Currently, only English is available for the new 2025 rules. Sorry for the inconvenience!

Rules

As of 2025, the rules and divisions have been updated. Returning participants should familiarize themselves with this page.

What is a “Mech”?

The OMC is all about celebrating creative mecha designs. But what exactly is a mech or mecha? For our purposes, a mecha is considered almost anything mechanical that showcases creative engineering or storytelling. There’s plenty of flexibility here, so let your imagination run wild! See past entries for inspiration.

Submission Process

Submissions are now accepted at originalmechacontest.org/enter.  The submission form is interactive and doubles as the rules checklist. 

Timeline

Builds must be started on or after February 1 to ensure a fair competition. The deadline to submit is October 31 via the online submission form. For exceptions, email us at originalmechacontest@gmail.com before the deadline. Previously finished builds are not accepted.

Build Requirements

  • Entries must be custom kitbashed or scratch-built models.

  • Up to 15% of the build may use 3D-printed parts.

  • Entries must be physical models. 3D renders or drawings will not be accepted.

  • Any materials or model kits can be used, but if starting with a kit, the final design must be unrecognizable. 

  • Detailing a pre-existing model kit does not fit the contest theme.

Progress and Final Photos

  • Take four (4) work-in-progress photos at various stages, with this year’s Entry Pass clearly visible in each. 

  • The Entry Pass is available on the home page. 

  • The Entry Pass will change throughout the year, and each version is accepted. 

  • Submit five (5) final photos showcasing your build’s details for judging. 

  • Optional: Submit a minute or less video in 1920x1080 resolution.

Dioramas

You’re welcome to include a diorama, base, or vignette, but it’s optional. Judging will focus primarily on the mech itself, and you will not be penalized for not including one. As of 2025, the new Best Diorama award will be chosen by Krumme.

Divisions

Pick from the following divisions to enter into:

Pro Division

Anyone can enter this division; however, if you previously placed first in the Main or Pro Division, you are required to compete as a Pro. Three entries will be ranked first, second, and third by the judges. Each winner will receive an O.M.C. trophy. The first place winner will receive a special grand champion trophy. 

Main Division

This is the default for all participants that have not been promoted to Pro. Three entries will be ranked first, second, and third by the judges. Three trophies will be awarded, and first place will have to compete in the Pro division in the future.

CupCup Division

As of 2025, the CupCup Challenge has been updated to the CupCup Division. Anyone participating in the Pro or Main Divisions can also participate in the CupCup Division. This is a casual category for those who prefer a more relaxed build process. This division is hosted by Krumme, who will be the only judge, and rank first, second, and third place. A CupCup trophy will be given to first place. The CupCup has several unique requirements:

  • The entire build must fit within a cube with sides measuring 15 cm (6 inches). A work-in-progress picture with a ruler would be helpful!

  • A recognizable cup must be incorporated into the model. This can be anything resembling a cup, such as a drinking cup, yogurt container, nail polish bottle, soap dispenser, eye dropper, or similar items. 

  • Each year, a common object is included in the requirements. For 2025, that object is a ping pong ball, which must also be part of the build.

Junior Entries

As of 2025, the Junior Division no longer exists. Instead, any participant 16 years and younger will be classified as a junior participant and receive a prize for Best Junior Entry. Feel free to enter any division you are comfortable with! 

Judging

Krumme will be a permanent judge for the contest. Roborovski will be a reserve judge and tiebreaker. The two co-owners will not participate in the Main or Pro Division of the OMC. Because Krumme is the judge for the CupCup Division, he will not participate in it. 

As of 2025, scoring cards will be used to assist judges in considering Skill and Technique, Design and Originality, and Impact and Wow Factor.

For 2025, we also have three additional judges:

Additionally, there will be a poll for the community to vote on their favorite entries and designate an award to the King of All Mechs (or KAM Award, in honor of our founder Kamm).