Cloud-chasing competitions: vape’s wild subculture

To the casual observer, vaping is a personal habit — a way to relax, quit smoking, or simply enjoy different flavours. But step into the world of competitive vaping, and you'll find something entirely different. Welcome to cloud-chasing, where vape fans gather to do one thing: blow the biggest, thickest, most jaw-dropping vapour clouds imaginable.

Cloud-chasing has evolved into a subculture of its own. It’s loud, it’s dramatic, and it’s surprisingly technical. Competitions are held across the UK and globally, with vapers pushing the limits of physics and gear in a battle of fog and flair. If you’ve ever seen someone exhale a massive wall of vapour that looks like it belongs on a concert stage, you’ve seen a cloud-chaser in action.

But this isn’t just about blowing smoke. It’s about custom coil builds, precision airflow, battery knowledge, and mastering the right juice consistency. A serious cloud-chaser knows their Ohm’s Law like a DJ knows beats per minute. They don’t just vape — they engineer their rigs for performance.

What happens at a cloud-chasing competition?

Competitors stand side-by-side, take a long pull from their device, and then unleash their best clouds for the judges and crowd. They're scored on volume, density, and distance. Some events even include trick rounds — blowing O-rings, jellyfish shapes, or tornadoes of mist. The atmosphere is part music video, part tech expo, and part underground rave.

Vape brands often sponsor these events, showcasing new mods, RDAs, and high-VG liquids designed specifically for cloud output. It’s not unusual to see winners walk away with gear bundles, cash prizes, or branded sponsorships.

Is cloud-chasing safe?

It can be — but only when done responsibly. Cloud-chasing requires sub-ohm vaping, which means using lower resistance coils and higher wattages. That increases battery strain and heat output, so safety knowledge is essential. The best competitors build their own coils, use trusted batteries, and understand every component of their device.

For beginners, jumping straight into cloud-chasing without proper knowledge can be risky. That’s why education is key — and why community events play such an important role in sharing tips, techniques, and safety practices.

Where does cloud-chasing fit in the UK vape scene?

While it’s still a niche, cloud-chasing is becoming more visible in the UK. Vape expos, conventions, and even local lounge events are starting to feature friendly competitions. For many, it’s not just about the clouds — it’s about the culture, the creativity, and the connections it creates.

If you’re curious about cloud-chasing or want to learn how to safely start experimenting with your own builds, you’re welcome to visit us at Vape Lounge in Manchester. We're based at 147 Great Ancoats Street, Manchester M4 6DH, and we’ve helped dozens of aspiring chasers find the right gear and the right setup. You can also give us a call at 0161 637 6066 or send your questions to hello@vapelounge.uk — we’re always happy to help, whether you're chasing clouds or just checking out the scene.

At the end of the day, vaping is about expression — and for some, that expression just happens to come in thick, rolling clouds.