Nailympia 2025 - Nail Competition

Nailympia 2025 - Nail Competition

Have you ever thought about competing?

You definitely should — it’s so much fun!

I know, your first competition can feel stressful and overwhelming. Mine was too. But when you go back the following year, it’s a completely different kind of buzz — and when you finally take a spot on the podium, it’s the best feeling ever. It doesn’t matter what place you get; the satisfaction of standing there and receiving your medal is unreal.

Honestly, I believe every nail tech should compete at least once.

Last year, I told myself never again.

And yet… here I am, 2025, registered again — and I won 1st place in Gel Polish, Division 2! 🥇

My very first competition was back in 2014 in Dublin, and I still remember the excitement (and nerves!) like it was yesterday. I placed 3rd in Competition Style and 2nd in Salon Nails.

Ten years later, in 2024, I decided to challenge myself again — and it was so worth it! I took the podium twice: 2nd place in Gel Polish and 3rd place in Competition Style Acrylics. That gave me the confidence to come back even stronger this year.

But let me tell you — 2025 didn’t go smoothly.

Our accommodation wasn’t great (I booked a house for me and my models), I caught some germs from my partner, had a constant runny nose, headaches, muscle and bone pain — you name it. I was exhausted, barely slept because my heart was racing at night (probably stress!), and to top it off… my period decided to join the party too.

How Nailympia Works

There are three divisions:

1️⃣ Division 1: For nail techs who have never competed and aren’t educators.

2️⃣ Division 2: For those who have competed before but haven’t won 1st place, and for educators.

3️⃣ Division 3: The masters — these nail techs compete professionally every year, and their skill level is out of this world.

I competed in Division 2 last year and again this year.

There were so many talented competitors this time, and I only placed in one category — but it was my best placement ever!

UV Gel Competition Style Nails (models right hand) 8th place

Acrylic Pink & White Competition Style Nails (models left hand) 7th

Salon Nails 7th place

Joy of Nails 11th place

1st place in Gel Polish Application

Now I’ll be moving up to Division 3 — something I once said I’d never do.

Why Compete?

If we put the stress aside, competitions massively improve your skills.

You learn to work under pressure, follow strict rules, and refine every single detail of your technique.

I’d recommend getting a mentor, no matter which division you’re in.

Someone who can guide you, help you prepare, and make sure you understand what the judges are looking for.

Each division gets tougher, and it takes more precision and creativity to impress the judges.

I’ve gone from “Why am I even doing this?” to becoming a confident nail tech who can proudly say, I nailed it. 💪

I used to say I’d never compete in Division 3 — and yet, just a few days later, I’m already planning for next year!

This time, I’ll enter fewer categories so I can really focus on mastering each skill.

Maybe I’ll see you at Nailympia London 2026 😉

Maya xx