COSPLAY CONTEST

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THE 2026 COSPLAY CONTEST

The 2026 OCon Expo Cosplay Contest with a $1K TOP PRIZE will take place in the main panel room at 6:00 PM on Saturday, July 18th. As one of our most popular events, we recommend arriving early for premium seating!

Pre-judging on craftsmanship and detail occurs throughout the day on Saturday. The main stage show moves quickly, allowing each cosplayer to showcase their creation and performance before winners are announced at the conclusion of the event.

Prizes and Awards are outlined below.

Because this is a first-come-first-serve basis, we are only allowing verified attendees to register.

NEW FOR 2026: CUSTOM MEDIA!

Enhance your performance with custom audio, video, or static backgrounds! After completing your initial contest entry, registrants will receive a dedicated follow-up form to upload their media files.

  • Format: .mp4 for video; .jpg for static backgrounds.
  • Duration: Max 30 seconds.
  • Deadline: Media must be submitted via the follow-up form by JULY 6th, 2026.
  • Note: In-person entrants are limited to house lighting, a standard background, and pre-selected house audio.
  • Copyright: No copyrighted material is allowed. NO EXCEPTIONS!
  • Content: This is an all-ages show. No cursing, hate speech, obscenity, or nudity.

 

ALSO NEW FOR 2026: TECH REHEARSAL AND EARLY ACCESS!

We will have a dedicated Technical Rehearsal for those who have submitted music/background video/images as part of their performance or for any contestant who wishes to do a quick run-through. This will be Saturday, July 18th at 8:00 AM. Attendance is optional. There is also an analogue rehearsal space behind Cosplay Row, up the escalators that will have the dimensions of the stage you can use to rehearse anytime!


If you need special accommodations, be sure to list that in your application.

OCon Cosplay Photo

HOW TO ENTER

You can click the button below or fill out the form here.

The form will remain live until all slots are filled on a first-come-first-serve basis.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER
OCon Cosplay Photo

PRIZES

Best in Show:

$1,000 & a prize marking your achievement.

Best Craftsmanship:

$375 & a prize marking your achievement.

Best Performance:

$100 & a prize marking your achievement.

Division Awards

These awards are given to the best cosplayers in each of the following divisions:

Novice Division:
$150 & a prize marking your achievement.

Intermediate Division:
$225 & a prize marking your achievement.

Master Division:
$350 & a prize marking your achievement.

Youth Division:
$50 & a prize marking your achievement.

Judge’s Choice:
A prize marking your achievement.

OCon Cosplay Photo

DIVISIONS

  • Novice: For those new to the hobby with little to no competition experience and no previous major awards.

  • Intermediate: For cosplayers with moderate experience who have previously won awards in a Novice category.

  • Master: For highly skilled, expert-level cosplayers who have won awards at the Intermediate/Journeyman level.

  • Youth: Specifically for cosplayers under the age of 13.

  • Exhibition: For those who wish to showcase their work on stage without being judged for prizes. (Eligible for Judge’s Choice only).

RULES

  1. Age: Participants must be at least 18 years old or have parental consent.

  2. Handmade Requirement: Costumes must be at least 70% handmade or significantly altered from their original state (unless in Exhibition). No store-bought costumes allowed for competition.

  3. Conduct: This is an all-ages show. No nudity, swearing, hate speech, or overt sexual content. Failure to comply results in immediate disqualification and potential removal from the expo and/or a permanent ban.

  4. Weapons: No real weapons are permitted.

  5. Attendance: You must arrive at your designated time for check-in and craftsmanship judging. You must be available for the duration of the contest and awards ceremony.

  6. Prior Awards: Costumes that have won “Best in Show” or a top prize at any prior event are ineligible. If you won in a lower division (e.g., Novice) and wish to compete in a higher division (e.g., Intermediate), that is acceptable. If you have won with the costume at another local convention, it is ineligible for competition at our event.

  7. Groups: Groups may enter as a single entity (splitting the prize) or individually. If judged individually, performance will be scored solo even if you appear on stage together.

A NOTE ON GROUPS

  • Groups can either be judged as a single entity (which means you will need to determine how to split the prizes) or individually (each individual is separately judged on craftsmanship and performance).
    • If entering individually each member needs to have made their own costume
    • If entering as a group, each costume still needs to meet the rules criteria listed under RULES above
  • If choosing to be judged individually, please include your group name on each entry in the available field (this is so we know to group you together when we line you up)
  • Groups absolutely can be on stage together!
  • If entering individually, performance will be judged solo even though you are in a group on stage

JUDGING CRITERIA

Craftsmanship (Novice, Intermediate, Masters):

  • Accuracy: Design, color, and detail relative to source material.

  • Technique: Skill in sewing, foamsmithing, 3D printing, or other fabrication.

  • Construction: Durability, sturdiness, and safety.

  • Finishing: Quality of seams, hems, paint, and weathered textures.

Performance (All Divisions):

  • Characterization: How well you embody the personality and behavior of the character.

  • Stage Presence: Movement, gestures, and command of the stage.

  • Creativity: Originality in choreography and use of props or custom media.

  • Entertainment Value: How engaging and impactful the presentation is for the audience.

AUDIENCES RULES & SUGGESTIONS

The contestants that entered the 2026 O Con Expo Cosplay Contest worked hard on their costumes and are excited to show off their work. There are multiple skill levels and categories that will be presented, with contestants in each giving it their all.

We ask that audience members show each and every contestant the respect they deserve while they are showcasing their craftsmanship. If an audience member is found to be rude or disrespectful to any contestants during the contest show, Mid-America or OCon Expo staff may ask those audience members to leave.

THE 2026 KIDS COSPLAY JAMBOREE

The 2026 OCon Expo Kids Cosplay Jamboree takes place at 12:00 PM on Sunday, July 19th.

There is no pre-judging or formal entry to complete ahead of the celebration. Please just bring your children (ages 2-14) to the appropriate panel room by 11:45 to be included. Costumes will not be judged, but instead cheered by audiences, as each child is given the chance to march across the stage and show off their awesome costume.

Dependent on time and the amount of entries, a small Kids Cosplay Parade might be conducted through the halls of the Mid-America Center shortly after the on-stage activities.

Prizes are still to be determined, but we expect some fun gifts to those that enter.

If you need special accommodations, be sure to let them know when you arrive.