Posts Tagged ‘Nails’
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
GLOBAL CUP 2026 : Nailympia Anaheim Leader Board
The first leader board for 2026 is now published.
The Global Cup 2026 will be awarded in London.
Scores will be taken from Anaheim, China, Orlando, Puerto Rico, San Antonio & London locations for 2026. (Vietnam 2026 TBA).
Nailympia Sicily scores will be added to the 2027 Global Cup run. Sicily will award the Nailympia European Cup 2026 with scores from London & Sicily being tallied.
The global winner is calculated by the scores from Stiletto Nails, Acrylic Competition Nails & UV/LED Gel Competition Nails.
(Competitors must enter all 3 comps.)
These are 3 highly technical & challenging competitions undertaken in all active locations.
You must compete in 3 locations to qualify for this. If you compete in more than 3 – Nailympia takes the 3 highest location scores.
Nailympia China 2nd Edition Presents Exclusive Competitor Training in Shanghai this March
The highly anticipated second edition of Nailympia China will take place on 20–22 May 2026 in Shanghai, bringing together the global nail community for three days of world-class competition, education and inspiration. Following the incredible success of its debut, Nailympia China continues its mission to raise industry standards, support nail professionals and create opportunities for international recognition.
In a special initiative to empower competitors and elevate performance standards, Nailympia China will host an intensive training programme ahead of the competition. This exclusive training is designed to support all registered competitors by providing direct mentorship from some of the most respected global experts in the nail industry.
Training Schedule
Date: 20–22 March 2026
Location:
Global Nail Art Museum
9F, Building 5, Lane 599 Huiwang East Road,
Jiading District, Shanghai
Fee Details:
Registered Nailympia China competitors can attend this training free of charge, with no additional training fees. Competitors are responsible for their own transportation and accommodation expenses during the training period.
Luxury Global Mentor Team
The programme will be led by an exceptional panel of international mentors, offering competitors invaluable insight, advanced techniques and competition-winning strategies:
-
Deborah Cocco – Nailympia Global Champion Mentor
-
Sandy Cheung – Nailympia International Judge
-
Nakayama Ryuji – Nailympia International Champion
Over the course of three days, participants will receive hands-on guidance, learn about judging criteria, improve their technical skills and gain confidence in preparation for the main competition in May.
This initiative reflects Nailympia’s commitment to nurturing talent, building global connections and creating a supportive and educational competition environment. By offering access to world-class mentorship, Nailympia China aims to help every competitor perform at their highest level and experience true professional growth.
Email: muzer@nailympia.cn
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.
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
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.
FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558412801294
IG: francesca.paliotto
Nailympia Anaheim 2025: THE RESULTS
The second Nailympia Anaheim nail competition took place 23-24 February 2025 at Premiere Anaheim, California, welcoming 40 competitors from eight countries.
Here are the results:
RUNWAY NAILS – VINTAGE VOGUE
Division 1
- 1st – Anastasiia Akzamova – USA
- 2nd – Kim Sizemore – USA
- 3rd – Elena Soldatenkova – USA
Division 2
- 1st – Thomas Pham – USA
- 2nd – Kim Oanh – Vietnam
Division 3
- 1st – Nicolas Paggi – Argentina
- 2nd – Veronica Luviano – USA
- 3rd – Maryna Kozhevnikova – USA
REALITY NAILS – 3 THEMES: STREETWEAR CHRONICLES/ PREPPY REIMAGINED / Y2K GLAM REVIVAL
Division 1
- 1st – Vu Thi Phuong Lien – USA
- 2nd – Kim Sizemore – USA
- 3rd – Elena Soldatenkova – USA
Division 2
- 1st – Thomas Pham – USA
- 2nd – Margarita Yutsaytis – USA
- 3rd – Kim Oanh – Vietnam
Division 3
- 1st – Deborah Cocco – Italy
- 2nd – Nicolas Paggi – Argentina
- 3rd – Veronica Luviano – USA
EXTREME NAIL POSTER STYLING
Division 1
- 1st – Anzhelika Safina – Russia
- 2nd – Thoang Le – Vietnam
- 3rd – An na Le – Vietnam
Division 2
- 1st – Margarita Yutsaytis – USA
- 2nd – Daria Orlova – USA
- 3rd – Galina Farmanyan – Russia
Division 3
- 2nd – Shayna Osazuwa – Canada
TO STILETTO & BEYOND – COSMIC BUTTERFLIES
Division 2
- 1st – Margarita Yutsaytis – USA
- 2nd – Thomas Pham – USA
Division 3
- 1st – Mai Thi Dinh – Vietnam
- 2nd – Yuliia Kovalchuk – USA
- 3rd – Thi Huong Nguyen – Vietnam
FLAT ART – 10 NAILS – URBAN GRAFFITI – SPREAD A POWERFUL MESSAGE
Division 1
- 1st – Vu Thi Phuong Lien – USA
Division 2
- 1st – Thomas Pham – USA
Division 3
- 1st – Nicolas Paggi – Argentina
- 2nd – Anastasiia Moskaliuk – USA
- 3rd – Maryna Kozhevnikova – USA
GEL POLISH MANICURE
Division 1
- 1st – Tetiana Dolhosheia – USA
- 2nd – Singhay Nguyen – USA
- 3rd – Elena Soldatenkova – USA
Division 2
- 1st – Nataliia Zapara – USA
- 2nd – Margarita Yutis – USA
Division 3
- 1st – Anastasiia Moskaliuk – USA
- 2nd – Alessandra Pizzari – Italy
- 3rd – Carlotta Silveri – Italy
SALON NAILS
Division 1
- 3rd – Elena Soldatenkova – USA
Division 2
- 2nd – Nataliia Zapara – USA
- 3rd – Margarita Yutsaytis – USA
Division 3
- 1st – Deborah Cocco – Italy
- 2nd – Flemming Nordqvist – Denmark
- 3rd – Alessandra Pizzari – Italy
THE JOY OF NAILS
Division 1
- 1st – Elena Soldatenkova – USA
- 2nd – Alejandra Duenas Lira – USA
- 3rd – Singhay Nguyen – USA
Division 2
- 2nd – Margarita Yutsaytis – USA
Division 3
- 1st – Nicolas Paggi – Argentina
- 2nd – Deborah Cocco – Italy
- 3rd – Alessandra Pizzari – Italy
UV HARD GEL COMPETITION NAILS
Division 3
- 1st – Deborah Cocco – Italy
- 2nd – Alessandra Pizzari – Italy
- 3rd – Flemming Nordqvist – Denmark
ACRYLIC COMPETITION NAILS
Division 3
- 1st – Deborah Cocco – Italy
- 2nd – Flemming Nordqvist – Denmark
- 3rd – Alessandra Pizzari – Italy
PERFECT MATCH
Division 3
- 1st – Deborah Cocco – Italy
- 2nd – Alessandra Pizzari – Italy
- 3rd – Flemming Nordqvist – Denmark
STILETTO NAILS
Division 1
- 3rd – Elena Soldatenkova – USA
Division 2
- 2nd – Nataliia Zapara – USA
Division 3
- 1st – Deborah Cocco – Italy
- 2nd – Alessandra Pizzari – Italy
- 3rd – Flemming Nordqvist – Denmark
TOP USA TECH
Veronica Luviano – Division 3
ART WINNER OF WINNERS
Nicolas Paggi – Argentina
WINNER OF WINNERS
Division 1 – Elena Soldatenkova – USA
Division 2 – Nataliia Zapara – USA
Division 3 – Deborah Cocco – Italy
OVERALL TOP SCORER
Deborah Cocco – Italy
To find out more about Nailympia Competitions and to register for an upcoming event, click here.
Pivot Point & Nailympia Webinar: Insights into The Competition Arena
WATCH via this link: using Passcode – LB6*#7dJ – to access the video
The recent 90-minute Nailympia webinar hosted by education platform Pivot Point, featured Buddy Sims, learning experience (LX) specialist at Pivot Point and Alex Fox, global director of Nailympia Competitions. This session provided an in-depth look at Nailympia’s past, present and future, along with expert advice for competitors looking to enter this prestigious nail competition circuit.
Nailympia: A Global Phenomenon
Originally launched as the Nail Olympics in 2000 Las Vegas, Nailympia has grown into a globally recognised competition, owned by Scratch maagzine.
After discussing it’s 20-year long history and relationship to Scratch magazine, Alex Fox highlighted the first competition of the year, Nailympia Anaheim, (23-24 February at Premiere Anaheim), discussing how it compares to other locations and how themes vary across different events. Alex also covered the 2025 competition calendar, including opportunities for international competitors to participate remotely.
Competition Categories & Judging Standards
The webinar detailed the competition structure, including:
- Various categories available at Anaheim & other locations
- Thematic differences across different Nailympia locations.
- Eligibility based on three-division tier system of competing
- Digital & online integration for remote competitors.
To ensure fair judging, Nailympia follows strict guidelines and regulations, ensuring personal biases do not impact results. Judges adhere to standardised scoring methods and all participants must comply with clear competition rules.
Competing at Nailympia: What You Need to Know
For those preparing to compete, the webinar provided valuable insights:
- Preparation & training tips.
- Materials & tools provided during the event.
- Available support for competitors.
- Common mistakes & expert advice from judges.
- Feedback process after the competition
- Where to source a coach/mentor
Website Walkthrough
The webinar concluded with a guided tour of the Nailympia website, highlighting essential sections such as:
- The free downloadable competition guidelines
- FAQ.
- Event itinerary, rules & costs.
- News, picture galleries, judges’ profiles & trophies.
With its rich history, transparent judging and commitment to fostering nail artistry, Nailympia continues to be a premier competition in the beauty industry. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned pro, this competition offers a platform to showcase talent, gain recognition and be part of a global nail community.
Navigating Nail Competitions: Skills, Strategies & Success with Pivot Point /Nailympia webinar
On Wednesday 5 February at 6 PM GMT, Pivot Point will host an exciting webinar led by Buddy Sims, Learning Experience (LX) Specialist, in collaboration with Alex Fox and Vitaly Solomonoff. This online event will dive into the Nailympia competition, its roots, its ethos and its direction for 2025. The host Buddy Sims will also join the esteemed judging panel at Nailympia Anaheim on 23 February at Premiere Anaheim.
Buddy Simms, Pivot Point – Nailympia Anaheim judge
This virtual interview promises to provide an in-depth exploration of Nailympia. Topics will include the history and unique qualities of Nailympia, an overview of the competition categories, and invaluable advice for participants. Additionally, attendees will receive insights into what judges are looking for and get a guided tour of the Nailympia website to locate essential resources.
Joining Buddy Sims are Alex Fox, Nailympia’s organiser, and Vitaly Solomonoff, a nail expert and judge, who will bring their expertise to the room to enrich the discussion. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a first-timer, this webinar will equip you with the knowledge you need to join the circuit.
Vitaly Solomonoff of Cleanestiq. Nailympia international judge
Meet Buddy Sims
Buddy Sims is a seasoned expert with over a decade of experience in the beauty industry. He began his career as a Nails Subject Matter Expert, achieving recognition as both a finalist and judge for Next Top Nail Artist. Over the years, Buddy has worked with distributors, manufacturers and cosmetology boards. He has also owned a salon and holds an educator’s license.
Currently, as the Learning Experience Specialist at Pivot Point International, Buddy channels his vast knowledge to support beauty professionals, educators and students. His passion lies in fostering growth, success and innovation within the industry by combining effective teaching methodologies with cutting-edge technology.
