Ryoko Garcia won NAILS Next Top Nail Artist sponsored by Gelish.

Ryoko Garcia won NAILS Next Top Nail Artist sponsored by Gelish.

In a grueling four-part finale, Ryoko Garcia from Bella Day Spa and Salon in Navarre, Fla., edged out her fellow Top 3 in NAILS Next Top Nail Artist competition sponsored by Gelish. Lauren Wireman from Wildflowers nail studio in Cape Coral, Fla., was 1st runner-up, and Buddy Sims from Bella Dea Day Spa in Omaha, Neb., was 2nd runner-up. All three were fierce competitors and it was truly a battle to the end.

NAILS editor Hannah Lee with the Top 3: Buddy Sims, Lauren Wireman, and Ryoko Garcia.

NAILS editor Hannah Lee with the Top 3: Buddy Sims, Lauren Wireman, and Ryoko Garcia.

The Top 3 were flown out to California as part of their prize package. All three took part in a cover shoot for NAILS on Saturday and a live "quick fire" challenge at ISSE Long Beach on Sunday, January 26.

Nail industry pros came out to Cafe Sevilla nightclub to help celebrate the finalists and find out who won. NAILS editor Hannah Lee emceed the event bringing up seven of the Top 12 finalists, who traveled from all over the country to see who would be crowned NAILS Next Top Nail Artist. Garcia cinched the win with her outstanding Alice in Wonderland-themed fantasy nails.

Ryoko's final fantasy nail art project was an Alice in Wonderland-themed masterpiece.

Ryoko's final fantasy nail art project was an Alice in Wonderland-themed masterpiece.

Stay tuned for much more about the final challenge, the fun awards party, and news from ISSE Long Beach after the show ends today.

NAILS editor Hannah Lee (right) announces the winner.

NAILS editor Hannah Lee (right) announces the winner.

A special thank you to our sponsors, Gelish, CND, Dashing Diva, Entity Beauty, Gel II, INM, It's So Easy, Misa, NSI, OPI, and Orly.

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