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SKETCHBATTLE VIRTUAL 2026
SPONSORS
General Motors
OLO Marker
CLICK BELOW TO REGISTER TO COMPETE OR OBSERVE
FEBRUARY 2026 THEME
TRACK TO STREET
The February theme for Sketchbattle Virtual is here – Track to Street. We’re taking F1-inspired DNA and bringing it to the pavement. Whether it’s a high-performance sports car or a powerhouse sports truck from any GM brand, we want to see your vision of racing tech meet street-legal style. Think aero-kits, aggressive stances, and pure speed—all rendered by hand.
INTO TO SKETCHBATTLE VIRTUAL
We’re leveling up Sketchbattle for 2026 — introducing Sketchbattle Virtual, a every second Friday of the month, we have online sketching contests open to international designers. This is your chance to compete, sharpen your skills, and earn your way onto the Detroit Sketchbattle stage.
Designers from all over the world can compete digitally for a chance to showcase their skills in real time, and for the chance to be invited to compete in the live in-person events.
Detroit Steel Wheel Co is proud to announce they are hosting the watch party for the first Sketchbattle Virtual at Mobsteel on Friday February 13th! Detroit Steel Wheel and Mobsteel will be talking with Brook Banham during the event for a little entertainment, along with checking out all of the incredible designers and artists competing for the win.
Make sure to register if you want to participate or watch.
SKETCHBATTLE VIRTUAL, GLOBAL
2nd FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH
WHEN:
6:00–6:30 PM EST (camera setup + questions)
6:30–7:00 PM EST (30 min live Sketchbattle)
2nd Friday of every month
WHERE:
Online via Google Meet (link provided after registering)
UPCOMMING VIRTUAL EVENTS:
Friday, February 13, 2026
Friday, March 13, 2026
Friday, April 10, 2026
SKETCHBATTLE VIRTUAL ABOUT AND RULES
ABOUT SKETCHBATTLE VIRTUAL
Sketchbattle Virtual is our new online qualifying system designed to reach designers beyond Detroit and far outside Michigan. In recent events, competitors flew in from Mexico, South America, and Europe just to battle. This online round helps us find that same level of talent worldwide before the live event.
It does three things:
• Opens the door globally so international designers can qualify without the travel barrier.
• Feeds top performers into our live Sketchbattle™ events—especially Detroit Auto Show.
• Expands the Sketchbattle community, helping to discover new talent, build our roster, and grow the brand internationally.
Applicants will join a real-time 30-minute sketch round on Google Meet, sketching alongside designers from around the world after competing the short application form.
How Sketchbattle Virtual Works:
• Mandatory camera check: 30 minutes before battle starts
• Live sketch round: 30 minutes
• Analog only: Your camera must stay locked on your drawing surface the entire time
• Final upload: 15 minutes to upload your sketch to our shared Google Drive (no touch-ups)
Path to Detroit:
Top performers from Sketchbattle Virtual may receive an invitation to compete at the official Sketchbattle™ in Detroit on January 14, 2027, during the Detroit Auto Show.
COMPETITION RULES for the in-person events
• 3 rounds, 30 minutes each: Creativity races against the clock
• Blank sheet: Craft ignites from scratch on 11x17” paper
• Hand-drawn and traditional tools: Pens, markers, brushes, and pencils bring visions to life
• No pre-made elements: Freehand ingenuity without underlays, CAD components, or backgrounds
• Industry judges: Luminaries evaluate creativity and execution in scores ranging from 1–10
