Cosplay Contest

Rules

Show us your cosplays!

Cosplays can be handmade or purchased, but handmade cosplays will be given additional consideration for prizes.

Costumes must also adhere to the dress code policies of the Adam’s Mark Hotel: Shoes and shirts must be worn, and breast tissue/ genitals must be completely covered.

Weapons and props can be made of foam core, plastic, or any other standard crafting material, but must be obviously fake. No live steel, real firearms, loaded bows, or real arrows are allowed.

Judging is a first-come-first-serve format from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. When you are ready to be judged, please alert one of the staff members to escort you to the judging area in the Ballroom.

Costumes should not make any political, religious, or insulting statements, depict any national or international tragedies, incite violence, racism, sexism, homophobia, ableism, transphobia, and bigotry. This includes race-facing (e.g. Blackface/Brownface).

You may not enter a cosplay that has won a category award at a different event.

Contest Format

When you are ready to be judged, simply flag down a staff volunteer to stand in queue for assessment from our panel of judges.

If you made your costume, you are welcome to provide reference images or progress photos. While these photos are not required for this event, it does help highlight any specific skills you used to build your cosplay.

Tell the judges about how you made your costume, any unique details, etc. and then you are free to mingle, shop and make the most of your evening at G33kmas!

At 4:45, all contestants will be asked to line up at the designated area to present your costume on stage. This is so the judges can get a final look at your cosplay and for you to show off your work to your adoring fans!

After a short deliberation, awards will be announced!

Awards

Everyone loves prizes! Awards will be given out based on a variety of criteria, from craftsmanship to how well you embody the character when you strut your stuff around the room! Judging will also factor in contestant experience with costuming (e.g. if you are a regular competitor, vs. never having competed in a costume contest before).The grand prize will be given to the cosplayer with the best overall cosplay craftsmanship, presentation, and composition.