What is The National Massage Championship (The NMC)?
The NMC is the UK’s largest professional massage competition, hosted at the Professional Beauty London Autumn Show at ExCeL London. 2025 marks our 8th year of bringing together talented therapists from the UK and around the world.
When and where is the event held?
📍 ExCeL London – part of Professional Beauty London (Autumn Show)
📅 4-5 October 2026
Who can enter?
All qualified massage therapists (UK & international) are welcome to enter. We also welcome international competitors across all categories.
How do I register?
Entries are open via our website: Enter the NMC 2026
What are the categories?
There are 8 competition categories, including:
Sunday:
- Freestyle Western
- Freestyle Eastern
- Spa/Wellness
- Facial Massage
- Chair Massage
- Massage with Tools
Monday:
- Swedish/Deep Tissue
- Advanced/Clinical Massage
Can I enter more than one category?
Yes – many therapists enter multiple categories (time schedule permitting).
If you have already entered and want to add additional category – its now available in Registration link
Can i be barefoot for treatment / have headphones?
Yes, you can be barefoot, many therapists choose to do treatments barefoot (we do have wonderful purple carpets for The NMC floor)
Many therapists also prefer to have own headphones and listen to own music which allows to focus better on a busy show floor
Do you accept international entries?
Yes – The NMC warmly welcomes competitors from around the world.
Are there any special rules for international entries?
All international participants are welcome to compete in every category under the same rules as UK competitors.
Please note: the UK Grand Final – “Judges Excellence Award” is reserved exclusively for UK resident therapists.
International competitors should ensure they have:
Valid visa/entry to the UK
Proof of professional qualification or accreditation in massage therapy (and valid therapist insurance as per your country regulations if available)
Will translation/assistance be available?
We dont provide translators, participants are welcome to bring own translators if needed (free entry)
We have wonderful team of floor co-ordinators at the show who will help with any questions and make sure your competition journey is a great experience.
How long is each competition round?
Each round is 1hr, apart from chair massage which is 45min
How many rounds are there?
This depends on the number of participants. Some categories may have extra rounds if entries are high (e.g., Facial Massage in 2024/2025 was fully booked).
What will I be judged on?
Participants are judged by a panel of UK & International experts on technique, flow, professionalism, client care, innovation, and overall performance. Detailed judges scoring sheets available in Rules & Regulations
Are massage tables provided?
Yes – all massage tables are kindly provided by Massage Warehouse.
At the moment Massage Matts are not available – if you require one, please email us
Do I need to bring my own tools, sheets, products?
Yes – for categories allowing tools (Freestyle, Massage with Tools, Spa/Wellness), you should bring your own equipment (e.g., stones, bamboo sticks, bowls, cups, etc.).
Please bring your own towels, sheets, products you are working with.
For Facial Massage category – we will provide massage stool and trolley to display products.
Is electric plug for devices available?
To be Confirmed, email organisers
What does “no manipulations allowed” mean?
High-velocity manipulations (spinal cracking/adjustments) are not permitted. Safe mobilisations, MFR, stretching, and joint techniques are allowed in relevant categories.
Do I get a certificate?
Yes – every participant receives a printed Certificate of Participation, which can be used to promote your professional brand.
Are photos/videos taken?
Yes – The NMC has media partners covering the event. Content will be shared across our website, press, and social media.
If you do not wish to appear in photos, please inform floor co-ordinator at the check-in
Do I need insurance?
Yes – all participants must hold valid professional liability/malpractice insurance that covers them to practice in the UK.
International Entries – provide relevant insurance under your country regulations if available.
What time is Registration at the event?
Registration opens 8AM both days, if your category is in the morning (Freestyle, SPA/Wellness on Sunday) must arrive for 8am for round allocation which is on first come basis.
If your category is in the afternoon, you can arrive 1hr before your start time (Chair, Facial, Massage with tools)
Is accommodation available nearby?
Professional Beauty offers special discounted hotel rates near ExCeL London. 👉 Hotel link
Can visitors watch the competition?
Yes – spectators can attend the Professional Beauty Show and visit The NMC competition area. Tickets to Professional Beauty are required (they are FREE) https://professionalbeauty.co.uk/professional-beauty-autumn
What is Grand Final on Monday? (Judges Excellence Awards)
The Grand Final takes place on Monday, where the 1st place winners of each category compete once more for the prestigious Judges’ Excellence Awards — the ultimate title at The National Massage Championship.
Who can enter?
The Grand Final is open only to UK resident therapists, as The NMC is a national competition.
What if an international therapist wins a category?
International participants are welcome to compete in all categories. However, if an international entry wins 1st place, the highest-placed UK resident (e.g., 2nd place) in that category will be invited to represent the category in the Grand Final.
Why this rule?
This ensures that the Judges’ Excellence Awards remain a truly UK national title, while still celebrating and welcoming international talent in all other aspects of the competition.
What to expect at the Event/Arrival?
We have DEMO on Health & Wellness stage for Sunday & Monday with many talks and workshops. Monday 12pm Judges & Champion Demo will take place on The NMC floor.
For Participants: If you compete on Sunday, Registration will open from 8AM. With First round at 9AM, please arrive early! Rounds are allocated on first come basis, if you arrive late- we can’t guarantee availability for later rounds. If your round dont start till afternoon, there is no need to arrive for 8AM (for example: chair massage and Facial category is at 2pm, you should arrive at 12/12.30pm to allow enough time for registry and setup.
Are there storage for my belongings/changing rooms for my model?
Yes, we have onsite changing room for all participants/models and belongings. Please note, we do NOT take any responsibility for items left. Whilst changing room is on the showfloor with access only to participants/models please make sure you look after your belongings.
My model cant make it, what to do?
All participants are required to provide own models for the treatment you are going to provide, as it falls under your insurance as therapist when you provide treatment.
In case your model can’t make it, please inform floor co-ordinator, we do have standby list for anyone wishing to be a model and will try our best to suggest any alternatives (or other participants may want to offer)
Still have questions?
📧 Email us at: nationalmassagechampionship@gmail.com
🌍 Website: www.nationalmassagechampionship.com