Cosplay Contest Rules
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 6/4/25 at 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time
Welcome, Applicants! Please read the below. Failure to follow the rules or provide a complete application will automatically disqualify you from consideration:
- Which cosplays are eligible to enter? This is a Build-Based or Craftsmanship competition. This means that costumes must be handmade, not store-bought or modified.
- Modification is when you buy a base piece and add to or change it! This is an amazing solution for many cosplayers, however, it isn’t eligible for a Build-Based/Craftsmanship competition.
- How much of the cosplay needs to be homemade? That depends on your division! Please follow the guidelines below:
- Youth (12 & Under): Try to make at least a little, but even if you didn’t make anything you can enter and have fun!
- Novice: 50% homemade
- Intermediate: 75% homemade
- Masters: 90% homemade
- Which division should I enter? Good question! That’s ultimately up to you unless you’re in the Youth division, however, here are some guidelines that we recommend:
- Youth: Ages 12 and Under
- Novice: Has not won or placed in a contest yet, and/or has entered no more than 3 contests.
- Intermediate: Entered more than 3 contests and/or has won/placed in more than 2 craftsmanship competitions.
- Masters: This is described as but not limited to Cosplay craft that is close to or at a professional level. Takes on cosplay/prop commissions for other cosplayers. Makes some income cosplaying or creating cosplays. Has entered, won, and/or placed in multiple contests at the Intermediate/Journeyman level.
- Group: 2 or more cosplayers who wish to enter together. All other divisions are solo entries.
- What should I include in my photo link? As much as you can! Build books, progress photos, test photos, finished cosplay photos, and so on. The more information we have to assess your entry, the better! Please make sure your link is public/accessible by anyone with the link. If we cannot access your link, you will be denied.
- Can I enter multiple cosplays? You can submit multiple cosplays via different form submissions during the online submission. Still, only one cosplay per contestant can move past the online submission phase, and it can only participate in a single category.
To apply, click the Cosplay Contest Application Icon at the Top of the Page.