So the 2023 version of the International Aquatic Plants Layout Contest (IAPLC) has recently released the rankings and statistics. This year, the largest contest in the world had 1,850 entries from 78 countries. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the United States had over 20 entries with some doing amazingly well.
However, along with the release of absolutely stunning aquascapes from all over the world, you will find a growing chorus of discontent and even chants for a boycott of the contest. This is surprising and, frankly, sad given the origins of this contest (Takashi Amano) and what its done for the global world of aquascaping. There is no question that this contest, and Aqua Design Amano, have been extremely influential in the growth of the hobby, even in the United States.
I will be doing a series of posts trying to showcase and learn from the top works. However, I can't avoid ask you, the ScapeCrunch community, what your thoughts are on the controversy that seems to mostly revolve around the judging and the, at least perceived, notion that Japanese aquascapers are getting favorable treatment.
However, along with the release of absolutely stunning aquascapes from all over the world, you will find a growing chorus of discontent and even chants for a boycott of the contest. This is surprising and, frankly, sad given the origins of this contest (Takashi Amano) and what its done for the global world of aquascaping. There is no question that this contest, and Aqua Design Amano, have been extremely influential in the growth of the hobby, even in the United States.
I will be doing a series of posts trying to showcase and learn from the top works. However, I can't avoid ask you, the ScapeCrunch community, what your thoughts are on the controversy that seems to mostly revolve around the judging and the, at least perceived, notion that Japanese aquascapers are getting favorable treatment.