Cosplay Contest

SCHEDULE:
 

1PM - Registration opens. Please register at the Geek Out: HCA Information booth.

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3PM - Judging begins. Please go to the Pavillion for judging process. 

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4PM - Cosplay show begins. Please get placed in line to show off your cosplay in front of the audience at the Pavillion.

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4:45PM - Winners will be announced and trophies given to First, Second and Third Place contestants. Photos can be taken right after the awards.

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RULES:

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1. Have Fun! This contest is all about creativity, passion, and enjoying the cosplay community.

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2. All Ages Welcome – Keep costumes and performances PG-13 (family-friendly). No nudity, excessive gore, or offensive content.

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3. Respect Others – No bullying, harassment, or trash talk. Failure to adhere will result in disqualification for the contest.  Everyone's here to have a good time!

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4. No Real Weapons – Props must be con-safe (no real blades, functioning firearms, or anything dangerous). If it looks questionable, get it checked at the Geek Out:HCA Information Booth.
 

5. No Messy Materials – No glitter bombs, confetti, or anything that could cause a big cleanup.

 

6. Custom/Original Characters are welcome!
 

CONTEST & JUDGING RULES:

 

1. Handmade vs. Bought Costumes – All cosplays are welcome, but judges will weigh craftsmanship more heavily for handmade entries. Be honest about what you made!
 

2. Performance (Optional) – Striking a pose? Quick skit? Show off, but keep it under 30 seconds unless specified otherwise.

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3.  Be On Time – Show up at check-in and be ready when called to the stage!

 

HOW TO ENTER:

 

Sign up at the Geek Out: HCA Information Booth before 3 p.m. Sign ups will be given a number and are to report for pre-judging by 3:00 p.m.

 

During Pre-Judging, please be ready to provide character reference images and a quick concise description of the character. If you have made or bought your costume, please be sure to tell the judges.

 

Before the walk-on portion starts, you will line up in the order you were pre-judged. The MC of the contest will announce your name and character as you enter the walk-on area. Strike your pose, wow the crowd, and step off the viewing area to have your photo taken before moving to the side to await the remainder of the show. 

 

Judging will be announced immediately after the last cosplayer(s) get their photos taken. Trophies will be awarded by the judges for photos to be taken of the winners. Once all of the winners are announced, every contestant is encouraged to take a group photo together to commemorate the event. 

 

Please be courteous of every contestant. Negative comments, heckling, bullying and other degrading behavior will not be tolerated and constitute disqualification from the contest. We are gathering to show our love for Cosplay and celebrate the creativity of everyone. 

 

Most importantly — have a blast and Geek Out!