Hometown Heroes

Season 17 · 2025 · 10 episodes

15 new artists compete as “hometown heroes,” vying for a $250,000 prize in the ultimate tattoo competition, and for the opportunity to put their hometowns on the map.

1Hometown Throwdown15 global tattoo artists fight to represent their hometowns, but must first earn a spot to compete for $250k and the title of Ink Master.
2Back to the Drawing BoardThe fight for a shop continues as artists tattoo hometown animals. For some, it's back to the drawing board. The battle is just beginning.
3Gut CheckIn a team Flash Challenge, the Artists must paint with smoke. Glitter tattoos on the stomach have them struggling to shine, and an unexpected twist makes winning Tattoo of the Day more important than ever.
4Bottled UpThe Artists try to foil the competition in the Flash Challenge. Their artistry is put to the test with transparent bottle tattoos and one Artist becomes the Canvas in a bold move to survive. The battle for the title continues.
5It's A Marathon, Not A SprintThe Artists face a brutal flash marathon, racing the clock to design and tattoo as many pieces as possible-on the body's toughest placements. With no room for error and a double elimination on the line, they must adapt to survive.
6No Day At The BeachA sandy Flash Challenge pushes teams to the edge and a major meltdown shakes up the competition. Melting tattoos have everyone feeling the heat in the battle for $250,000.
7All Scars Will HealThe Artists must transform scars into works of art in an emotional Elimination Tattoo. 3 Artists must prove their ingenuity in a Face Off for survival. The battle for $250,000 continues.
8Signed, Sealed, DeliveredThings get sticky in the final Flash Challenge. Micro realistic postage stamp tattoos put the Artists' precision under a microscope. They'd better deliver - or their shot at the title could get lost in the mail.
9Tat For TatWith a spot in the finale on the line, the remaining Artists take aim, designing tattoos meant to take each other down. A single misfire could turn triumph into tragedy and send someone packing right before the finish line.
10Hometown HeroIn the Season Finale, four Finalists reveal their Master Canvas tattoos. With an unexpected Guest Judge raising the stakes, only one Artist will take home $250,000 and the title of Ink Master.

Episodes