A Golden Demon statue.
Named after the award given during the annual competition of same name, the Golden Demon is a real world event sponsored by Games Workshop, which describes such entries as "the absolute pinnacle of miniatures painting, demonstrating the very best work of the very best painters."[1a]
History
The Golden Demon competition has been held since 1987 in the United Kingdom, since 1991 in the USA, since 1997 in France and in other countries more recently. The competition is named for the first prize trophy in each category, the Golden Demon. The Golden Demon trophy itself is a figurine of a horned demon painted gold, posed with its arms crossed over its chest in a manner somewhat reminiscent of an Academy Awards "Oscar"). Silver and Bronze Demon trophies are given for second and third places, respectively in each category.
The overall winner across all categories at the event receives the "Slayer Sword", an actual full-size broadsword about 5 feet in length from hilt to tip. The competition measures the skills of painting and modelling, since conversions and alterations of existing miniatures are encouraged.
Territorial Differences
In Australia the Golden Demon competition is slightly different: entrants take their models to a Games Workshop store on a specified day. The best 3 in each category in the store gain a place in the regional finals and the best 3 in each category there gain a place in the national finals in Sydney. Starting in 2007, the Australian Golden Demon has included an "Intermediate" category. This category is open to painters aged 15-17, and has both the Warhammer Fantasy and 40k miniatures combined.
Slayer Sword Winners
1987
