Origami Speed Competition

Paper flies, the clock ticks, and only the sharpest folders survive! The Origami Speed Competition is a live, on-stage challenge where skill, speed, and steady hands collide. Competitors will face a surprise folding challenge drawn from a set of known designs.

How It Works

Before the convention, three official origami patterns will be released so participants can practice and prepare. However, the exact model to be folded will remain a mystery until the day of the competition, when it is announced live on stage. Every fold counts, and there’s no second chance once the timer starts.

Terms & Conditions

Register on the Day!

Sign-ups open at 10:30 AM each day of the convention and are first come, first served, with 20 participant slots available per day.

The competition will take place on stage in front of a live audience

Once registered, participants will be assigned a round and given instructions on Competition location and time.

Who Can Participate

  • This competition is for all participants at SMASH! 2026.
  • SMASH! Staff and Crew are allowed to enter their works in any of the Art competitions; however, under no circumstances will special consideration be given to any entrant during the judging and selection process.
  • In the event where a registered participant is not at the stage at the assigned competition time, the place will be forfeit.

Schedule

Preliminary Rounds

  • Two preliminary rounds of 10 competitors each
  • Rounds take place back-to-back on stage
  • All participants fold the same surprise origami model, revealed at the start of each round
  • Round 1 participants will time Round 2 competitors, and Round 2 participants will time Round 1 competitors
  • Competitors race side-by-side as the clock runs

The fastest competitor to complete a clean, accurate model from each preliminary round advances.

Final Round: 1v1 Battle

  • The two fastest folders return to the stage
  • Finalists compete head-to-head in a timed folding duel
  • Speed and precision decide the winner
  • First correct finish claims the title

Judging

Timing (Preliminary Rounds)

Each competitor’s time will be recorded by a paired participant from the opposite preliminary round. Round 1 participants will time Round 2 competitors, and Round 2 participants will time Round 1 competitors.

Timing (Final Round)

For the 1v1 final, timing duties will be handled by another non-competing participant, rotated in to ensure fairness.

Completion & Accuracy

Model completion and accuracy will be determined by the Competitions Team, based on overall structure, correctness, and fold quality.

Challenges

A completion ruling may be contested by an audience member at the time of judging, after which the Competition Team will make a final determination.

Final Authority

All final decisions rest with the Competition Team.

Prizes

To be announced soon! Keep and eye out on SMASH!’s social media for announcements!