‘Ink Master’ Will Have No Winner for Season 13, Fans React

It’s safe to say that the 13th season of “Ink Master” was unlucky from the start. On January 7th, 2020, the night of the premiere, judge Oliver Peck stepped down from his position after photos of him wearing blackface hit social media. Now, after whittling the competition down to the top three tattoo artists, Paramount Network announced that a live finale would not be held due to COVID-19.

“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” a statement from the network reads, “governmental orders to stay home and shelter, and for the safety of the Artists, Judges, Canvases and the Crew, the Ink Master Turf War Finale could not move forward.”

Typically, a live finale is held months after filming of the season had stopped, in which contestants present a six hour tattoo from that day as well as two 25-hour master canvas tattoos—which are done in multiple sessions in their hometown. From the top three, the top two are determined by the judges on the strength of the six-hour tattoo, and then the winner is determined from the master canvas. The prizes for winning “Ink Master” is $100,000, a feature in Inked Magazine and the title of Ink Master.

This season, contestants were divided based on region and four returning contestants joined the competition for another shot at the title. In the end, the final three were veteran artist Jimmy Snaz of team East, veteran artist Angel Rose of team West and rookie artist Bob Jones of team West. However, despite finishing their master canvas tattoos in preparation for the finale, a winner will not be chosen this season.

“‘Ink Master’ congratulates the talented Artists who fought their way to the Top Three,” the statement reads. “Since we were unable to crown an Ink Master, each of the Finalists have received a cash prize.”

“Ink Master” will reveal the artist’s master canvases on social media at 7pm EST on April 15th, but as of now, there will be no further judging for this season. This is the first time in the history of the franchise that a winner has not been selected, but the current circumstances wouldn’t be safe for the judges, artists, canvases or audience members at this time.

Many fans have shared their responses to the news on social media, with many expressing that they wanted Jimmy Snaz to be crowned the champion. What do you think of Ink Master’s decision? Which of the three remaining artists did you want to win the grand prize? Let us know your thoughts on this story on social media.

Ngl bummed that ink master couldn’t find a way to put together a finale. All the master canvases where finished. Yet y’all won’t call for a winner. Those artists put so much work in and you won’t even give one the title of ink master. That title is worth more than the $100,000

— Gretchen (@pjsforestkid) April 15, 2020

So you’re telling me I just watched the last Ink Master episode before the finale and got to hear the master canvas style and subject just for a narrator to tell me because of COVID-19 the finale was actually cancelled and they aren’t picking a winner.🙃

— Ash (@setness22) April 15, 2020

Covid really canceled the Ink Master finale and I am livid pic.twitter.com/aHOT3ReJ68

— g💀 (@giannaaa28) April 15, 2020

I have mixed feelings on Ink Master’s finale,, on one hand it really sucks that there was no winner at all but I guess splitting the prize isn’t the worst thing ever since they all need it in these times

— Reid 🐝 (@ahhhshikiba) April 15, 2020

FUCKING CORONAVIRUS. NO INK MASTER FINALE SO THEY ALL WIN. I wanted Jimmy to win so bad! They should have postponed it! #inkmaster

— Liv Nadeau (@livvnad15) April 15, 2020

https://twitter.com/britttanyzimm/status/1250274869188497413

The final 3 on Ink Master got robbed. They worked so hard to take home that title and the program didn’t want to do a delayed finale or some kind of online finale show to decide a winner. I’ll just say Jimmy won then 👍🏻

— Miranda Forte (@Mirandaa40) April 15, 2020

@jimmysnaz apparently I just watch the season finale of Ink Master Turf Wars.. my wife and I are pissed you did not get to win and become ink master out right. We love you and I’d be great if someday I could have you do a tattoo.

— scooter derby (@Scooter_Derby58) April 15, 2020