, education and ethical practice.
Competitor Spotlight…Francesca Paliotto Wins the 3rd Nailympia European Cup 2024
In 2024, Francesca Paliotto claimed the prestigious title of the 3rd Nailympia European Cup winner, receiving her award on the esteemed Nailympia London stage. This competition, renowned for its rigorous evaluation and judging criteria, determines its European champion based on scores from four key categories: Stiletto, Joy of Nails, Salon Nails and Reality Nails.
The Nailympia European Cup rotates across major beauty industry events, with active locations currently at Nailympia Germany hosted by Beauty Düsseldorf and the UK’s Nailympia London hosted at Pro Beauty Autumn 2025). The cup is presented at the London event, solidifying the competition’s status as a pinnacle of excellence in the nail industry.
Hailing from Ferrara, a city in northern Italy, Francesca’s journey into the world of nails began at just 12 years old, driven by pure passion. Six years ago, she took a significant step by opening her own nail studio, marking the start of her professional career. Her dedication to the craft led her to train with various educators, but she credits her mentor, Italy’s award-winning Deborah Cocco, as a fundamental influence in her journey through nail competitions.
“I love everything about nails, from the simplest salon manicures to the most technical and complex works,” Francesca shares. Her success in competitions is rooted in her relentless training, keen attention to detail and commitment to continuous improvement. She believes that every small mistake presents an opportunity to refine her skills further.
Francesca finds immense motivation in competing against the best nail artists worldwide. “Meeting and comparing myself with top competitors is invaluable – you always learn something new,” she says. Her advice to aspiring competitors is clear, “Train hard and always believe in your abilities.”
Winning the Nailympia European Cup is a milestone that Francesca holds dear, as it symbolises the rewards of her hard work and sacrifices. This achievement has significantly contributed to her personal and professional growth, reinforcing her belief in perseverance and dedication.
Francesca has a particular preference for UV hard gel and acrygel systems, as they were the first techniques she mastered and feels most comfortable working with. Looking ahead, she plans to expand her academy’s training courses and participate in more competitions, though she prefers to embrace opportunities as they come rather than plan too rigidly.
Francesca remains optimistic about the future of the nail industry, believing that it will continue to evolve with innovative techniques. One thing is certain – she will keep competing, as the experience not only enhances her skills but also brings an unmatched sense of accomplishment and excitement.
After dedicating the past two years to competitions, Francesca acknowledges the challenges but affirms, “Even though it was hard, I did it.” With her unwavering determination and love for the craft, there is no doubt that she will continue to leave her mark on the global nail competition scene. We look forward to seeing more stunning nail work from Francesca in 2025.
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