Reallusion has announced the 2026 Reallusion 3D Character Contest, offering entrants a $45,000 prize pool, free three-month access to the full Reallusion software suite, and biweekly premium content airdrops to qualified participants. Submissions are open now through 31 August 2026, so don’t miss your chance to win great prizes and compete on the global stage.
Entries will be judged by an international panel including Pablander Academy founder Pablo Muñoz Gómez and VFX artist Reza Sarkamari. We are already seeing some great entries from the Reallusion Contest Forum, and now you are just one step away from the final submission!
Messages From Our Distinguished Judges
Pablo Muñoz Gómez
Reza Sarkamari
Submission Category & Cash Prizes
- Best Character Design – Realistic ($1,000 / $750 / $500 )
- Best Character Design – Stylized ($1,000 / $750 / $500 )
- Best Character Animation – Realistic ($2,000 / $1,500 / $1,000 )
- Best Character Animation – Stylized ($2,000 / $1,500 / $1,000 )
- Best AccuRIG Characters ($500 * 3 )
Special Prizes
- Best Render
- Best Pipeline Use
- Best Mocap Use
- Best Costume
- Best Digital Double
- Student Artwork
10 Years, One Stage for 3D Character Artists
This marks the sixth time Reallusion has hosted its 3D Character Contest. Over the years, the competition has grown into one of the few remaining character art contests still actively run by a 3D software company.
The AI wave has swept across the entire 3D industry, and Reallusion is no exception. To adapt to this trend, the company has introduced AI-powered features across its product line, from Headshot’s photo-to-model generation to AI-assisted content workflows. But for this contest, Reallusion is drawing a clear line: entries must be grounded in traditional 3D craftsmanship. Participants are welcome to use AI for concept art, reference generation, or as a creative aid in their process, but final submissions (renders, turntables, and animation clips) must be produced through conventional 3D workflows, not AI-generated output. The goal is simple: a level playing field where artistry and skill speak for themselves.
The 3D industry is going through extraordinarily tough times in the age of AI. That’s exactly why we keep running this contest. We want to give talented artists a stage to show the world what they can do.”
Charles Chen, CEO, Reallusion
Portfolio Artist Program: Experience the Full Suite Software & Premium Content Airdrops
To welcome new talent and remove any barrier to participation, Reallusion is offering an exclusive Portfolio Artist Program, free 3-month fully licensed software workgroup to qualified applicants. The workgroup includes the full character creation and real-time animation toolkit, including Character Creator 5 Deluxe, iClone 8, Headshot 3, AccuFACE 2, and ZBrush Face Tools. To support all pipeline users, Reallusion also offers Auto Setup for Unreal, Blender, Maya, Marmoset Toolbag, 3ds Max, Unity, and Omniverse users.
To speed up your creation, in a first for the contest, Reallusion is also introducing bi-weekly content airdrops throughout the competition period. Every two weeks, one popular content pack will be added directly into participants’ workgroups, giving creators an ever-growing library of production-ready characters, hairstyles, outfits, and motions to fuel their entries. Premium content access, such as Hair Builder, Casual 20, and other best-selling assets are included in this contest timeframe for approved applicants. To let you experience the full power of the Reallusion ecosystem.
This section is specially designed for an established character artist background, the best chance to let us know you. To apply, simply submit an online form for review. Applications are accepted through July 31, 2026, and workgroup access remains active until the contest concludes. The earlier you apply, the more time that you will have to work with.
A $45,000 Prize Pool Sponsored by Industry Giants
This year’s event is backed by a powerhouse roster of industry leaders, offering a combined $45,000 in cash and prizes. Reallusion is honored to partner with NVIDIA, Maxon, Epic Games, Unity, Autodesk, Houdini, MSI, G-Drive, and CenterGrid to provide contestants with the professional hardware, cloud resources, and software support needed to bring their visions to life.
Beyond the Prizes: Career-Defining Exposure
In addition to cash and hardware, distinguished contestants will be featured across popular 3D media outlets and magazines through dedicated articles and promotional highlights. Selected artists may also be invited to join Reallusion’s digital content ecosystem to monetize their work or collaborate on official showcase projects. Submit your entry before August 31, 2026, to win big! For more information on rules, prizes, and how to apply for free software and content airdrops, visit the contest webpage.
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