In the Season 5 finale of Ink Master: Rivals , was crowned the winner, defeating runners-up James "Cleen Rock One" Steinke and Erik Siuda . The episode concluded a season centered on rivalries between contestants, with Jason returning from Season 3 to claim the $100,000 prize and a feature in Inked Magazine . The Master Canvas Challenge
: Was the first of the three finalists eliminated during the live reveal, leaving Jason and Cleen as the final two. Outcome and Controversy [S5E16] Ink Finale
: A major turning point occurred earlier in the season when Joshua Hibbard , a top contender, was disqualified for breaking competition rules regarding contraband (marijuana). In the Season 5 finale of Ink Master: