Australian Tattoo Expo holds Ugliest Tattoo Competition at International Convention Centre, Sydney

Thousands of inked up fans around from around the world have flocked to the 12th annual Australian Tattoo Expo, including a brave crowd who revealed their worst creations.

The three-day festival is being held at Sydney’s International Convention Centre in Darling Harbour with events running from Friday right through to Sunday.

Saturday’s crowd were treated to the fan-favourite Ugliest Tattoo Competition that sees attendees take to the stage to show off their worst ink.

Several Simpsons characters made appearances in the list of regretted tattoos.

Other highlights included a huge unfinished koi fish, a beautiful rendering of the word ‘moo’ and a questionable sketch of a cat.

Prizes for the competition include tattoo removal vouchers and joke trophies.

Nicole, 28 was declared the winner with her Phoenix Bird back tattoo, which she was getting removed for free by the competition sponsor.

Fortunately for those looking to cover their past mistakes, the massive event saw more than 400 of Australia’s favourite tattoo artists gather to provide new ink.

One cheeky contestant was seen fleeing the venue after he was allegedly busted trying to enter the competition with fake tattoos.

For those not looking for any new tattoos, the expo offered the chance to learn about different genres, trends and techniques.

At least one attendee got her first first tattoo at the event. 

Several fun side shows including sword swallowers and fire dancers.

‘With an emphasis on talent, Australian Tattoo Expo invites the public to come and experience the Tattoo Industry up close and personal,’ organisers said of the event.

‘There isn’t a better place to be introduced to the niche and complex culture of tattooing and body art than at the Australian Tattoo Expo.’

Other main events included a live chat with famous Hollywood tattoo artist Ami James and Sydney’s-own Kian Forreal from Authentic Ink. 

Ami, who is Jewish and served in the Israeli military, was cast for one of the first reality shows on the TLC network, Miami Ink.

In the show he starred along controversial beauty influencer Kat Von D.

It was alleged at the time that Kat made anti-Semitic comments about Ami but she strongly denies the allegations. 

When asked about the comments by Daily Mail Australia on Saturday, Ami said: ‘Many people do (make anti-Semitic comments), just leave it at that.’ 

A single-day pass for the event set attendees back $45 but multi-day passes were available online. 

The expo also marks the launch of the Competitive Tattooing Association Australia’s Tattoo Series competition.

The competition will see Australia’s best tattoo artists compete for their cut of a $60,000 prize.

The competition will run over seven rounds as the expo makes its way through the state capitals, finishing in Melbourne on December 3.

Winners will be announced for three different categories – a solo artist will take home $30,000, a collaboration series can win $20,000 and $10,000 is up for grabs for the people’s choice.