The BEST Episodes of Ink Master
Every episode ever - ranked by fan votes!
Last Updated: Jan 18, 2021
Network: Paramount Network
Hosted by rock legend Dave Navarro and judged by icons of the tattoo world, Chris Núñez and Oliver Peck, 10 of the country's most creative and skilled tattoo artists descend on NYC to compete for a hundred thousand dollars and the title of INK MASTER. The stakes couldn't be higher with "living canvasses" donating their skin to be permanently marked in this adrenalized competition elimination.
#1 - Firing Squad
Season 5 - Episode 14 - Aired Dec 2, 2014
Artists battle for the top four spots; a top artist designs the tattoo that determines who stays and gets a shot at $100,000.
8.06 
#2 - Turning the Tables
Season 7 - Episode 12 - Aired May 17, 2016
The tables are turned when the new artists call the shots in the elimination tattoo and get revenge.
8.04 
#3 - Sink or Soar
Season 7 - Episode 9 - Aired Apr 26, 2016
The artists work in pairs to execute large-scale back pieces testing texture... and each other’s nerves.
8.01 
#4 - Compose Yourself
Season 13 - Episode 14 - Aired Apr 7, 2020
The artists create one-of-a-kind designs on protective headgear in the Flash Challenge, and composition is key for a daunting elimination tattoo featuring Japanese cranes.
8.00 #5 - Step Up or Shut Up
Season 12 - Episode 15 - Aired Sep 17, 2019
The last four artists remaining battle it out in a tattoo marathon to secure their spot in the season finale.
7.99 
#6 - Fighting Dirty
Season 4 - Episode 9 - Aired Apr 22, 2014
Week 9: Detail. Contestants must engrave a custom grill for the flash challenge. Then they must tattoo a warrior in the elimination tattoo.
7.99 
#7 - Moving Pictures
Season 12 - Episode 13 - Aired Sep 3, 2019
The artists are on their own in a test of finesse as the six remaining competitors fight for the cash prize and the title of Ink Master.
7.97 #8 - There Can Only Be One
Season 13 - Episode 13 - Aired Mar 31, 2020
Working solo to test their precision, the artists must create mural designs using only staples, then tattoo portraits of senior citizens.
7.94 
#9 - Marathon to the Finale
Season 9 - Episode 15 - Aired Sep 19, 2017
The final four shops compete in a two-part tattoo marathon that will determine who goes to the live finale.
7.91 #10 - Battle of the Sexes Finale
Season 12 - Episode 16 - Aired Sep 24, 2019
Seven veteran artists battle it out in the "Clash of the Coaches Face Off." The battle of the sexes comes to an end as the three finalists reveal their 35-hour Master Canvas tattoos and one artist wins the title of Ink Master.
7.90 #11 - Grudge Match Finale
Season 11 - Episode 16 - Aired Dec 18, 2018
Christian Buckingham and Cleen Rock One return to settle the grudge match once and for all. The battle concludes as the top three artists reveal their 35-hour master canvas tattoos and one artist wins the title of Ink Master.
7.89 
#12 - Ink Master Explosion
Season 4 - Episode 8 - Aired Apr 15, 2014
Week 8: Negative Space. Artists use gunpowder to make art in The Flash Challenge; gory tattoos of demons.
7.88 
#13 - Bug Out
Season 4 - Episode 2 - Aired Mar 4, 2014
Week 2: Dimension. Poisonous scorpions, tarantulas and eyeballs are tattooed; one artist snaps and is determined to leave.
7.88 
#14 - Tatt Ganged
Season 4 - Episode 3 - Aired Mar 11, 2014
Week 3: Consistency. Bikini-clad twins get inked by the remaining 10 artists at once; an injury sends one artist to the emergency room.
7.87 #15 - Head Spin
Season 13 - Episode 7 - Aired Feb 18, 2020
The teams must prove their adaptability while they each work on multiple tattoos and canvasses at the same time, and the Face Off Tattoo comes with a surprise.
7.86 #16 - Salt in the Wound
Season 7 - Episode 3 - Aired Mar 15, 2016
Some of the artists have a tough time working in teams of two for the Flash Challenge; a veteran artist schemes to take back control.
7.85 #17 - Enduring the Pain
Season 3 - Episode 12 - Aired Oct 1, 2013
7.85 
#18 - Karma's a Bitch
Season 4 - Episode 11 - Aired May 6, 2014
Week 11: Proportion. Contestants must accurately sketch the Statue of Liberty from a yacht, and then tattoo it using only their sketch. In the elimination challenge, they must tattoo a traditional Japanese-style snake, but with a difficult twist.
7.85 
#19 - Up in Smoke
Season 5 - Episode 11 - Aired Nov 11, 2014
Josh causes a controversy that could get him kicked out of the competition for good. The Artists tattoo amputees where their limbs once were.
7.84 #20 - Last Draw
Season 13 - Episode 12 - Aired Mar 24, 2020
The artists must show their versatility and tattoo line drawings created by another contestant, but an unexpected twist shakes up an alliance's strategy.
7.84 #21 - Revenge Live
Season 7 - Episode 13 - Aired May 24, 2016
The final three artists reveal two master canvases; eliminated artists return and confront each other for the first time since the competition; a winner is crowned.
7.84 
#22 - Shipwrecked
Season 7 - Episode 10 - Aired May 3, 2016
Alliances are tested as the remaining artists must tattoo in teams of three.
7.83 
#23 - Buck Off
Season 2 - Episode 9 - Aired Nov 27, 2012
The artists burn designs onto chaps and attempt to wow Núñez by using his style.
7.83 #24 - Unfriendly Fire
Season 12 - Episode 14 - Aired Sep 10, 2019
It's a battle of the sexes as the men's team takes aim at the women during an illustrative portrait challenge.
7.83 
#25 - Head to Headache
Season 5 - Episode 3 - Aired Sep 16, 2014
Josh ignites rivalries and sparks fly. Two Artists receive an advantage no one in the competition has ever had and their cutthroat strategy.
7.82