Rules and Guidelines

Category Definitions:

Beginner Division (Ages 13 and up): 

This category is for those who are new to crafting or competing.

• • Eligibility:

    • Limited or no contest experience.

    • At least 50% of the cosplay should be homemade or crafted. The other 50% can be altered from already existing clothes or purchased or commissioned.

    • First-time sewers or beginner crafters are welcome.

    • If you won a major award at a smaller event, you are still welcome to compete at this level with a different cosplay than the one you won with.

Intermediate Division (Ages 13 and up): 

This division is for cosplayers who are beyond the beginner level but not yet ready for the Masters category. Ideal for those who have won Best Beginner, Best Intermediate, or Best Journeyman at smaller conventions no more than three times.

• Eligibility:

  • Some prior experience in cosplay competitions.

  • Proficient in sewing and/or crafting techniques.

  • At least 60% of the costume must be handmade or crafted.

  • Up to 20% may be modified (e.g., painted, altered, embellished).

  • Up to 20% may be purchased (e.g., shoes, wigs, accessories).

Advanced Division (Ages 13 and up): 

This division is for experienced cosplayers with strong craftsmanship skills. Ideal for those who have won multiple major awards at previous conventions in Intermediate Divisions or Advanced Divisions.

• Eligibility:

  • Previous experience in cosplay contests.

  • Expert or professional in sewing or crafting.

  • At least 80% of the cosplay must be handmade or crafted.

  • No more than 20% may be modified (e.g., weathered, embellished).

  • No more than 20% may be purchased (e.g., shoes, socks, wigs).

  • Advanced participants are expected to demonstrate high technical skill and attention to detail.

Showcase Division (Ages 13 and up): 

Open to all participants regardless of whether the costume is handmade or purchased.

Kid’s Division (Ages 12 and under): 

Open to all young participants regardless of whether the costume is handmade or purchased. Must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.

Sandbagging Policy:

To ensure everyone gets a fair chance, there are some rules and regulations dealing with this topic for the event.

• Cosplays that have won major awards in Masters/Advanced and have not been at least 50% modified are not allowed to compete with said cosplay. However, if you redid at least 50% of the cosplay, you may enter it in the Advanced category.

• Cosplays that have won major awards in Novice or Intermediate at larger events, must go up to the respective level.

  • • Example: If you entered with a cosplay, and it won Best Novice, that cosplay CAN enter a higher level without modification, but keep in mind, you are now competing at a higher level and must make sure the original design meets the higher level percentages. If it does not, you MUST make sure the cosplay meets the level qualifications for make/design.

• Cosplays that have won major awards in Novice or Intermediate at smaller events can stay in the same level, but they must modify 50% of the winning cosplay.

  • • Example: You won Best Novice at LaPlace Con (roughly 300 attendees), but you are modifying 50% or more of the winning cosplay for this event and staying in the same level. There MUST be documentation of the original build and ALL of the changes. If no documentation of changes are given at the time of pre-judging, the cosplay may be disqualified.