Over the years I've entered many contests, not just here, but all over the net and outside. Not won a single thing, save for some consolation prizes. I always thought to myself "Why the fuck do I keep losing." It wasn't until recently, when I started winning at things that I never beat before that I got the answer. Back then there were a lot of bullshit standards about winning or losing. Whether it's contests, simple games, sports or even life, many people react to winning the wrong way and especially losing the wrong way. Myself included. So like many aspects of life I will teach you how to win properly and lose properly. Based on my own experiences.

1. In terms of entering the contest or other competition. Enter like you don't care if you win or lose. Just enter like it's something fun to participate. If there are reasons you cannot enter be it by their rules or your morals, don't enter or at the very least ask the specifics of the rules first. Every time. This is a little shade thrown at certain contest hosts and judges, but not all the times, sometimes, you shouldn't have to leave an answer buried somewhere for people to find. Contestants have just as much a right to know whether or not a contest is worth entering, just as you have a right to let in or keep out whom.
2. Once in, do the following: Don't boast about your work, don't be arrogant and overconfident about the win. Just show good sportsmanship and if you really like the other person's entry, don't be afraid to compliment it. Much of many people's problems, myself included is that we as a species are overtly competitive even if the contest is amongst friends. It gives off a bad attitude that is so disgusting, said friends won't be your friends anymore. It's why not a lot of them compliment on their "Competition's" work. Because they're afraid that if they show niceness to their perceived "Enemy" that said "Enemy" has a better chance at winning. Me my only beef was that they got stingy about the amount of seconds they allowed after the limit. The way I saw it, was unless it was a minute after 6, then it should have counted as 6 minutes. But other than that, I would have done what I always did, show sportsmanship and wish them luck and should they win. Congratulate them if I can. Which leads me to the next rule.
3. If you Win: Don't boast, don't insult, don't brag. The universe doesn't revolve around you and the reason you get this win, is because even if it doesn't, the universe cut you a break. We are in that universe too, so you should really be thanking us rather than telling us to "Fuck off." during said win. There is such thing as a bad winner and eventually when they keep that attitude for the rest of their lives, they'll end up losing something else they never realized. If you win, do the following: Thank your competitors, because they worked hard and if not for them, you wouldn't have the motivation for entering in the first place. Thank the judges for being fair and unbiased (If they are) and thank your fans for supporting you even if it's just being an addition to your numbers. Long story short, be a Good Winner, a Nice Winner. Humble, Modest, yet still deserving of said win.
4. If you Lose: This is the most difficult rule to follow, but once again I quote Bruce Lee: "Like everyone else, you want to learn the way to win, but never accept the way to lose. To accept defeat, to learn to die is to be liberated from it. So when tomorrow comes, you must free your ambitious mind and learn the art of Dying." What he was talking about, was losing with confidence and facing your eventual death with dignity. It's filthy rich coming from me, but losing a contest is not the end of the world. There are always more contests, they're a dime a dozen and even if you lose this one, there's always the next one. Even if you don't win the main prize, they may give you something else as compensation. Things you didn't know of. Such as having your work featured on their playlists or things like that. Stuff that will help you get out there and achieve your life's goals in other ways. I didn't see it that way then, but I see it now.
5. Most importantly: No matter what happens, have fun. These specific contests and collabs are meant to show your creativity outside your usual work, the ability to think outside the box every now and then. It's much more fun to build something in general, rather than simply building something you think is gonna win. If you enter these competitions simply to win, then that's when you really lose. If you enter these competitions and have fun regardless if you win or lose, then you really win in other ways.

So take my advice and try to use it to reflect on the many losses of your life. Who knows, it may help you not just become a better loser, but a better winner as well. I'm a loser. I'm fucking proud to be a loser. I may win the big things in life one day, but until then, who gives a shit. Just survive in anyway you can and be patient. Even wins you never expected then, may happen to you now.

Take care, stay safe, and stay tuned for more.