The fate of the IIAC Aquascaping Contest

[BigWave]

This is rather concerning for the hobby in general. To summarize 390 contestants from 45 countries.

The fate of the IIAC - ISTA International Aquascaping Contest - biggest prize in the world of aquascaping

ISTA International Aquascaping Contest (IIAC) held in Taiwan is renowned for offering the largest prize in the world for aquascaping. However, it is a peculiar phenomenon that despite the substantial rewards, the contest sees a surprisingly low number of participants.

aqualibs.com

 

[Dennis Wong]

It is a marketing issue more than anything else. IAPLC has trash judging since Amano san passed away, but do folks care? Everyone just wants the association with the brand name. Knowing many contestants in person, very very very few of them actually care about good judging, everyone just hopes for nice ranking to feel good about, and are happy to throw the dice in poor quality (but distinguished) competitions year to year as long as they have a chance to hit the pot some day.

 

[Art]

@Dennis Wong I don't know the competitive aquascaping world very much but can see your point. What competition(s) would you say are well-run with good judging quality?

 

[OmidNiav]

@Dennis Wong I don't know the competitive aquascaping world very much but can see your point. What competition(s) would you say are well-run with good judging quality?

I would say AGA since there are no prizes and they are not as big as ADA, etc. Judges actually take the time to comment on scapes and give feedback.