Application Deadline & Prizes

December 1, or until all slots are full. $500 in cash prizes plus trophies for Journeyman, Masters, and Best in Show. This cosplay contest is for intermediate and advanced cosplayers. Applications at the bottom of this page. Novices should apply to the Novice Craftsmanship Cosplay Contest.

Accepted Contestants Receive

• 1 free weekend pass to enjoy the full event, and your name will be at the front info desk (skip the ticket window line). 
• 1 dessert ticket, you’ll receive when checking in. You’re sweet for being part of the show, so we’re sweet with you!
• A BOGO code to share with family and friends, which you receive upon acceptance.
• Pre-event contestant marketing that includes providing you with the following to promote your participation (1) a Con Map Profile located on the event website that allows you to add photos, videos, social media and more, (2) social media template graphic and reel for you to personalize- please tag us on Instagram and Facebook, (3) inclusion of your contestant image in competition promotion. 

Rules and Guidelines

• Entrants will either enter as a child (17 and under) or an adult (18+).
• Craftsmanship Contest on Saturday is limited to 20 entrants.
• If there are more then 20 online entrants, not every online entrant will be able to participate. 30 entrants will be selected prior to the convention and notified via email. 
• Children will not count toward the 20 entrant limit. 
• All entrants must check-in for the cosplay competition when they arrive at the convention.
• Nudity is not a costume. Costumes must be PG-13.
• Craftsmanship Contest will take place on Saturday and pre-judging is mandatory.
• Missing pre-judging will disqualify you for any award.
• Selected Craftsmanship entrants will receive an email including their pre-judging time. Pre-judging is beside the main stage near the guest cosplayer alcoves.
• This is a Craftsmanship show. Costumes must be 75% handmade, or altered, upcycled. Entrants will be judged on craftsmanship only. (Please note, store bought costumes are welcome to enter our runway contest on Sunday. Registration will be at the convention!)
• Re-Run Rules: Any costume that has won an award at a previous convention or event is not eligible to win an award. This includes best in show, category awards or minor awards. Winning an award during the Craftsmanship contest will make that costume ineligible to win an award at Sunday’s Runway contest. A costume that does not place at the craftsmanship contest is welcome to renter their costume at the runway show on Sunday. You can enter a new costume on Sunday regardless of Saturday results.
• Group cosplays will be judged as one entry. 
• Craftsmanship Contest awards will be Best Child (Under 18), 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and two honorable mention.
• Build books and/or references are not required, but recommended. 
• Judges’ decisions are final. 

Contestant & panel host FAQ

Please review our Contestant and Panel Host FAQ to learn more.

look what we added to our contests this year!