The Cos-Con Championship marks the climax of the Cosplay Schedule, and a stunning showcase of talent for those watching.

PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE FULLY READ AND UNDERSTOOD THE BELOW GUIDELINES BEFORE REGISTERING.

Entry is via pre-registration only, which closes ​midnight Friday 18th July. Click the button below.



​Competitor Eligibility:
To be eligible to enter the Cos-Con Championships each entry needs to meet the following criteria:

  • Have a valid Granite City Comic Con  event ticket, be 12 years or older, and enter as an individual or couple.
  • Chosen characters can be based on characters that have appeared at any time in any format (including cross-overs or mash-ups thereof). Original characters are not eligible
  • You must have photos showing the build progress of your costume, which will be requested after application.
  • Each costume must be predominantly self-made - around 75%. Small accessories (such as wigs and shoes) are fine. If an item has been substantially modified then it is at the judge's' discretion to award points based on the efforts made to modify.
  • Space in the Cos-Con Cosplay Championship is limited and entry will be based on each applicant’s entry form and pictures.


Registration:
Entry is by pre-registration only,  via the above registration form/link.

Each application will be reviewed for eligibility and a member of the Cos-Con team will confirm entry to all successful applicants.

Once your application has been confirmed, you will need to provide the following by no later than Wednesday 26th July:
  • References pictures of your costume(s) source material for the judges to be able to mark your accuracy/authenticity.
  • A soundtrack (maximum duration of three minutes) in mp3 format to be played during your performance, if desired.
  • An outline of your performance, and details of any stage props to be used, which will be assessed for health and safety.
  • List of items not made by you, altered or unaltered.

During the competition, you will also be asked to provide details of your construction process, and anything else that you wish to share with the judges about your costume.

Check in:
Entrants must check in at the Cosplay Table no later than two hours prior to the competition start. You will be given a run down of the event and told where you need to be and when. Your supporting material and music files will be double checked at this point.


Competition Format:
Each participant will be awarded marks based on:
  • 75% Costume: Costume points will be allocated on the basis of complexity, craftsmanship and accuracy/authenticity.
 
  • 25% Performance: Performance points will be allocated on execution, originality and fidelity to your chosen character.

We want for our guest judges, our attendees, our competitions entrants to enjoy the event as much as possible, so there will be no pre-judging for cosplay competitions. Everything regarding the competitions will happen live on stage so the Cos-Con Cosplay Championship will consist of 3 on-stage rounds.


Performance Round:
  • Participant(s) will perform on stage, this can include any choreographed/rehearsed performance or simply posing.
  • Performances may last no longer than 3 minutes, but can last less.
  • Cos-Con cannot supply tech arrangements such as lighting, stage props or special effects.
  • We recommend each participant bring an additional copy of his or her soundtrack on a USB stick on the day just in case.
  • Please endeavour to make your performance family friendly. No liquids, solvents, confetti or pyrotechnics are allowed on stage. Please consult our Prop Policy, and if you have any queries please contact us to discuss.
  • All qualifying performances will take place on the Panel Room Stage and will be open to public viewing and photography.


Interview round:
After your performance the Judges will have time to inspect your costume up close, they will each be allowed to ask 1 question about your performance, your costume or props and how you created them.
This will be happening on stage and will be as much for the audience's benefit as the Judges. Be prepared and ready to answer questions about every element of your costume, you worked hard, so make sure everybody knows it.


Final Round:
Once all performances and interviews have taken place the Judges will be given time to discuss the entries amongst themselves.
The Judges will ask their favourite cosplayers to return to the stage and there will be a brief interview for each finalist. This will be your opportunity to further highlight the skills, talent and effort you put into your costume.

The Judges will then be allowed to ask each contestant one further question before they make their decision, and award prizes.

Judges decision are final. Contestants will not be permitted to view or ask about how they or other contestants were marked. Judges will be allowed to give you feedback or constructive criticisms if they wish to do so. If a Judge wishes not to speak about your entry please respect their right to do so.