Cosplay Contests

‍ADULT / TEEN CONTEST CATEGORIES

• Age 13 and older
• We strongly recommend that intended participants pre-register online.
• Pre-registration closes at 11pm CST, Friday, March 13th, 2026
• Same day registration closes at 2pm CST, Saturday, March 14th, 2026 at Ronin & CosReza's table booth.
• All adult age 13+ participants must complete the pre-judging process
• Pre-judging takes place promptly, beginning at 3pm in Panel Room B
• Each participant will have a maximum of 1½ minutes with the judges to discuss the elements of the costume & overall experience level
• When entering the prejudging area be prepared to describe your costume to the judges accurately and efficiently. Judges will have a few questions to properly & completely judge your entry. Be sure to use your time with them wisely, as a time limit will be enforced to ensure everyone has an equal opportunity. Please plan to tell the judges in full detail what materials and techniques were used to build your costume.

Novice Category:

• Participants in this category are the least experienced in competition.
• You may never have won a cosplay contest award.
• This category is for those either new to cosplay or who have just started their crafting journey.
• Participant must have made 25% or more of the costume to qualify.

Journeyman Category:

• Won an award equivalent to novice or journeyman in another contest.
• This category is for those that have been cosplaying for a while or feather along in their crafting journey.
• Participant must have made 50% or more of the costume to qualify.

Masters Category:

• Have won an intermediate (journeyman) level or higher award in any other cosplay contest.
• Has worked professionally in a field related to cosplay (commissions, theatre, film/tv etc.)
• Participant must have made 75% or more of the costume to qualify.
• Highly recommended for this category a "Build Book" or similar media is required. If a physical build book is not available, the participant can provide detailed reference photos of their build process. Media presented will be up to the judge's discretion for acceptance.

CALLING ALL THE YOUNG HEROES!!!

• Begin your adventure by picking up a Cosplay Quest Card—also known as the Hero Hunt Passport—at Ronin and CosReza’s table.
• Here's how the quest works:
• ‍As you visit each cosplay guest table, you’ll collect a stamp on your card. Once you’ve gathered all the stamps, return to Ronin and CosReza’s table for a celebration filled with cheers and excitement—and receive your candy bag reward for completing the quest!‍
• Parents, get your cameras ready!‍
• On March 15th, at 4 PM, all quest finishers will be recognized on the big stage and awarded a special medal for completing their heroic journey!