The 1-on-1 duels that we see between LEGO builders in the Iron Builder contest are the stuff of legend; titanic tussles between often well-regarded names in the community. But being open to everyone, the qualifying Iron Forge phase of the competition is a fantastic way for up-and-coming builders to cut their teeth. That makes it a great place in turn to find new building talent, and so it proves with Jonas Ens (AKA Beta Brick). This was a builder new to us as of last year’s Iron Forge, and they are once again making an impression in 2026! Let’s round up their journey so far, beginning with a photo-within-a-photo – making nice use of the engine intake that was the third round’s seed part. It’s not the only time this mind-bending builder will innovate with the format! As we’ll see, nature forms a great source of inspiration for Jonas. In the...

The LEGO builder calendar is full of traditions that might seem odd to outsiders. August is for frogs, February is for space rovers. January is the month where we renounce our allegiance to humans and celebrate cyber supremacy with drones! The builds of “Droneuary” can take many forms, from bipedal bots to flying probes – the only rule: no meatbag pilots! Maybe it’s all the AI talk in the zeitgeist or nostalgia for Exo-Force, but 2026 turned out to be an amazing year for Droneuary participation. Here are some of our favorites. Let’s get things started with the most FABULANDOUS drone of the year, that comes courtesy of Gnarlicbread. Seeing the wholesome theme applied to a Devid-style drone is a little terrifying, but the mouse seems okay with it, so maybe those claw hands are for picking fruit and not grabbing friendly critters. The vintage elements aren’t limited to Fabuland; blue...

Participating in the Iron Forge requires serious commitment to building throughout January. For some builders, once is enough, but for others it’s a tradition – a way to welcome the new year with a burst of LEGO creativity! Harry (@by_h_proj) knows a thing or two about LEGO competitions, having earned the runner-up spot in LEGO Masters New Zealand back in 2023. Since then, he’s been an Iron Forge regular, always impressing with a mix of technical complexity and excellent photography. Will the third time be the charm with judges? You can see Harry’s knack for a well-composed shot with this undersea scene. The Engine seed part is most prominent as a Hammerhead mouth and also appears throughout the reef in a mix of colors. My favorite of Harry’s entries this year is this kitchen scene that brilliantly uses the engine intakes as oven vents. The moc mirrors this incredible scene from...

While we wait for the official LEGO Pokémon sets to be released, Japanese builder vaiohalcas put together a stunningly impressive model of the Water/Dark-type Greninja. While I chose Fennekin and ultimately ended up with Delphox on my playthrough of the Gen VI games, this build almost makes me regret it. There’s great attention to detail throughout the build, like the ‘webbing’ between the ninja frog’s appendages. The tongue makes excellent use of my favorite piece, the 2×2 round elbow brick (part #65473). This was in a beautiful color that I hadn’t seen that part in before, and looks like it’s because it only appeared in one Trolls World Tour set! With a few quick adjustments, Vaiohalcas shows off this posable build and customizable tongue to put Greninja in its attack stance. The post Hold your tongue around Greninja appeared first on The Brothers Brick. Original linkOriginal author: Jarrett Gercken

You need to be made of stern stuff to succeed in the LEGO Iron Builder competition. Over three intense rounds, a narrowing pool of builders has to show off their skills by showcasing a different seed part. With the final round of the Iron Forge wrapped, we’re taking a look at the octet of builders in the running to win it all. Next up, Margits_MOCs, who created an impressive 13 builds featuring the seed part: engine block! The Brothers Brick is a familiar stomping ground for Margit’s creations – she even made our shortlist for 2025 Builder of the Year. And speaking of stomping, what an immaculately well-timed build this was, using the engine intake as a sturdy shoe sole. LEGO Crocs, eat your heart out. In such a heated competition, it’s little surprise that some competition makes it into the participants’ builds, too. But neither frog nor fish seem to...