Why We’re Doing World of Wheels a Little Differently This Year

If you’ve been around the pin-up scene for a while, you know one thing to be true: when events evolve, it’s usually because someone cared enough to make them better.

World of Wheels 2026 is no exception.

This year, we’re making a few intentional changes—not to fix what was broken, but to elevate what already works and create a better experience for everyone involved: contestants, judges, photographers, partners, and the audience.

A More Curated Experience

Rather than packing as many contestants onto the stage as possible, we’re focusing on quality, flow, and show experience. A smaller, carefully selected lineup allows for:

• Better pacing on stage

• More visibility for each contestant

• A calmer, more supportive backstage environment

• A show that feels polished, not rushed

Fewer contestants doesn’t mean fewer opportunities—it means each moment actually gets to shine.

Clear Expectations From Day One

World of Wheels is a multi-day, public, professional event, and we’re being upfront about what that means. From availability requirements to codes of conduct, expectations are clearly laid out so everyone knows exactly what they’re signing up for.

Transparency upfront creates confidence later—and eliminates unnecessary stress on all sides.

A Selection Process Built for Fairness

We’ve introduced a selection model that balances professional curation and equal opportunity. By combining eligibility screening, judges’ choice selections, and a curated lottery, we’re creating a process that is:

• Transparent

• Fair

• Free from favouritism

• Welcoming to both new and returning contestants

This approach reflects the values we want this event to stand for.

More Respect for the Humans Behind the Scenes

This year also includes clearer boundaries and better systems—for organizers, partners, and volunteers. Great events don’t rely on burnout and last-minute scrambling; they rely on planning, structure, and mutual respect.

Raising the standard behind the scenes improves the experience on stage.

Community First, Always

At its core, World of Wheels Miss Pin Up Contest is about celebrating pin-up culture in a way that feels inclusive, exciting, and grounded in community. These changes are about protecting that spirit—so the event remains a space where people feel supported, not overwhelmed.

Change doesn’t mean cold.
Structure doesn’t mean exclusion.
And professionalism doesn’t mean losing the fun.

It means creating something that lasts.

World of Wheels 2026 is still bold, still sparkly, still full of personality—just with a little more intention, clarity, and care woven into every layer.

And honestly?
We think that’s worth doing right.

— Kiki Lou 💋