Mochi's WAWA 2026 Submissions!

Y'all, we're back for another round of the World Anvil Worldbuilding Awards! I'm very excited this year. I've learnt a hell of a lot since the last one, about myself, my relationship with my worldbuilding, and what it means to me.

I will admit that last year, I felt like a win was well within my sights. The success of WAWA 2024, winning Best World, made me feel like I could easily win something the following year. I was rightfully humbled (though I am very grateful for two nominations!), and reminded that just because I won once, doesn't mean it'll always be a guarantee.

This year promises to be really interesting. I've got what I believe to be some really good entries, so I have hopes they'll do well! But I'm certainly not over-confident this year. I think I'm the right amount of confident this time around!

Now there is no public voting for the initial round of WAWA, all of the judging is done by the WA Team. But I wanted to take the time to share what I'm submitting anyways! It's always good to put yourself out there, and I'm so happy I've seen other people share their submissions as well. Without further ado, here's what I am competing with this year!

Artist's Most Beautiful World

To nobody's surprised I'm entering the A to Zoo again! Last year I submitted it to Most Beautiful World, it was nominated, but didn't win. This year I really want it to be recognised for the artist behind it - me! I make all the artwork for my world, and I always will.

Sadly I don't actually have many articles in the world, and most of the ones I do have are private as I'm still in the process of overhauling each and every one. The four additional articles I've selected with this category are the best of what I've got.

The A to Zoo is always changing, its homepage always updating, articles always being overhauled. I think this kind of ephemeral state works well with the concept of the world, an ever expanding zoo website!

Additional Articles

Best Article

Yonderhythm is my new favourite article in this world. I feel it might be the true epitome of what the Yonderverse is. It's life, it's community, it's bright and it's energetic. It's Eurovision, but on a galactic scale.

Now, I've never actually watched Eurovision, but the concept always seemed so amazing to me. Also I just really love the character art in this article, and I'm so proud I managed to produce this in just a single day, for Summer Camp.

This is the pinnacle of the Yonderverse. It brings planets together, it brings civilisations together, and it sets the scene for love, drama, conflict, everything. Stay tuned for future expansions to Yonderhythm, is all I'll say.

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Hearts & Minds

For the Hearts & Minds category I'm choosing to submit something a little more bleak. Underworld duck fighting is a nasty ritual heavily inspired by bloodsports. While this is not something I'd ever support if it existed in real life, it brings joy to the lives of those in the Underworld.

Rise of Nations

This is my best settlement article by far. I had such a blast creating everything I made for this city, bringing it to life with history, its peoples, and the animals that call Aricos home. It is a beacon of culture and life on its planet, everything from its layout to its traditions tell something about its history and its impact on society.

Wondrous Nature

Dive into the deep depths of ocean planet Hothiri with this article. It's a full on exploration of this trench, with artwork, and I think it really shows how much I love worldbuilding ecosystems - perfect for Wondrous Nature!

Strength & Honour

I struggled to pick something for Strength & Honour. I ended up going with this article, because I can't imagine any job in the Yonderverse being more stressful than managing THE busiest highway in the Yonderverse. Certainly needs strength, and worthy of honour.

Pillars of Progress

Not unlike the real life Space Race, Calana's Halo is a massive dyson sphere constructed by one species, in an attempt to outcompete another for technological superiority. I feel it fits Pillars of Progress perfectly, and just so happens to be one of my favourite articles!

Myths & Legends

There is evidence of *something* possibly eating mountaintops... but nobody can prove anything. Of course the first thing people blame are gigantic snakes with god-like powers! It's rare I have something decent for this category, myths aren't my strong suit. I love this though!

Artist's Cartography Award

This isn't a tradition map of a region, instead a diagram of plants found in the Algol river! I think it's such an interesting, unique map, that could have a chance in this category. Got my fingers crossed!

Though, in order for this map to even be eligible, I still have a LOT of work to do on it... and not a lot of time left! Fingers and toes crossed!