Application Deadline & Prizes

December 1- or until all 20 spots are full. $200 in cash prizes plus trophies for 1st, 2nd, 3rd as well as two Honorable Mention- plus Best Child. This cosplay contest is for novices (defined below).

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

• Novice is defined as minimal or no cosplay competition experience, including having never won a major award. Those more advanced should apply to our Craftsmanship Cosplay Contest for intermediate and advanced cosplayers.
• Entrants will either enter as a child (17 and under) or an adult (18+).
• Craftsmanship Novice Contest on Saturday is limited to 20 entrants.
• If we have not received 20 online entrants for the Craftsmanship Contest prior to the convention, walk-up registration may be available.  
• 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 Novice Contest will take place on Saturday and pre-judging is mandatory.
• Missing pre-judging will disqualify you for any award.
• Selected Novice 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 day-of 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 Novice Contest awards will be 1st, 2nd, 3rd as well as two Honorable Mention- plus Best Child.
• 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.