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Ink Master: The Shocking New Winners, Judges, And Controversial Twists Of Seasons 16 & 17

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The world of competitive tattooing has never been more intense, and the latest seasons of Ink Master have delivered some of the most shocking results and format changes in the show's history. As of the end of 2025, the series has crowned two new champions across two back-to-back, high-stakes seasons, solidifying its place as the premier tattoo reality competition. The transition to Paramount+ has brought a fresh, polished look and a new focus on the artistry and storytelling, moving beyond some of the show's earlier, more dramatic elements. This deep dive will explore the newest winners, the powerful judging panel, and the fresh twists that are keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

The most recent seasons, "OGs vs Young Guns" (Season 16) and "Hometown Heroes" (Season 17), have redefined what it means to be the next Ink Master. With the prize money and the coveted title on the line, the pressure has never been higher. The current incarnation of the show continues to elevate the craft, demanding unparalleled skill across diverse tattooing styles from its competitors.

The Reigning Champions: Matt Mooney and James Tex

The last two seasons have introduced two incredibly talented and distinct winners, each bringing a unique style and background to the competition. The biographies of these champions showcase the global talent pool the show now attracts.

Matt Mooney (Season 17 Winner) - The Japanese Specialist

  • Season Won: Season 17, Ink Master: Hometown Heroes
  • Tattoo Shop: Dagger and Lark, Melbourne, Australia
  • Signature Style: Traditional Japanese (Irezumi)
  • Key Achievement: Mooney’s mastery of Japanese tattooing—a style that demands precision, flow, and deep cultural understanding—was a consistent highlight of his run. His large-scale back pieces and sleeves often received high praise from the judges, demonstrating a level of technical skill rarely seen in the competition. He is an owner of his shop in Melbourne, which speaks to his established career and business acumen within the tattoo industry.

James Tex (Season 16 Winner) - The Canadian OG

  • Season Won: Season 16, Ink Master: OGs vs Young Guns
  • Tattoo Shop: Deadly Tattoos Inc., Calgary, Alberta, Canada
  • Signature Style: American Traditional and Neo-Traditional
  • Key Achievement: James Tex made history as the first Canadian artist to win the title of Ink Master. Competing as an "OG" against a field of talented "Young Guns," Tex utilized his 27 years of experience in the industry to navigate the challenges. His victory was a testament to the enduring power of classic tattooing techniques and decades of practice. He even competed against his own son, Anthony Tex, during the season, adding a unique family dynamic to the competition.

The Current Judging Panel and Host: The New Authority

The success of the new era of Ink Master is largely due to the stability and expertise of its current host and judging panel. This group brings a wealth of experience, multiple Ink Master titles, and a deep understanding of the global tattoo community, ensuring that the critiques are authoritative and fair.

The Host: Joel Madden

The Good Charlotte frontman, Joel Madden, has continued his role as the host, bringing a relaxed yet engaging presence to the show. His transition from music to hosting a high-stakes reality competition has been well-received by fans, as he guides the artists and canvases through the intense process.

The Judges: Champions and Legends

The judging panel for both Season 16 and the latest Season 17, Hometown Heroes, is stacked with champions and industry legends:

  • DJ Tambe: A three-time Ink Master champion (Seasons 9, 10, and 11), Tambe is a powerhouse of technical knowledge. His critiques are often focused on the structural integrity, saturation, and longevity of the tattoo. He represents a high standard for modern realism and detail work.
  • Ryan Ashley: The first female Ink Master winner (Season 8), Ryan Ashley brings an artist's eye for fine art, detail, and aesthetic composition. She is known for her intricate black and grey realism and jewelry-inspired designs, and she often emphasizes creativity and originality in the challenges.
  • Nikko Hurtado: Joining the panel for recent seasons, Hurtado is a world-renowned tattoo artist, particularly famous for his hyper-realistic color portraiture. His presence adds an unparalleled level of authority, especially on challenges involving color realism, a style that is notoriously difficult to master under competition conditions.

This trio of judges—two former champions and an undisputed global icon—ensures that the final decision is based on a comprehensive evaluation of technical application, artistic composition, and overall impact. The dynamic between the judges is a core element of the show's current appeal.

New Formats and Topical Authority: OGs vs Young Guns & Hometown Heroes

To maintain topical authority and keep the competition fresh, Ink Master continuously evolves its format, ensuring each season presents a unique challenge to the contestants. The themes of the most recent seasons were designed to test different aspects of the tattoo industry.

Season 16: OGs vs Young Guns

The "OGs vs Young Guns" format pitted veteran artists with over a decade of experience (OGs) against rising stars who have been tattooing for only a few years (Young Guns). This setup created a fascinating dynamic, contrasting the wisdom and classic techniques of the OGs with the fresh, often trend-driven styles and technical innovation of the Young Guns. The season was a deep dive into the evolution of the tattoo craft, with artists being forced to learn from and adapt to their generational rivals. James Tex’s victory proved that experience and a solid foundation in traditional tattooing can still overcome modern flash and speed.

Season 17: Hometown Heroes

Season 17, titled "Hometown Heroes," shifted the focus to the regional pride and community influence of the artists. The season highlighted artists who are deeply rooted in their local communities, often drawing inspiration and support from their regional tattoo scenes. This format allowed the show to explore the diverse tattoo styles and subcultures across America and beyond, with challenges potentially focused on regional specialties like West Coast Black and Grey, New York Traditional, or even specific cultural motifs. The competition emphasized not just individual skill, but also the artist's role as a representative of their local tattoo culture, adding a layer of personal stakes and storytelling to the challenges.

The Enduring Legacy and Controversy

While the show has successfully moved past some of its earlier controversies, such as the departure of original judge Oliver Peck following blackface photo revelations, the legacy of the show remains complex. The new format and judging panel have focused on elevating the art form, but the high pressure and intense critiques continue to generate debate among fans and tattoo professionals. The show's ability to create instant stars and dramatically increase the visibility of tattooing as a legitimate art form is undeniable, leading to a massive increase in demand for the featured artists.

The continued success of Ink Master on Paramount+ proves that the appetite for high-quality, high-stakes competition remains strong. With Matt Mooney and James Tex now holding the title, the standard for the next generation of artists has been set incredibly high. Fans can look forward to more breathtaking artistry, emotional eliminations, and the ongoing evolution of the world's most intense tattoo competition.

Ink Master: The Shocking New Winners, Judges, and Controversial Twists of Seasons 16 & 17
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