I’ve been participating in MakerWorld contests for quite some time now, and I always try to submit high-quality, technically refined models. Despite this, I’ve never placed, not even in the Top 16.
Most recently, I entered with a fully 3D-printed wind-up Benchy, which – despite its tiny size (32x22x15mm) – can travel over 1 meter using nothing but a plastic spring and five precisely printed gears. No glue, no screws, no external parts – just functional FDM mechanics.
Still, it barely got any attention and currently sits at just 9 likes.
Earlier, I submitted a vault model in a different contest, which reached the Top 3 trending designs before jury evaluation. Yet again, it didn’t make the final list of winners – while some very simple designs (like a basic pen holder) were awarded.
So I’d like to ask openly:
How does the contest jury actually evaluate submissions?
Are there clear criteria – like technical complexity, creativity, printability, or documentation?
Does popularity (likes/downloads) affect the results – or is it completely separate from the judging process?
What can makers focus on to realistically improve their chances of winning?
I’m not here to disrespect anyone else’s work – there are lots of great entries every time. But I think many creators would appreciate more transparency on how decisions are made. It would help us all grow and contribute better work if we better understood what really matters in these contests.
If anyone from the MakerWorld team (or past winners) could shed some light on this, I’d be very grateful.
Here’s my current entry, the wind-up Benchy: Wind-up Benchy
And here’s the vault model that was trending before jury review: MINI VAULT
Thanks for reading – and for any honest feedback or insights from the community!
Common question without real answers. I have placed in the top something a couple of times but I can’t pinpoint why. Popularity of course is a major one, but that doesn’t guarantee it. So presentation, novelty and ‘wow’ factor.
For the jury they most likely look at least at the most popular ones but then originality and creativity becomes much more of a factor. I know some simple models do get through as well but that is just luck of the draw. In the end, there are sooo many entries, that I think luck of the draw applies either case. Just design stuff you like, use contests to get a bit more traction if they apply and consider winning a nice bonus if it ever happens
Your designs look really nice - I hope you keep participating in the contests!
To echo what @Rossero said above, if you’re enjoying what you’re making (and hopefully learning new things along the way) then I think it’s time well spent.
One thing that can have an impact on your chances is the popularity of the contest. For example, the Benchy contest had over 2,000 entries but the recent Music Box contest had only a little over 100. Better odds in a smaller pond
While the information on how they decide a winner is a bit scant, it definitely isn’t based on how many likes/downloads you have, thankfully - I hate competitions like that, it only matters how many followers you have on social sites and the same people across all the sites that do it like that always win - creality cloud, thangs, etc - always the same winners
I’ve seen a couple of winners that only had a few downloads/ likes
I think they genuinely judge it/reward people with good models
Yeah, Judging criteria doesn’t always make sense but most of the winners tend to be high quality high effort models.
Particularly for the contests where the theme is very open ended or lower on the effort scale, expect a lot of entries. In those cases I think all a model’s popularity can guarantee is that the model will be seen by the judges.
I have 2 second place wins and 2 honorable mentions. The two second place wins took a lot of time and effort and were unique. They need to stand out from the crowd in some way. Make sure your files are and instructions are clear and easy to follow. Presentation is a big factor as well. Spend time taking great photos. Edit them to improve color and crop them to improve composition. Although you can’t directly add video, you can make an animated gif like I see you did with your benchy. Add some text or a logo to your primary image if necessary. Number of likes/downloads/prints isn’t the biggest factor as many low-attention models have placed in contests, but it is an indicator of how well your model is received and if it stands out from the crowd.
You did a good job on your wind-up benchy, but think about what could elevate it to the next level. Maybe show it in a few different bold color schemes. Maybe lean into a racing theme and add some stripes, flames, numbers, engine parts, etc to bring a hot-rod style. Have a few variations that you can print and race them side by side. Maybe have it fly over stunts, through obstacles, over jumps, etc. Think about a dad wanting to make a few for his kids to race and play with together. What will get someone to stop and say “whoa-that looks fun! I’m going to make a bunch of those”. Just a few thoughts on taking a good design to the next level.
Same thing on the vault. You have a well-designed fault that probably functions as advertised. But it is very plain and straightforward. What could really elevate it and give it that wow-factor? Something unexpected that stands out. Maybe a sci-fi or futuristic industrial theme. Maybe cater to a design aesthetic with various options that looks great on a shelf. Maybe the outer shell looks like a different object to keep the vault hiding in plain sight. Perhaps make it a fun and kid-themed so kids can keep their siblings away from their treasure. Photos should show the vault in use in its environment, on a shelf with some money or other valuables inside. Show it’s “life.”
Just a few ideas. You have a good set of skills and are on your way to build some good stuff. Just take some time to think about elevating your design and presentation to the next level.
It’s hard to say what drives the judges. But I think they prefer models which are unique in it’s way. Think outside the Box.
I had one contest winning model which I had never seen like this before. I had it in mind for a long time and the contest was the perfect oportunity to make it a thing. It didn’t get much attention until the contest ends. So I think the judges are not too influenced by downloads and boosts.
One of my other model won in the excellent participation award. It was a flying objects contest and it was a micro sailplane that flies very well. Here my model was trending in downloads and likes but maybe for the judges too simple for podium.
I printed you model, and Id like to say, it is really good design. but I think it is little bit "normal". There is no "special" than the toy they could buy in store or on amazon. I think you need more special idea to show people and let people feel they can show it to friends for fun. My idea is that, You dont need to participate to the contest if you dont have good enough special idea. I did not waste my time on it because I have no any good idea to build a special Benchy model to win this contest. So I give up this contest. I always did like this way because I dont like to made model as the subject that someone gives me, except when I just have an idea to match with the subject.
To win a contest in MW is not a easy thing, and i was like you last year, I complained to BAMBU LAB s people again and again. but now I can peacefully accept any result if you dont expect things happen. and just to make the model which you really want to build. follow your heart…
You can’t just tell people that a spot is open. It’s not up to you. Removing a winning entry is a violation of the terms and conditions of contests. It has to stay on MW for one year. You may also be violating the terms of the exclusive program, but I’m not certain about that because the wording used is ambiguous.
I think this might affect their future eligibility for a contest win, and MakerWorld can replace the file themselves I believe as part of the conditions
Here’s my current entry, the wind-up Benchy:
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