From 28 to 30 March 2025, Frankfurt once again became the global centre of tattooing, hosting the third edition of the Gods of Ink Tattoo Convention at the city’s prestigious exhibition venue.
Under the artistic direction of Miki Vialetto, publisher of Tattoo Life, which was media partner of the event, 400 of the world’s finest tattoo artists gathered, personally selected and invited by Miki Vialetto to deliver the highest-quality tattoo art showcase in the world. This year, the convention occupied a new location within Messe Frankfurt, expanding from two floors to a larger, single-level space with large glass windows and industrial ceilings, creating the perfect setting for the event.
The natural light and the layout of the stands allowed visitors to fully immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the convention, strolling through eight aisles of booths, the large stage area, and the village section—an innovation presented for the first time at this convention.
The true essence of Gods of Ink is found in its carefully chosen selection of the world’s top tattoo artists. Since it first began, the event has been a show in itself, offering attendees the unique opportunity to watch these masters at work, witnessing the creation of incredible tattoos—not only the most striking tattoos showcased on the clients that attending artists present at their stands but also the numerous walk-ins who had the chance to get tattooed, whether with a small piece or a larger design, choosing from the many artists available to the public.
Beyond the live tattooing, Gods of Ink presented a rich entertainment program, presented by the distinctive voice of Dirk-Boris Roedel. The FUEL Girls, renowned for their spectacular performances, once again thrilled the audience with their circus-themed live shows. Evening concerts kept the energy high, while on Sunday, a charity auction featured Jackson Guitars customized by top tattoo artists in support of the Metal for Nepal organization. Visitors could also take a break in the cinema room dedicated to the screening of Felix: Dare to Dream, a film about the life of the eclectic artist Felix Leu.
The convention also featured a range of exhibitions, including Horimono Shashin’s photography display, a live painting session by Chris Guest, the stunning female portraits of Irezumi Gijinga by Matti Senju, lettering works by Mexican-American artist Keaps, and the Italian Hastla collective, showcasing Chicano-style pieces. As always, the highlight of the event was the tattoo contest, held on Saturday and Sunday, featuring an exceptionally high level of artistry. Below is the list of winners:
1st @abiru_tattoo
2nd @diaochen_tattoo
3rd @rich_hardy
1st @blancameret_tattoo
2nd @raimundo_ramirez
3rd @jbecerra_art
1st @quangpham1610
2nd @___p_e_s_t_e___
3rd @gimmelovetattoo
1st @fibs_
2nd @hanmotattoobin
3rd @horihiro_tebori
1st @ytztattoo
2nd @yingham.tattoo
3rd @pablo_frias.tattoo
1st @mihail_kogut
2nd @sziditattoo
3rd @thomas_vincentink
1st @uncogrim
2nd @shooby_tattoo
3rd @julian.siebert
With exceptional participation and an electric atmosphere, the Gods of Ink Tattoo Convention once again confirmed its status as an unmissable event in the tattoo world.
A gathering that not only celebrates the art of ink but also fosters connections, inspires new generations of artists, and strengthens the bond between tradition and innovation. Now, we can only look forward to the next edition, certain that it will be even more spectacular and engaging.
