Nails - Nailympia

Nailympia London 2026: THE RESULTS

6th October 2026

Professional Beauty London hosted the last Nailympia competition of the season, at which the 8th Global Cup champion was announced. Francesca Paliotto of Italy took the title, having amassed 1,996 points across three Nailympia locations in 2026: Anaheim, Orlando and London.

In second place for the 8th Global Cup was Maksymilian Borowy of Ireland and third place went to Ryuji Nakayama representing China.

The 22^nd edition of Nailympia London welcomed 185 competitors from 40 countries, taking 555 competition seats across 22 online and arena categories. Click for the gallery of photos from the event.

Three trophies displayed with yellow polka-dot ribbons

THE RESULTS

EMBELLISH ME: THE SOCIAL MEDIA VIDEO CHALLENGE

Division 3

1^st – Loi Van Nguyen – Vietnam

FULL COVER CREATIVE: Pi / 3.14

Division 1

1^st – Liudmila Tarshikova – USA
2^nd – Zhengjun Wang – China

Division 2

1^st – Lana Parker – Romania
2^nd – Wai-Ling Ngor – Hong Kong
3^rd – Cintia Kakuk-Szvitek – Hungary

Division 3

1^st – Yim Fan Wong – Hong Kong
2^nd – Anita Chahal-Millar – United Kingdom
3^rd – Sofiia Mazur – Canada

Three women displaying manicured nails at a beauty exhibition

ART ON NAILS: Open theme

Division 1

1^st – Lilit Harutyunyan – Belgium
2^nd – Alina Matiukhina – Ukraine

Division 2

1^st – Lana Parker – Romania
2^nd – Hieu Nguyen – United Kingdom

Division 3

1^st – Loi Van Nguyen – Vietnam
2^nd – Renáta Deák – Hungary
3^rd – Kirsty McDonough – United Kingdom

RUNWAY NAILS: The Rococo Era

Division 1

1^st – Liudmila Tarshikova – USA
2^nd – Gloria Pongrac – Slovenia
3^rd – Ellen Hixson – USA

Division 2

1^st – Lana Parker – Romania
2^nd – Suzana Vlad – Romania
3^rd – Hieu Nguyen – United Kingdom

Division 3

1^st – Lilla Tökés – Hungary
2^nd – Alice Nali – United Kingdom
3^rd – Ivana Ujhazi – Czechia

Busy exhibition hall with visitors seated at tables

REALITY NAILS: London – Orlando – Shanghai

Division 1

1^st – Serena Marangon – Italy
2^nd – Elena Melchakov – Israel
3^rd – Labrini Liaka – Greece

Division 2

1^st – Lana Parker – Romania
2^nd – Ester Foli – Italy
3^rd – Rita Kiss-Rojcsik – Hungary

Division 3

1^st – Pui Lun Yeung – Hong Kong
2^nd – Brigitta Fajt – Hungary
3^rd – Dung(Fox) Nguyen – USA

FLAT ART BOXED: Chinoiserie styling

Division 1

1^st – Liudmila Tarshikova – USA
2^nd – Dorottya Takács – Hungary
3^rd – Elena Melchakov – Israel

Division 2

1^st – Lana Parker – Romania
2^nd – Tuan Khang Nguyen – United Kingdom
3^rd – Naoe Shiraishi – Japan

Division 3

1^st – Paola Marrone – Italy
2^nd – Le Truong – USA
3^rd – Danielle Brindley – United Kingdom

Nail technician applying pink acrylic nails to client

DESIGN NAILS FOR AN ALBUM COVER: Gothic

Division 1

1^st – Liudmila Tarshikova – USA
2^nd – Zsuzsanna Radicsne Tamba – Ireland
3^rd – Gloria Pongrac – Slovenia

Division 2

1^st – Wai-ling Ngor – Hong Kong
2^nd – Lana Parker – Romania
3^rd – Cintia Kakuk-Szvitek – Hungary

Division 3

1^st – Alice Nali – United Kingdom
2^nd – Adél Horváth – Hungary
3^rd – Anuja S. Mathur – India

PEDICURE POSTER

Division 1

1^st – Ewelina Kowalczyk – Poland
2^nd – Nina Ocepek – Slovenia
3^rd – Kateryna Lukasevych – Spain

Division 2

1^st – Lana Parker – Romania
2^nd – Dorota Piskorz – United Kingdom
3^rd – Suzana Vlad – Romania

Division 3

1^st – Anikó Györök – Hungary
2^nd – Ana Todorovic – Serbia
3^rd – Lucia Krasulova – Slovakia

Two exhibitors displaying manicured nails at a beauty trade fair

MANICURE POSTER

Division 1

1^st – Nina Ocepek – Slovenia
2^nd – Yuliia Tur – Ukraine
3^rd – Kateryna Lukasevych – Spain

Division 2

1^st – Lana Parker – Romania
2^nd – Barbara Csuri – Hungary
3^rd – Irina Rulkova – USA

Division 3

1^st – Eszter Fekete-Bulla – Hungary
2^nd – Laura Családi – Hungary
3^rd – Ana Todorovic – Serbia

EXTREME NAIL STYLING POSTER

Division 1

1^st – Keve Gabriella – Hungary
2^nd – Dorottya Takács – Hungary
3^rd – Ewelina Kowalczyk – Poland

Division 2

1^st – Natalya Lyabakh – Russian Federation
2^nd – Hoang Pham – Canada
3^rd – Lilla Szászvári – Hungary & Genessis Bonilla – Venezuela

Division 3

1^st – Anita Chahal-Millar – United Kingdom
2^nd – Oxana Vorotnyak – Russian Federation
3^rd – Loi Van Nguyen – Vietnam

AI NAIL VISION POSTER

Division 1

1^st – Akiko Morita – Japan
2^nd – Ewelina Kowalczyk – Poland
3^rd – Liudmyla Nikohosian – Ukraine

Division 2

1^st – Emma Brock – United Kingdom
2^nd – Hieu Nguyen – United Kingdom
3^rd – Dorota Piskorz – United Kingdom

Division 3

1^st – Olena Fedorchenko – USA
2^nd – Anuja S. Mathur – India
3^rd – Eszter Fekete-Bulla – Hungary

Young woman viewing exhibition display labelled Judge 6

MIXED MEDIA BOXED ART: Open theme

Division 1

1^st – Elena Melchakov – Israel
2^nd – Floriana Bougon – France
3^rd – Maddison Townsley – United Kingdom

Division 2

1^st – Lana Parker – Romania
2^nd – Mya Lacome – France
3^rd – Tuan Khang Nguyen – United Kingdom

Division 3

1^st – Lilla Tökés – Hungary
2^nd – Serena Scarano – Italy
3^rd – Pui Lun Yeung – Hong Kong

TO STILETTO & BEYOND: Metamorphosis

Division 1

1^st – Yulia Inozemtseva – Russian Federation
2^nd – Labrini Liaka – Greece
3^rd – Kozma Luca – Hungary

Division 2

1^st – Lana Parker – Romania
2^nd – Hieu Nguyen – United Kingdom
3^rd – Alexandra Restás – Hungary

Division 3

1^st – Loi Van Nguyen – Vietnam
2^nd – Viktória Tiara Borsné Pap – Hungary
3^rd – Adél Horváth – Hungary

Manicurist applying nail treatment to smiling woman

GEL POLISH MANICURE

Division 1

1^st – Nina Ocepek – Slovenia
2^nd – Crinela Albu – Romania
3^rd – Ilenia Cecchini – Italy

Division 2

1^st – Ying Ching Li – Hong Kong
2^nd – Ester Foli – Italy
3^rd – Alexandra Tur – United Kingdom

Division 3

1^st – Francesca Paliotto – Italy
2^nd – Mateja Petkov – Slovenia
3^rd – Valentina Federici – Italy

THE JOY OF NAILS

Division 1

1^st – Ilenia Cecchini – Italy
2^nd – Sophie Mulenhof – The Netherlands
3^rd – Nina Ocepek – Slovenia

Division 2

1^st – Sefora Sbarra – Italy
2^nd – Miriam De Luca – Italy
3^rd – Anita Pazmandi – United Kingdom

Division 3

1^st – Francesca Paliotto – Italy
2^nd – Mateja Petkov – Slovenia
3^rd – Ryuji Nakayama – China

Two women waving at a decorated event table

FANTASY COMPLETE LOOK

Division 1

1^st – Ewelina Kowalczyk – Poland

Division 2

1^st – Alexandra Restás – Hungary
2^nd – Vanessa Espinola Rios – Paraguay

Division 3

1^st – Pui Lun Yeung – Hong Kong
2^nd – Alice Nali – United Kingdom

FRENCH TWIST

Division 1

1^st – Ilenia Cecchini – Italy
2^nd – Crinela Albu – Romania
3^rd – Serena Marangon – Italy

Division 2

1^st – Sefora Sbarra – Italy
2^nd – Miriam De Luca – Italy
3^rd – Nik Jenko – Slovenia

Division 3

1^st – Francesca Paliotto – Italy
2^nd – Mateja Petkov – Slovenia
3^rd – Bianca Kovacevic – Italy

SALON NAILS

Division 1

1^st – Ilenia Cecchini – Italy
2^nd – Serena Marangon – Italy
3^rd – Nina Ocepek – Slovenia

Division 2

1^st – Sefora Sbarra – Italy
2^nd – Cintia Kakuk-Szvitek – Hungary
3^rd – Miriam De Luca – Italy

Division 3

1^st – Francesca Paliotto – Italy
2^nd – Wiktoria Kozlowska – Poland
3^rd – Bianca Kovacevic – Italy

Nail technician applying pink polish to decorated acrylic nails

UV GEL COMPETITION NAILS

Division 1

1^st – Serena Marangon – Italy
2^nd – Ilenia Cecchini – Italy
3^rd – Michela Tironi – Italy

Division 2

1^st – Sefora Sbarra- Italy
2^nd – Ester Foli – Italy
3^rd – Miriam De Luca – Italy

Division 3

1^st – Francesca Paliotto – Italy
2^nd – Bianca Kovacevic – Italy
3^rd – Wiktoria Kozlowska – Poland

L&P ACRYLIC COMPETITION NAILS

Division 1

1^st – Serena Marangon – Italy
2^nd – Ilenia Cecchini – Italy
3^rd – Michela Tironi – Italy

Division 2

1^st – Sefora Sbarra – Italy
2^nd – Miriam De Luca – Italy
3^rd – Ester Foli – Italy

Division 3

1^st – Francesca Paliotto – Italy
2^nd – Genki Itou – Japan
3^rd – Bianca Kovacevic – Italy

Three women posing at a busy Nailympia competition

STILETTO NAILS

Division 1

1^st – Ilenia Cecchini – Italy
2^nd – Serena Marangon – Italy
3^rd – Nina Ocepek – Slovenia

Division 2

1^st – Miriam De Luca – Italy
2^nd – Cintia Kakuk-Szvitek – Hungary
3^rd – Anita Pazmandi – United Kingdom

Division 3

1^st – Francesca Paliotto – Italy
2^nd – Wiktoria Kozlowska – Poland
3^rd – Genki Itou – Japan

TOP UK TECH

Division 1 – Ekaterina Miliaeva
Division 2 – Anita Pazmandi
Division 3 – Kirsty McDonough

Three medal-winning nail artists holding certificates and medals

ART WINNER OF WINNERS

Division 1 – Elena Melchakov – Israel
Division 2 – Hieu Nguyen – United Kingdom
Division 3 – Pui Yun Yeung – Hong Kong

Three women celebrate with trophies and certificates at awards event

WINNER OF WINNERS

Division 1 – Ilenia Cecchini – Italy
Division 2 – Sefora Sbarra – Italy
Division 3 – Francesca Paliotto – Italy

INDIVIDUAL TOP SCORER – Francesca Paliotto – Italy – 1,996 points

TEAM TROPHY – TEAM DECO: Francesca Paliotto, Valentina Federici, Bianca Kovacevic, Sefora Sbarra, Ester Foli, Miriam De Luca

Celebrating team members with medals and trophies at event

DIVISION 4 – The Apex 5-shape Trophy Challenge

1^st place – Francesca Paliotto – Italy
2^nd place – Bianca Kovacevic – Italy
3^rd place – Kathy White – Australia

8^TH GLOBAL CUP CHAMPION – FRANCESCA PALIOTTO – ITALY

Woman celebrating with certificate before red sponsor backdrop

Nailympia Sicily, 28-30 November, will mark the start of the next Nailympia season.

www.nailympia.com

Posted in London, News and tagged nail art, nail competition, Nails, Nailympia London

Nailympia Puerto Rico 2026: THE RESULTS

29th September 2026

The first edition of Nailympia in Puerto Rico was held 27-28 September within The Nails Expo, San Juan, hosted by renowned nail artist & businesswoman, Michelle Soto, and educator/The Nails Expo owner, Lyssa Avilés.

The competition saw a solid start at the new location, with 24 nail professionals from five countries competing across 11 categories. The winner of the Americas Cup was also announced as Maksymilian Borowy from Ireland. He amassed the most points in the Stiletto Nails, Joy of Nails, Salon Nails and Flat Art categories in Puerto Rico and San Antonio.

Check out the results…

MANICURE POSTER

Division 1

1^st – Ingrid Feliciano – USA

Division 2

1^st – Agnieszka – Ireland
2^nd – Delmarie Mendoza Martinez – Puerto Rico
3^rd – Danica Hargett – USA

Division 3

1^st – Inna Kharalak – Russia
2^nd – Uliana Vadiuk – USA
3^rd – Emynette Rodriguez Perez – Puerto Rico

GEL POLISH MANICURE

Division 1

1^st – Christopher L Delgado Alamo – Puerto Rico
2^nd – Andreha V. Santiago Ortiz – Puerto Rico
3^rd – Ingrid Feliciano – USA

Division 2

1^st – Marilyn Fontanez – Puerto Rico
2^nd – Danica Hargett – USA

Division 3

1^st – Maksymilian Borowy – Ireland
2^nd – Emynette Rodriguez Perez – Puerto Rico

REALITY NAILS

Division 1

1^st – Paola Matos Zapata – Puerto Rico
2^nd – Pamela Rebaza – USA

Division 3

1^st – Provy-Ann Mclellen – USA
2^nd – Maksymilian Borowy – Ireland

RUNWAY NAILS

Division 1

1^st – Pamela Rebaza – USA
2^nd – Ingrid Feliciano – USA
3^rd – Nashya Figueroa – USA

Division 3

1^st – Emynette Rodriguez Perez – Puerto Rico
2^nd – Provy-Ann Mclellen – USA

EXTREME NAIL STYLING POSTER

Division 1

1^st – Carmen Zayas – Puerto Rico
2^nd – Ingrid Feliciano – USA
3^rd – Yisel Grullon Montero – USA

Division 2

2^nd – Mario Zatkovsky – United Kingdom

FLAT ART BOXED

Division 1

1^st – Pamela Rebaza – USA
2^nd – Ingrid Feliciano – USA
3^rd – Rocio De Los Angeles Ortiz Luna – Puerto Rico

Division 2

1^st – Barbara I. De La Rosa Guzman – Puerto Rico

Division 3

1^st – Provy-Ann Mcclellen – USA
2^nd – Maksymilian Borowy – Ireland

TO STILETTO & BEYOND

Division 1

1^st – Ingrid Feliciano – USA
2^nd – Pamela Rebaza – USA
3^rd – Carmen Zayas – Puerto Rico

SALON NAILS

Division 2

1^st – Marilyn Fontanez – Puerto Rico

Division 3

1^st – Maksymilian Borowy – Ireland
2^nd – Emynette Rodriguez Perez – Puerto Rico

THE JOY OF NAILS

Division 1

1^st – Pamela Rebaza – USA
2^nd – Ingrid Feliciano – USA

Division 2

1^st – Marilyn Fontanez – Puerto Rico
2^nd – Danica Hargett – USA

Division 3

1^st – Maksymilian Borowy – Ireland
2^nd – Emynette Rodriguez Perez – Puerto Rico

L&P ACRYLIC COMPETITION STYLE NAILS

Division 1

1^st – Rocio De Los Angeles Ortiz Luna – Puerto Rico
3^rd – Pamela Rebaza – USA

Division 2

1^st – Marilyn Fontanez – Puerto Rico
3^rd – Danica Hargett – USA

Division 3

1^st – Maksymilian Borowy – Ireland
2^nd – Emynette Rodriguez Perez – Puerto Rico

UV GEL COMPETITION STYLE NAILS

Division 2

3^rd – Marilyn Fontanez – Puerto Rico

Division 3

1^st – Maksymilian Borowy – Ireland

STILETTO NAILS

Division 1

2^nd – Rocio De Los Angeles Ortiz Luna – Puerto Rico
3^rd – Ingrid Feliciano – USA

Division 2

2^nd – Marilyn Fontanez – Puerto Rico
3^rd – Danica Hargett – USA

Division 3

1^st – Maksymilian Borowy – Ireland
3^rd – Emynette Rodriguez Perez – Puerto Rico

WINNER OF WINNERS

Division 1 – Rocio De Los Angeles Ortiz Luna – Puerto Rico

Division 2 – Marilyn Fontanez – Puerto Rico

Division 3 – Maksymilian Borowy – Ireland

AMERICAS CUP WINNER

Maksymilian Borowy – Ireland (1165 points From San Antonio & Puerto Rico)

For information about upcoming Nailympia competitions, visit www.nailympia.com

Posted in News and tagged michelle soto, nail competition, Nails, nailympia puerto rico, Puerto Rico, The Nails Expo

Nailympia announces its latest location as San Juan, Puerto Rico for Sept 2026

16th June 2026

Nailympia Competitions is extremely excited to announce its 15^th 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.

Posted in News and tagged global nail competition, Lyssa Aviles, michelle soto, nail art, nail championship, Nails, Nails Caribbean, Nails Expo, Nails Expo San Juan, Nailympia, nailympia puerto rico

Nailympia Orlando 2026: THE RESULTS

1st June 2026

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

1^st – Iryna Shemet – USA
2^nd – Evgeniia Chernigina – Egypt
3^rd – Inna Bohdan – USA

Division 2

1^st – Daryna Khalepa – USA
2^nd – Zhanna Fedorenko – USA
3^rd – Uliana Vadiuk – USA

Division 3

1^st – Oksana Viriutina – USA
2^nd – Karyna Kliushyk – USA
3^rd – Liudmyla Kermet – USA

PEDICURE POSTER

Division 1

3^rd – Inna Bohdan – USA
2^nd – Shamel Robinson – USA
1^st – Iryna Shemet – USA

Division 2

1^st – Olena Fedorchenko – USA
2^nd – Uliana Vadiuk – USA
3^rd – Olha Khlomova – USA

Division 3

1^st – Oksana Viriutina – USA
2^nd – Olena Brylova – USA
3^rd – Liudmyla Keremet – USA

GEL POLISH MANICURE

Division 1

1^st – Kateryna Tabota – USA
2^nd – Melant Edenfield – USA

Division 2

1^st – Yanin Echevarria – USA
2^nd – Olha Khlomova – USA
3^rd – Yevheniia Alienikova – USA

Division 3

1^st – Diana Manucharian – USA
2^nd – Maksymilian Borowy – Ireland
3^rd – Svitlana Palchuk – USA

REALITY NAILS

Division 1

1^st – Thi Linh Nhi Nguyen – USA
2^nd – Elizabeth Baez – USA
3^rd – Yen Bui – USA

Division 2

1^st – Maria Teresa Concu – Italy
2^nd – Yanin Echevarria – USA
3^rd – Be Lee – USA

Division 3

1^st – Phi Dang – USA
2^nd – Francesca Paliotto – Italy
3^rd – Maksymilian Borowy – Ireland

RUNWAY NAILS

Division 1

1^st – Iryna Shemet – USA
2^nd – Yen Bui – USA
3^rd – Kristina Kolisnyk – USA

Division 2

1^st – Yevheniia Alieinikova – USA
2^nd – Daryna Khalepa – USA
3^rd – Uliana Vadiuk – USA

Division 3

1^st – Kelsey McQuay – USA
2^nd – Halyna Kaliugina – USA
3^rd – Veronica Luviano – USA

AI NAIL VISION STYLING POSTER

Division 1

1^st – Hanna Drana – USA
2^nd – Danica Hargett – USA
3^rd – Kristina Kolisnyk – USA

Division 2

1^st – Uliana Vadiuk – USA
2^nd – Duong Bui – USA
3^rd – Daryna Khalepa – USA

Division 3

1^st – Karyna Kyliushyk – USA
2^nd – Halyna Kaliugina – USA
3^rd – Liudmyla Keremet – USA

EXTREME NAIL STYLING POSTER

Division 1

1^st – Iryna Shemet – USA
2^nd – Alina Didenko – USA
3^rd – Nora David – Hungary

Division 2

1^st – Diana Suleac – Italy
2^nd – Iuliia Pashina – USA
3^rd – Olha Khlomova – USA

Division 3

1^st – Georgina Takacs – United Kingdom
2^nd – Anita Chahal-Millar – United Kingdom
3^rd – Vira Bushta – USA

FLAT ART BOXED

Division 1

1^st – Thi inh Nhi Nguyen – USA
2^nd – Hanna Drana – USA
3^rd – Makayla Reed – USA

Division 2

1^st – Hoa Huynh – Canada
2^nd – Inessa Ostavnienko – USA
3^rd – Tetiana Lvovska – USA

Division 3

1^st – Liudmyla Komlieva – USA
2^nd – Phi Dang – USA
3^rd – Vinh Le – USA

TO STILETTO & BEYOND

Division 1

1^st – Iryna Shemet – USA
2^nd – Yen Bui – USA
3^rd – Inna Alieksieieva – USA

Division 2

1^st – Iuliia Pashina – USA
2^nd – Duong Bui – USA
3^rd – Tetiana Lvovska – USA

Division 3

1^st – Liudmyla Keremet – USA
2^nd – Elena Soldatenkova – USA
3^rd – Mariana Dolganova – USA

SALON NAILS

Division 1

1^st – Yen Bui – USA

Division 2

1^st – Maria Teresa Concu – Italy
2^nd – Marilyn Fontanez – Puerto Rico
3^rd – Duong Bui – USA

Division 3

1^st – Melissa Monaco – Italy
2^nd – Francesca Paliotto – Italy
3^rd – Valentina Federici – Italy

THE JOY OF NAILS

Division 1

1^st – Yen Bui – USA
2^nd – Inna Alieksieieva – USA
3^rd – Melant Edenfield – USA

Division 2

1^st – Maria Teresa Concu – Italy
2^nd – Olena Fedorchenko – USA
3^rd – Uliana Vadiuk – USA

Division 3

1^st – Francesca Paliotto – Italy
2^nd – Valentina Federici – Italy
3^rd – Monia Martellini – Switzerland

L&P ACRYLIC COMPETITION STYLE NAILS

Division 1

1^st – Yen Bui – USA

Division 2

1^st – Maria Teresa Concu – Italy
2^nd – Duong Bui – USA
3^rd – Marilyn Fontanez – Puerto Rico

Division 3

1^st – Francesca Paliotto – Italy
2^nd – Valentina Federici – Italy
3^rd – Melissa Monaco – Italy

UV GEL COMPETITION STYLE NAILS

Division 1

1^st – Yen Bui – USA

Division 2

1^st – Maria Teresa Concu – Italy
2^nd – Marilyn Fontanez – Puerto Rico
3^rd – Uliana Vadiuk – USA

Division 3

1^st – Francesca Paliotto – Italy
2^nd – Valentina Federici – Italy
3^rd – Melissa Monaco – Italy

STILETTO NAILS

Division 1

1^st – Yen Bui – USA

Division 2

1^st – Maria Teresa Concu – Italy
2^nd – Duong Bui – USA
3^rd – Eric Vega – Puerto Rico

Division 3

1^st – Francesca Paliotto – Italy
2^nd – Valentina Federici – Italy
3^rd – 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

Posted in News, Orlando and tagged nail art, nail competition, Nails, Nailympia, Nailympia Orlando

GLOBAL CUP 2026 : Nailympia Anaheim Leader Board

14th May 2026

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.

Posted in Anaheim, News and tagged acrylic nails, gel nails, nail championship, Nails, Nailympia, nailympia anaheim, nailympia china, nailympia european cup, nailympia global cup, Nailympia London, Nailympia Orlando, nailympia puerto rico, Nailympia San Antonio, Nailympia Sicily, stiletto nails

Nailympia China 2nd Edition Presents Exclusive Competitor Training in Shanghai this March

2nd March 2026

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

Posted in China, News and tagged China, deborah cocco, global nail champion, joy of nails, Nails, Nailympia, nailympia china, pink and white nails, sandy cheung, stiletto nials

Nailympia London: Sponsor Spotlight – Umia

19th January 2026

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.

https://www.umia.beauty/

Posted in London, News and tagged ai nail art, AI nail art machine, AI nail design, AI nails, Art On Nails, nail art, nail design, Nails

Sculptor of Nail Style with Soul – meet Genki Itou – Winner of Winners Division 3 – Nailympia China 2025

3rd September 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

@genki_ito

Posted in China, News and tagged division 4, genki, Japan, Judge, nail art, nail artist, nail judge, nail sculpture, Nails, Nailympia, nailympia china, sculptured nails, tokyo nails, tokyo nials, winner of winners

Competitor Spotlight…Francesca Paliotto Wins the 3rd Nailympia European Cup 2024

13th March 2025

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

Posted in London, News and tagged acrylic nails, Euro cup, gel nails, italy, joy of nails, medal, nail art, nail artist, nail champion, nail championship, nail competition, nail structure, nail technician, nailpro, Nails, nails in europe, nails nails nails, Nailympia, Nailympia London, online nail competition, perfect match, Trophy

Nailympia Anaheim 2025: THE RESULTS

25th February 2025

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

Nailympia Anaheim 2025 Flat Art 2

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

Nailympia Anaheim 2025 Duo

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

Nailympia Anaheim 2025 Alex And Serge

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

Nailympia Anaheim 2025 Stiletto Nails

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

Nailympia Anaheim 2025 Judging 2

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.

Posted in Anaheim, News and tagged nail competition, Nails, Nailympia, nailympia anaheim, Nailympia competition, Premiere Anaheim

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.

REGISTRATION OPENS SOON.

Training Schedule

Luxury Global Mentor Team

Email: muzer@nailympia.cn

Nail Art Through AI Working in Harmony & Supporting Nail Artists Globally

Genki Itou- Tokyo, Japan – the Sculptor of Nail Style with Soul

Nailympia Competitions is extremely excited to announce its 15^th location – Puerto Rico – in its 22-year history with Seed Publishing Ltd (Scratch magazine).