WAWA 2025: My top picks!
So much talent!
Wow- what an experience! This was my first World Anvil Worldbuilding Awards, and I have to say, I was absolutely blown away. The sheer creativity, passion, and dedication in this community is nothing short of inspiring. Every entry had something unique to offer, and I found myself constantly amazed by the incredible worlds people have built.
This was also my first time participating, in the Best Newcomer category among others, which made the whole event even more special. In this article, I want to share some of my top picks (a personal shortlist of sorts)- worlds and articles that stood out to me for their originality, depth, and sheer brilliance. There were so many fantastic entries, but these are the ones that really stuck with me. So let’s dive in and celebrate the amazing talent that makes this community such a fantastic place!
I only wish there was more time so I could read all the entries, but this was simply impossible to do. I am sure I have missed some real gems, so if there is something you think I should read please let me know!
Major Categories
Best World
This was the category I spent the most time on, and choosing among so many incredible worlds was nearly impossible. Being relatively new to all this, I found myself deeply inspired and motivated by exploring these fantastical places! There was so much to discover and learn from each and every one of you who participated in this category.
After much deliberation, I finally managed to cast my vote. Narrowing it down was difficult, but I did it- and here are my top five picks! These worlds are truly unique. When voting, I tend to focus on the overall feeling a world or article gives me, with writing being of utmost importance. However, I must admit that CSS and layout also influenced my choices, as I greatly admire the creativity and skill people bring to their worlds. It’s something I hope to learn more about as well!
Most Beautiful World
Choosing the most beautiful world was a bit easier than Best World, but only because there were just eight entries! Still, you all didn’t make it easy. I was absolutely mesmerized by what I saw- both from worlds I was already familiar with and new discoveries that instantly won me over. Here are my picks!
Best Newcomer
This is the category I also participated in with my high fantasy world, Kena'an. It was incredible to see the worlds of others who are just as new to this amazing community as I am. In a way, it felt like looking at my own ambitions and dreams through the eyes of others. So many great picks here as well!
Artist's Most Beautiful World
This was the category I envied the most- in the best way possible! I’ve never had a talent for drawing, so seeing the stunning artwork created by true artists left me in absolute awe. I can only wish I had that skill! But the worlds I encountered here inspired me so deeply that I’ve started taking drawing lessons. I have no idea if I’ll succeed, but one thing is certain: you’ve inspired me to try!
Best Worldbuilding Article
Selecting the best article in any category is already difficult- but this one made it nearly impossible! How do you choose the best article overall? Honestly, I have no idea. To make the decision easier, I focused on themes I personally enjoy. From there, the articles that stood out left a lasting impression across multiple aspects- theme, writing style, layout, and more.
Article Categories
Hearts & Minds
So many beautiful traditions were showcased here! A world truly comes alive through its people: their celebrations, customs, and rituals. I came across some incredible articles, some familiar and others I discovered for the first time through this amazing worldbuilding competition. Here is my personal shortlist!
Rise of Nations
Nations are more than just borders on a map: they are shaped by ambition, conflict, and the dreams of those who build them. This category was filled with incredible stories of power, struggle, and identity. Some nations thrived, others fell, but all left a lasting mark on their worlds. Here are the ones that stood out to me the most!
Strength & Honor
This category was filled with tales of warriors, codes of honor, and the unyielding spirit of those who stand for something greater than themselves. From legendary fighters to noble orders, each entry showcased the many forms of strength- both physical and moral. Here are the ones that left the strongest impression on me!
Wondrous Nature
The wild does not yield. It thrives, untamed and eternal, shaping the world in ways both beautiful and perilous. This category was a testament to that- the strange, the breathtaking, the unforgiving forces of nature given form. Some of these wonders inspired awe, others whispered of danger, but all felt alive. Here are the ones that left their mark on me.
Pillars of Progress
Innovation is a double-edged blade- driving civilizations forward while demanding a price. This category was filled with marvels of engineering, groundbreaking discoveries, and the relentless pursuit of progress. Here are the ones that stood out to me.
Myths & Legends
Stories are the heartbeat of a world. Some are whispered in fear, others sung in reverence, but all endure. This category was a collection of forgotten gods, fallen heroes, and the echoes of things that may- or may not- have ever been. Here are the legends that lingered in my mind long after reading.
Non-article Categories
History
Timelines are something I plan to work on in 2025. It’s an amazing feature that requires a great deal of commitment and time to do properly, and I deeply respect everyone who entered this category. Three entries stood out to me the most- here they are!
Full Story Timeline by Lexi Con (WordiGirl)
Cartography
I love maps! I think they have the potential to really bring worlds to life! I loved most of the entries in this category and earned a lot of inspiration about my own mapping work.
Marai by Alan Byers
Okanu by Dan Leitch
Artist's Cartography
I love artists! I really do! Congratulations to everyone that entered this category, same as to those that entered "Artist's most beautiful world". You are inspiring and amazing beans, all of you! Here are my picks!
The Veiled Academy by Stormbril
Final Thoughts
This competition was an amazing journey; so many incredible worlds, stories, and ideas to explore! Casting my votes was anything but easy, but it was a joy to dive into everyone’s creations and see the passion behind them.
A huge thank you to everyone who took the time to read my own entries, and an even bigger one to those who might vote for my work! Before I wrap this up, I just want to say: your creativity was truly inspiring, and I can’t wait to see what you create next!
All written content is original, drawn from myth, memory, and madness.
All images are generated via Midjourney using custom prompts by the author, unless otherwise stated.
I'm honored that some of my articles made your top picks!
I couldn't leave them out! Your writing speaks to my heart :)
Come visit my world of Kena'an for tales of fantasy and magic!
Or, if you want something darker, Crux Umbra awaits.