Cosplay Contest

General Rules:

• The contest is open to those age 13 and up. Those under 13 may participate in the Costume Parade, which will take place while the judges are deliberating.
• This will be a runway presentation only. Contestants will each have time on stage to complete a catwalk presentation, which is enough time to pose in the middle and at each end of the stage.
  • Runway style music will be played to provide atmosphere and maintain an upbeat tempo.
  • Swearing, horseplay, sexual humor, flashing, throwing things into the audience, or any other inappropriate behavior will NOT be tolerated and the contestant(s) will be immediately removed and disqualified.
  • Contestants must enter and exit the stage as shown. No running and/or jumping on or off stage.
• Costumes must be suitable for a PG audience. No bathing suits, revealing outfits, or other clothing determined to be inappropriate by GeekFest staff will be permitted.
• Props/weapons must adhere to our weapons policy.
• No flash powder, confetti, silly string, or similar material may be used during the contest.
• All contestants must be able to move their costume on their own or with their own provided assistance. Large accessories and other components are acceptable if they can be moved on your own or with your own provided assistance. (Limit 2 handlers.)
• To request a disability-related accommodation for the event, please contact us at least 7 days before the event at the email/phone number at the bottom.
• Footwear is required. If your character does not wear shoes, the lack of accuracy will be forgiven.

Judging Categories and Criteria:

Participants may choose to enter under one of the following categories:

• Beginner – This is for cosplayers who have little or no cosplaying experience and/or do not have a lot of experience with costuming. For example, a costume/cosplay that is entirely store-bought.
• Intermediate – This is for cosplayers that may have participated in cosplay contests before and have more costume construction experience. For example, a costume/cosplay that has some handmade elements.
• Advanced – This is for cosplayers who have participated and/or won more cosplay contests and/or are experienced costumers. For example, a costume/cosplay that is completely hand-made.
• Group - Group entries are limited to 5 people per group. Entrants may not participate in multiple groups.
• Participants can either walk as an individual or as part of a group.

The judges and staff have the right to move contestants into a different category based on the cosplay presented.

Costumes will be judged on categories such as: accuracy, creativity, use of materials, and presentation.

When you arrive at GeekFest, you will check in for the Cosplay Contest at the Registration table. Here you’ll be given a number and a time/place to come for pre-judging. Contestants must come to the pre-judging in order to be eligible to win a prize.

The top prize for each winner in the individual categories will be a $50 Amazon gift card. The winning group will receive a $25 Amazon gift card for each participant in the group.

There will also be one winner for Best Performance. This is someone who embodies their character the best. The prize will be a $25 Amazon gift card.