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Cosplay Judging, What you need to know

Skill Categories

We want to make sure that not only are our contestants have a fun time competing, but that we also make the competition fair. We have four categories for our contestants (Young Fan, Novice, Journeyman, and Master) that help keep it fair by competing with your peers in the appropriate category.

To figure out what category you fall under, please refer to the below information:

  • Any cosplayer under 13 years of age at the time of this competition may compete in the Young Fan Division.
  • The Young Fan Division may be self made or with the help of an adult.
  • You have never entered a Masquerade/Cosplay competition before.
  • You’ve entered, but never won an award.
  • For Craftsmanship Judging, 70% of your costume must be handmade.
  • You have won at least 2 awards (Judges’ Awards do not count)
  • For Craftsmanship Judging, 80% of your costume must be handmade
  • If you have won at least five awards at the Local or regional level, or three at the international level. (Judges’ Awards do not count)
  • For Craftsmanship Judging, 90% of your costume must be handmade.

Special Qualification and Considerations
We also have a sub-category:

  • Any cosplayer under 13 years of age at the time of this competition may compete in the Young Fan Division.
  • The Young Fan Division may be self made or with the help of an adult.
  • You have never entered a Masquerade/Cosplay competition before.
  • You’ve entered, but never won an award.
  • For Craftsmanship Judging, 70% of your costume must be handmade.
  • You have won at least 2 awards (Judges’ Awards do not count)
  • For Craftsmanship Judging, 80% of your costume must be handmade
  • If you have won at least five awards at the Local or regional level, or three at the international level. (Judges’ Awards do not count)
  • For Craftsmanship Judging, 90% of your costume must be handmade.

If you are unsure which category you should enter please contact the Cosplay Contest staff.

Due to time constraints for our show extended performance times are not available. Please plan accordingly.

  • Any cosplayer under 13 years of age at the time of this competition may compete in the Young Fan Division.
  • The Young Fan Division may be self made or with the help of an adult.
  • You have never entered a Masquerade/Cosplay competition before.
  • You’ve entered, but never won an award.
  • For Craftsmanship Judging, 70% of your costume must be handmade.
  • You have won at least 2 awards (Judges’ Awards do not count)
  • For Craftsmanship Judging, 80% of your costume must be handmade
  • If you have won at least five awards at the Local or regional level, or three at the international level. (Judges’ Awards do not count)
  • For Craftsmanship Judging, 90% of your costume must be handmade.

Awards

  • Best Young Fan
  • Best Novice
  • Best Journeyman
  • Best Master
  • Best Performance
  • Best Craftsmanship
  • Judge’s Choice
  • Best in Show (Best overall entry in any category & skill level)

Back to the Cosplay Masquerade Page

Questions? Contact Cosplay