Cosplay Contest
Thanks for your interest in the annual Midwest GameFest Cosplay Contest! Needless to say, cosplayers and gamers have a lot in common, and we seek to strengthen those bonds with our annual contest.
Photo courtesy Lothlorien Woods Cosplay
Sign-Ups
Submission deadline is 5pm CT Saturday, April 20, 2024.
We have a limited number of spots. Registration for the cosplay contest will continue until spots are full or on Saturday at 5pm, whichever comes first.
Note: The cosplay pre-judging and contest will be held on the stage in the Earth room. Look for a map in your convention program or ask a volunteer for directions if needed. Someone will be available at the registration desk to assist you.
Prizes
Midwest GameFest is offering cash prizes for First Place, Second Place, and Third Place in the adult and children's categories, as decided by our judges, as well as certificates for a number of other categories. Winners must be present to receive their award.
Prizes will be announced later this Winter, so check back soon!
Judges
Judges will be announced as we get closer, so check back soon!
Contest Rules
There are really very few rules this year... except to have fun! This year's contest is casual and while we encourage people to create their cosplays and display their craftsmanship, we want every type of cosplayer to feel like they have something to offer even if they are not cosplay crafters. Whether you make everything from scratch, piece stuff together from the thrift store, or purchase your costume from the local costume shop, you are all encouraged to enter our cosplay contest. Everyone will have a fair chance to win something.
All cosplay contestants must follow our standard Cosplay Policy in addition to the following:
Requirements
- Contestants must have a weekend or Saturday badge in their name. These can be purchased at the event or online.
- Contestants must submit a Contest Entry Form.
- Contestants must be 13 years or older to enter the adult category.
- If under 16, contestants must have a legal guardian present.
- If under 18, contestants must have parental permission to enter.
- Cosplays can be from any genre: anime, books, comics, games, movies, etc.
- Cosplays must pass the weapons check.
Restrictions
- Cosplays will have a maximum of one minute on stage and runway.
- Cosplays can contain no more than three (3) people per group unless approved by the judges.
- Contestants must alert the cosplay judges beforehand if they are going to say or do anything out of the ordinary on stage.
- Contestants may not make religious, political, or any other demonstrations that could offend others.
- Contestants must avoid danger to themselves or others. No throwing objects. No fire. No confetti. No fog machines. No Nerf bullets. No shooting or launching objects.
Stage Rules
- When on stage contestants will use a three-point system for poses.
- Contestants may not throw anything at/to the audience.
- Contestants may not say or yell anything offensive.
- Contestants must remove anything they take on stage with them.
Schedule for Cosplayers
- Contestants will need to sign up or check in by 5pm Saturday afternoon.
- The contest will happen between 5pm and 7pm. You will need to get there beforehand for practice.
- Awards will happen after the cosplay contest.
- Times
- 5:00pm pre-judging at stage
- 5:30pm-6:30pm contest
- 6:30pm parade to Elements Ballroom
- 7:00pm announce winners and award certs
General
- Our cosplay staff has the right to disqualify anyone for any reason.
- We reserve the right to add and modify rules as necessary.
Questions
If you have any questions or concerns about your cosplay, email our Cosplay Coordinator at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
