Celebrating 20 years of Nailympia Competitions

As international nail competition brand, Nailympia, marks its 20th anniversary, global director, ALEX FOX, reflects on its milestones & shares its vision

In the bustling heart of Las Vegas, amidst the glitz and glamour, an audacious vision was born. Three trailblazing nail brands: IBD, Too Much Fun and EzFlow, joined forces in 2001 to create a competition like no other: one that would redefine the very essence of nail artistry. Thus, Nailympia emerged as a beacon of impartiality and excellence, igniting a revolution in the global nail industry.

Under the leadership of Dianne D’Agnolo and head judge, Lysa Comfort, the event was expertly organised. I worked behind the scenes, providing support to the administration team, connecting with judges and closely observing the unfolding of the event. Inspired by the vibrant energy, exceptional skill, boundless creativity and palpable excitement, I was determined to bring the event to European soil. Thus, the inception of the London leg of Nailympia took place, with its origins deeply rooted in the Olympia Beauty exhibition.

At its core, Nailympia embodies the spirit of inclusivity and innovation, transcending boundaries to celebrate the creativity and skill of nail professionals worldwide. From its humble origins in the USA to its triumphant expansion across continents, Nailympia has evolved into a prestigious platform that has commanded respect and admiration over its 20-year history with the Scratch team.

Nailympia has blossomed into a mecca for nailists seeking international recognition and industry accolades. With each passing year, the competition attracts a diverse array of industry luminaries and experts to serve on its esteemed judging panels, ensuring fairness and integrity in every evaluation. The running order and competition content are tweaked to reflect industry trends, and the arena is presented in a fashion that reflects unity and community. Since its establishment in 2005, Nailympia has successfully organised and run 40 events, with the most recent one taking place in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Exploring Nailympia’s global footprint

Nailympia has traversed the globe, leaving a trail of creativity and skill in its wake. Let’s take a closer look at the diverse array of locations that have hosted this renowned event...

Sydney hosted Nailympia Australia from 2014 to 2018, where nail artists from around the world showcased their talents. Texas became the centre stage for nail art excellence when Athena Elliott hosted Nailympia at The Best Lil’ Nail Show in 2017 and 2018, drawing participants and enthusiasts alike to its nail-focused event.

“Welcome to the world of Nailympia, where dreams take flight and nail industry legends are discovered.”

Viktoria Prihodko spearheaded Nailympia Estonia in 2018, showcasing the burgeoning talent in Tallinn and putting the Baltic on the map in the global nail art community. In 2019, Nailympia enjoyed birthing a string of new events, with the addition of Nailympia Germany at Beauty Düsseldorf led by nail champion, judge & educator, Stefanie Lo Re, who underscored the event’s international acclaim and influence. The competition also made its way to Saskatoon thanks to Aigul Fritzke, with Nailympia Canada highlighting the skill and innovation of Canadian nail artists and adding another vibrant dimension to the brand. Next, under the expert eye of Dafne Fernández, Mexico City hosted Nailympia Mexico, which opened the door more widely for Latin American nail artists to gather and celebrate their passion for the craft, without having to travel too far afield.

The Premiere Show Group, USA, took the reins of the US event in 2019, launching Nailympia Orlando and further solidifying Nailympia’s presence in the American nail art scene. Pleased with its popularity and growth over its first two years, it expanded into Premiere shows in Anaheim, Columbus and San Antonio in 2023. The Group will host its fourth Orlando edition, 2-3 June 2024, with a second event on 15-16 September at Premiere San Antonio in Texas.

With each location adding its unique flair and perspective to the competition, Nailympia continues to inspire, unite and elevate the global nail art community. From Sydney to Saskatoon, Tallinn to Texas and beyond, Nailympia is leaving an indelible mark on the nail industry worldwide.

“At its core, Nailympia embodies the spirit of inclusivity and innovation, transcending boundaries to celebrate the creativity and skill of nail professionals worldwide.”

Nailympia goes virtual

Amidst the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the spirit of competition and creativity in the nail art community remained undaunted. Rather than succumbing to the limitations of lockdowns and social distancing, Nailympia rose to the occasion by introducing an online platform, allowing nail artists from around the world to continue showcasing their skills and passion for nail artistry.

The transition to an online format involved a significant upgrade to the Nailympia website, transforming it into a dynamic competition portal. This innovative site enabled competitors to register and upload their entries seamlessly, regardless of geographical barriers. Once submitted, entries were categorised and distributed digitally to an esteemed panel of global judges, who meticulously evaluated each submission based on set criteria.

The decision to launch Nailympia Online was a response to the unprecedented circumstances faced by the nail industry community. With the postponement of live competitions worldwide, the need for an alternative outlet to foster creativity and motivation became imperative. Nailympia Online emerged as a beacon of hope, reigniting the enthusiasm of nail artists who had eagerly awaited the opportunity to showcase their talent on a global stage.

The initiative garnered widespread support from the industry, with 30 distinguished judges lending their expertise to the virtual event. Renowned figures such as Jan Arnold, Elaine Watson, Marian Newman BEM and Antony Buckley, among others, joined forces to uphold the standards of excellence synonymous with Nailympia Competitions. Their involvement added prestige and credibility to the virtual platform, inspiring participants to strive for greatness.

One of the highlights of the online version was the introduction of Division 4 – The VIP Challenge. Reserved for nail technicians with a stellar track record in competitions or judging, this category offered a platform for seasoned professionals to showcase their mastery across various styles and techniques.

Nails without borders

The success of Nailympia Online over two consecutive years during the Covid era underscored the resilience and adaptability of the nail community in overcoming unprecedented challenges. In a time of uncertainty, Nailympia Online showcased the determination and dedication of global nail artists, reaffirming their commitment to the creativity and craft that define their profession.

Since the pandemic, Nailympia has chosen to run its London and German legs as hybrid competitions, delivering both online and arena competitions in order to capture the widest possible audience and offer opportunities for those that cannot travel to compete on an international stage.

The journey of Nailympia is a testament to the unwavering passion of its founders, sponsors and participants. It is a journey marked by milestones of excellence, from its inaugural event in London in March 2005 to its latest triumph in Vietnam last month. Along the way, Nailympia has made an enduring impact on the nail industry, inspiring countless professionals to push the boundaries of creativity and craftsmanship and showcasing the rise of industry greats as they move from medallist to mentor.

However, Nailympia is more than just a competition; it is a celebration of the power of community and collaboration. Through its partnership with Scratch magazine and other industry leaders and voices, Nailympia continues to champion talent, elevate industry standards and nurture the next generation of nail professionals.

Perfect Match nails by Italy’s Deborah Cocco.

As we look to the future, the legacy of Nailympia shines brighter than ever before. With its unwavering commitment to excellence and its relentless pursuit of innovation, Nailympia stands poised to shape the future of nail artistry for generations to come.

Join us as we celebrate the extraordinary journey of Nailympia – one that is fuelled by passion, powered by creativity and boundless in its potential. Together, let us continue to elevate the art of nail styling to new heights of greatness.

Expansion into Asia

Excitement reverberates through the global nail community as Nailympia moves into Asia with two thrilling new locations for 2024. Spearheading this groundbreaking venture are two dynamic figures, each bringing their unique vision and passion to the table.

First up is Damon Ho, a distinguished nail artist & educator hailing from Arizona, USA.

Damon, who hosted the inaugural Nailympia Vietnam competition in April 2024, brings a wealth of industry experience, as well as time spent as a judge for Nailympia in Mexico and Orlando. With a keen eye for industry trends and a business savvy mindset, Damon’s decision to bring Nailympia to Vietnam reflects his commitment to fostering international standards in Vietnamese nail artistry.

“I believe in the transformative power of competitions like Nailympia,” Damon asserts. “They not only showcase talent, but build a global community that celebrates creativity, diversity and innovation in nail artistry.” With Nailympia Vietnam, Damon aims to elevate the global perception of Vietnamese nail work, while creating expansive opportunities for professionals in the field.

But Damon’s vision extends far beyond the competition floor. With plans to integrate AI technology into the nail industry and explore the possibility of a TV show focused on the nail business, he envisions a future where Vietnamese nail skills are recognised and respected on a global scale.

Meanwhile, business person, Kimi Chang, a passionate advocate of Chinese aesthetics, is poised to make her mark with Nailympia China in August. Born in Suquian, Jiangsu Province, Kimi’s journey in the nail industry has been nothing short of remarkable. From leading her family’s manufacturing and production business to establishing the world’s first dedicated nail art museum in Shanghai, Kimi Chang commands immense respect and admiration in the nail artistry community, standing as a formidable figure whose influence knows no bounds.

Inspired by the electrifying atmosphere of Nailympia Germany in 2022 during her visit to Beauty Düsseldorf as an exhibitor, and witnessing the sense of camaraderie among competitors, Kimi saw an opportunity to further contribute to the nail industry’s growth and development. “Nailympia’s philosophy of mutual understanding and recognition resonated deeply with me,” Kimi reflects. “Through this platform, we’re not just showcasing talent; we’re building bridges and fostering connections that transcend borders.”

With Nailympia China, Kimi aims to promote the rapid and comprehensive development of Chinese and global nail art. Together with a newly established nail art museum, the contest promises to be a beacon of creativity and innovation in the heart of Asia.

As Nailympia embarks on this exciting new chapter, nail professionals worldwide eagerly await the opportunity to showcase their skills, celebrate their craft and forge new connections across continents. With Damon Ho and Kimi Chang at the helm, the future of nail artistry and the cross-fertilisation of ideas and innovations across the East and West have never looked brighter.

I’m forever grateful that the nuts and bolts idea of Nailympia graced my desk as a press release back in the 2000s, when the first event was being shaped in Las Vegas. It grabbed my attention and I could not let it go. I had to get there and see it for myself. I could not have foreseen the impact this competition would have on my life. I’m so very grateful to its engineers and the clever people behind its concept: David Daniel, Danny Haile, Lee Tomlinson and Jim Johnson, who trusted me to take it to Europe all those years ago, and to Dianne D’Agolo and Lysa Comfort for supporting my early journey and teaching me so much during our time together.

I hope to navigate Nailympia for many years to come as it widens its reach and brings its power to more nail markets across the globe. Nailympia is part of me and, as many cite after experiencing its essence, it’s like hanging out with family. It’s got depth and it’s got nail soul!

THE FIVE NAILYMPIA HOSTS ACROSS THE WORLD

ALEX FOX London – UK, Orlando – USA & San Antonio – USA @nailympiacompetitions @salonbeautyuk @premierebeautyshows

STEFANIE LO RE Düsseldorf, Germany @nailympia.germany @beauty_duesseldorf

DAFNE FERNANDEZ Mexico City, Mexico @nailympia_mexico

DAMON HO Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam @nailympia_vietnam

KIMI CHANG Hangzhou, China

REWIND THE CLOCK

The first Nailympia London was held at the inaugural Olympia Beauty trade event, in March 2005. Its tag line was ‘Everyone can enter – anyone can win’. It had five sponsors: OPI, CND™, NSI, Backscratchers and BABTAC, with two media partners: Scratch and ProfNail. Samuel Sweet, AKA The Nail Geek back then, was invited in as Nailympia MC for the awards.

One floor judge was assigned to the arena: Marian Newman, and the competition was supported by an international panel of booth judges that comprised Lena White (UK), Gigi Rouse (Spain), Terri Malon (Germany), Lysa Comfort (USA), Sue Marsh (UK), Jacqui Jefford (UK), Ketan Patel (UK), Clare Walford (UK), Eriko Kurasaki (Japan), Tina Werle (Germany), Kaoru Suzuki (Japan) and Rachel Myatt (UK). This group of experts was named ‘The Incredibles’ at the time, since a panel this prestigious was a first on UK shores.

A simple magazine tear-out page for the registration form presented seven competitions: L&P Sculpture, L&P Tip & Overlay, Airbrushing (Boxed), Gel Tip Overlay, Fibreglass, Mixed Media (Boxed) and Fantasy Nail Art. This was enough to fill 181 competition seats representing 18 countries. An unbelievable uptake in year one, it supported work from Italy, Germany, The Netherlands, Russia, Poland, Latvia, UK, Ireland, USA, Japan, South Korea, Hungary, Sweden, Austria, Croatia, South Africa, Vietnam and Tunisia.

Reflecting on the winners of this first event in London, I note their successful careers since. We may forget that industry figureheads we see today were once undergoing a nail battle in a competition arena. The Division 3 Winner of Winners champion at the first Nailympia London was late industry legend, Tom Holcomb. In the process of launching his new product line, Entity, with Tom Bachik, Tom Holcomb travelled with an Entity team to compete and showcase the performance of the product line. With Alisha Rimando (USA), Tomoko Gaman (Japan) and Izayah Jeffrey (USA) each taking medals that year, the launch proved successful. Other industry names that delivered outstanding performances were Trang Nguyen, Karin Ström, Frank Schäberle, Zsuzsanna Fekete, John Hauk, Georgie Smedley and Diana Hattwig.

THE 9 NAILYMPIA TROPHY CHAMPIONS

Global Cup 2017 – Madelene Wolf – Sweden Global Cup 2018 – Lena Kurach – Poland Global Cup 2019 – Joanna Bandurska – Poland Global Cup 2022 – Olena Oezman – Germany Global Cup 2023 – Olena Oezman – Germany European Cup 2022 – Olena Oezman – Germany European Cup 2023 – Deborah Cocco – Italy Americas Cup 2023 – Katarzyna Kruszynska – Ireland Premiere Cup 2023 – Katarzyna Kruszynska – Ireland

Individual Top Scorer, Nailympia Germany 2024

Alessandra Pizzari, AP Nail Academy – Rome, Italy

@alessandra.pizzari

“I would sum up my Nailympia experience with a quote that my students can read on the walls of my academy: ‘You might not be the winner, but you never give up.’ Nailympia is among the most prestigious global nail competitions. Everybody in the field wishes they could compete. Only if you are ready to work very hard, will you get to participate. Sacrifice is the key to success.

“Alongside accolades, Nailympia boosts your popularity and gets you noticed, particularly on social media. I started competing at 25 years old and realised it was my path. So far I have won 17 gold, 10 silver and five bronze medals, alongside an Art Winner of Winners accolade, two Individual Top Scorer titles and three Team Trophy awards.”

European Cup champion, Nailympia London 2023

Deborah Cocco, DECO – Treviso, Italy

@deborah_cocco

“I started competing in 2017, and that was the year I participated in Nailympia for the first time, winning first place medals in my categories and the Winner of Winners trophy in Division 2. From that moment onwards, my desire to compete and get involved was ignited. In recent years, I’ve competed and won in various Nailympia locations around the world, and this has contributed to further growth and notoriety in the nail sector.

“To date, I have won more than 65 trophies and various international awards. In addition to my personal awards, the DECO Teams I mentor and train have totalled more than 150 trophies in just one year.”

WHAT THE EXPERT JUDGES SAY…

Marian Newman BEM, first floor judge & Nailympia expert since 2005

“I believe I’ve only missed one live London event since Nailympia’s inception, and from the very first day it felt like a very different nail competition. Maybe it was the categories on offer, the structure of the divisions (which meant that those who were beginners could compete against each other, rather than against those who’ve won before), or perhaps it was the quality of the booth judges. It could be all this combined, however what I am sure of is that those who were concerned with rules wanted to make it the most fair and level playing field that nail competitions had ever presented. It took a few seasons for the competitors to see that, but we achieved it.

Marian Newman BEM

“For a few years, Nailympia, like most other competitions at the time, banned oil. Judges spent a vast amount of time searching for it in kits and around desks, as competitors became more creative at hiding it, so we decided to allow it. The quality of judges was such that they could see past the benefits a smudge of oil could provide for a scratched nail finish, so by allowing it, all competitors had the same benefits. This gave us more time to ensure other rules were kept and we made it visible when rules were flouted, so all could see the level playing field was kept up to the best of our ability.

“Before long, it became clear that Nailympia was the definitive nail competition that all those with great pride in their work wanted to triumph at, and other countries wanted to provide their industries with the best competition around. Nailympia is now the definitive nail competition, where pros are eager to win medals, be a Winner of Winners or Global Cup recipient.

“Winners of Nailympia over the years have had their careers evolve off the charts. They have become the nail pros everyone wants to learn from. This is an accolade that doesn’t come easily. They have all practiced and dedicated their time to perfecting their craft, but they all started somewhere: probably in Division 1. They have practiced, planned and been dedicated to their experience. Nailympia is a concept unsurpassed by any other nail competition and a maker of champions who rule the nail world.”

Alisha Rimando, head booth judge & champion “In early 2005, when Nailympia was first brought to London thanks to Scratch’s Alex Fox and Scott Derbyshire, there were many nail competitions globally. However, the unique opportunity that Nailympia compete, win and feel part of an experience that previously only veteran competitors and industry leaders were afforded. Now, 20 years later, Nailympia provides a safe space for everyone to join and showcase their skills without intimidation.

Alisha Rimando multi-divisions provided gave a new generation the opportunity to

“Under the direction of Alex Fox, this competition has developed into one of the most highly recognised and respected competitions globally and continues to expand, offering even more opportunities for technicians to join the passionate world of competing. This unique networking and educational event continues to propel careers and inspire techs to perfect their techniques, fostering new leaders, mentors and educators to emerge into the nail industry year after year. There is no limit to the benefits and impact this competition has had on thousands of lives and careers over the past 20 years. Congratulations Nailympia and Alex Fox on your success and dedication to the growth of the nail industry.”

Elaine Watson, head judge, “Over the past two decades, Nailympia has been a beacon of inspiration: igniting passion and fostering excellence within our industry. Witnessing the dedication, commitment and sheer talent of competitors from around the world has been nothing short of awe-inspiring. Beyond the glitz and glamour of the stage, the relentless pursuit of perfection, the unwavering determination and boundless creativity truly define the spirit of Nailympia. This esteemed platform not only celebrates individual triumphs, but cultivates a community of empowered professionals, shaping the future of nail artistry. Here, dreams are realised, careers are elevated and legacies are forged. Nailympia isn’t just a competition; it’s a testament to the transformative power of passion and perseverance.”

Elaine Watson

Jacqueline & Sean O’Sullivan

Jacqueline O’Sullivan, nail industry verifier, educator, competition director & international judge “Nailympia first and foremost has the heart of the industry in its palms, allowing competitors to strive to be their best and use the experience as a stepping stone to elevate excellence. Nailympia is the fuel that ignites innovation. Being a Nailympia competitor is something to be proud of and will allow you to see new trends and techniques evolve on the competition floor.”

Sean O’Sullivan, nail industry verifier, expert, consultant & competition organiser “The prestigious Nailympia competitions are a great way to help nail artists stretch themselves and gain invaluable benefits. These can include learning life skills like collaboration, support, coaching and mentoring. Some of these may not necessarily be included in the traditional learning environment or within day-to-day salon or mobile work. I believe competitiveness is an important part of our lives and entering Nailympia is a way to develop a person’s skills and resilience. Entering a competition can help you to look at peers and industry icons and work to improve your level of skill. Nailympia over 20 years has become the international standard and the benchmark every other competition needs to aim for.”