Cosplay Contest Application

Get ready to strut your stuff at the MCX Cosplay Contest, where creativity, craftsmanship, and character come to life on stage!  Open to all skill levels and ages, the contest features Junior, Novice, Journeyman, and Master categories with awards for Best in Show, Best Armor, Best Makeup, Best Prop, and more.  Whether you’re rocking hand-sewn seams, foam-forged armor, or original designs, our judges want to see what you’ve got.  Prizes include medals, cash awards, and bragging rights, and the fan-favorite People’s Choice Runway Show on Sunday means everyone gets a moment in the spotlight!

Sign up early!  Spots are limited and first come, first served!

The MCX Cosplay Contest will take place on Saturday at 4:00 PM on the Main Stage.  Contestants must be pre-judged to qualify for awards.  Pre-judging will be held Saturday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and sign-ups close when judging ends or when slots are full.  On-site sign-ups will be available from con opening on Saturday until noon, but we recommend pre-registering to ensure your spot.

Contest Categories

• Junior (Youth, 14 & under)
• Novice (Beginner)
• Journeyman (Intermediate)
• Master (Advanced)

Each pre-judging slot will last 6 minutes per contestant.  You must be judged by 1:00 PM and participate in the on-stage walk during the contest to qualify for awards.

All entries must consist of costumes that are at least 70% made or heavily modified by the cosplayer. Commissioned costumes are not eligible.  Group entries are not being accepted in the craftsmanship competition this year.

Eligibility & Requirements

• All contestants must be MCX attendees.
• Costumes may be from any genre (anime, comics, video games, original designs, etc.). For original characters, please provide reference art or design documentation.
• If you are modeling a costume you did not make, the maker must be present at judging to qualify.
• No costumes that have previously won major awards (Best in Show or 1st in division) unless at least 75% has been remade.
• Participants must be prepared to walk on stage and briefly present their costumes during the contest.

Division Guidelines
Novice

• New to cosplay contests.
• Must not have previously won 1st place in Novice or awards in higher divisions.
• Costume must be 70% made by the entrant.

Journeyman

• Moderate experience with contests.
• Must not have won 1st place in Journeyman or any Master division awards.
• Costume must be 70% made by the entrant.

Master

• Highly experienced cosplayers.
• Multiple awards and years of experience.
• Costume must be 70% made by the entrant.

Youth (14 and under)

• Parents/adults may assist, but juniors must contribute to construction.
• Extra credit given to juniors who build significant portions.
• Adult assistance should be explained during judging.

Stage Awards

• Best in Show
• Master Division
• Journeyman Division
• Novice Division
• Youth Division
• Best Makeup
• Best Armor
• Best Prop
• Best Sewing
• Judges’ Choice

People’s Choice Runway Show (Sunday at 2:00 PM)

Want to show off your cosplay without entering the craftsmanship contest?  Join us for the People’s Choice Runway Show on Sunday at 2:00 PM on the Main Stage!  Walk the stage, wow the crowd, and the fan favorite will win based on audience applause!

General Rules

• This is a family-friendly event, no nudity, profanity, or inappropriate messages (verbal, written, or visual).
• No projectiles of any kind, nothing can be thrown, fired, or launched from the costume or the cosplayer.
• No pyrotechnics or live flame.
• Handlers may accompany you if needed for accessibility or costume support, but MCX will not provide one.
• Cosplayers are responsible for any costume maintenance or repairs throughout the show.