Cosplay Contest

DREAM CON’S COSPLAY CONTEST IS BACK!

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Show off your craftsmanship and bring your favorite characters to life in this year’s Dream Con Cosplay Contest! Compete against fellow cosplayers for a chance to win the grand prize and claim your spot as a top creator.

‍The contest is free to enter and open to all attendees. Participants will be placed into divisions based on skill and experience level.

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Grand Prize: $1,000

Hand-crafted cosplays only

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Cosplay Contest Details

Dream Con’s Cosplay Contest is open to all badged attendees and free to apply. Please be sure to read through our rules and guidelines carefully before submitting your application. Please also be aware we do not provide badges for contestants to attend the Convention. If you have any additional questions, comments, or concerns, feel free to reach out to us at cosplay@dreamconvention.com

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Application Requirements

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Deadline

All entries must be submitted by Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 11:59 PM Central Time. Late entries will not be accepted.

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Hand crafted cosplays Only

All cosplays presented for judging must be hand crafted. At least 70% of the cosplay must be crafted by the contestant. Shoes and wigs are excluded from the 70% requirement. If your cosplay does not meet these criteria, please refer to the Cosplay Runway Application.

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Cosplay Contest Requirements

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Attendee Badge

All cosplayers must have the current year’s valid Dream Convention attendee badge to participate.

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Progression and Reference Pictures

All contestants must submit a mandatory reference picture or video of their character and two (2) progression pictures or one video showcasing their work along with their application.

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Music Submission

All contestants are to submit their audio tracks or pre-recorded music clips in MP3 format. YouTube links or other file types can not be accepted. If you experience any issues, please contact cosplay@dreamconvention.com.

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Work in Progress (WIP) Portfolio

All contestants are required to submit either a physical or digital WIP for their pre-judging. Please upload your digital portfolio or provide pictures of your physical WIP with your application in approved formats or email it to cosplay@dreamconvention.com to ensure its arrival.

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Performance Description

Contestants must provide a written description of their performance. An example is provided in the application process.

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Rehearsal and Pre-Judging

All contestants must attend the mandatory rehearsal meeting leading up to the event. Any conflicts must be communicated to the organizers in advance. Pre-judging scheduling will be assigned via email prior to the event.

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Age Requirements

Contestants must be at least 13 years old to participate without parental consent. If you are under the age of 13, a parent/guardian must be present during all related contest events, including pre-judging.

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Rules and Guidelines

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Costume & Prop Design

• No commissioned cosplays are allowed in the Cosplay Contest.
• At least 70% of your cosplay must be handmade (excluding shoes and wigs).
• Your cosplay can be from any fandom including but not limited to anime, video games, comics, and cartoons. Original Characters (OCs) are not allowed.
• Cosplays must meet Dream Con's dress code, with coverage equal to that of a standard swimsuit.
• No offensive, discriminatory, or vulgar cosplays will be tolerated.

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Weapons and Props

• Weapons are strictly prohibited and not allowed under any circumstances. This includes, but is not limited to, bats, metal chains, guns, airsoft guns, water guns, and any prop made of metal.
• Props must be approved before the event.
• No functional weapons are allowed at Dream Con or the Cosplay Contest.

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Nudity & Coverage

• Costumes must adhere to the PG-13 standard.
• No nudity or see-through materials are allowed.
• Cosplayers must wear dance belts (or similar garments) for modesty.

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Performance Guidelines

• PG-13 rated performances only.
• Written performance summaries are required, and the performance must match the description provided.
• Time limits:
  
  • Individual: 1 minute 30 seconds
  • Group: 3 minutes
• MP3 audio files are optional for performances.
• Confetti, glitter, smoke bombs, fire, or any other explosive or flammable materials are strictly prohibited.

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“Sandbagging” Policy

• Sandbagging is not allowed. If your cosplay has already won Best in Show or Best in Division at any other major event, it cannot be re-entered at Dream Con.

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Stage Etiquette

• No acrobatics, running, or jumping off the stage for safety purposes.
• Props must be cleaned up immediately after your performance.

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Cosplay Contest Categories

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Master

• Any cosplayer who has won two or more awards in Journeyman at any major or local competition may enter this division.
• Professional cosplayers (those who earn the majority of their income from cosplay) must enter this category.

Journeyman

• This division is for non-professional cosplayers who have not won major awards in the Master division.
• Individuals who have won at least one award in Novice or Journeyman categories are eligible to apply. 
• Individuals who have won two or more major awards in Journeyman at any major or local competition are ineligible for this category.

Novice

• No professional cosplayers allowed.
• Individuals who have won two or more contests or have won awards in Journeyman or Master divisions are not eligible.

Youth

• Youth cosplayers must have parental permission to participate and must have a guardian in attendance during all events related to the contest.
• Contestants over the age of 13 are not eligible for this category

Mandatory Meeting & Judging

A mandatory meeting will take place on Saturday, May 31st at 12:00 PM CST. Failure to present to this meeting without notifying Cosplay Department Staff may be disqualified and dismissed from the contest.

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Judging Criteria

The competition consists of two judging segments: Pre-Judging and Runway Performance. Contestants will be evaluated on craftsmanship, creativity, and presentation.

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Pre-Judging – Craftsmanship & Creativity

Contestants will meet with judges for a brief one-on-one evaluation focused on the construction and design of their cosplay.

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Judges will evaluate:

• Accuracy: How closely the costume matches the character’s original design.
• Craftsmanship: Quality of construction, detailing, finishing, and material use.
• Creativity & Originality: Unique techniques, modifications, or innovative approaches used in your cosplay.‍

‍What to Expect:

• You will have approximately 10 minutes to discuss your costume.
• Judges may ask about techniques, materials, and creative decisions.
• You may bring reference materials or build books to showcase your work.
• Judges may request to examine specific elements (e.g., seams, armor details, prop construction). You may also demonstrate or explain these elements yourself.

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Runway Performance – Presentation & Impact

Contestants will take the stage and showcase their cosplay in front of the audience and judges.

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Judges will evaluate:

• Presentation & Performance: Confidence, stage presence, and character embodiment.
• Overall Impact: How well the cosplay translates visually and portrays the intended character.

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What to Expect:

• Contestants may do a simple walk with 3-5 poses or a short in-character performance.
• Props are allowed but must comply with event safety policies.

If performing a skit, audio or visual files must be submitted in advance (if applicable).

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Work-In-Progress (WIP) Books

WIP Books are required for judging. Contestants must present their WIP Book during the craftsmanship judging session.

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Acceptable formats include:

• Printed WIP Books: A physical book showcasing your work in progress.
• Digital WIP Books: A digital PDF or slideshow that can be viewed on a device (tablet, laptop, etc.).
• Video Format: A short video (less than 3 minutes) that demonstrates the progress of your cosplay from start to finish.
  
  • This video should be submitted in advance with your application and can include a walkthrough of your progress or time-lapse footage.
  • Please ensure the video file is MP4 or MOV format.

Important Notes:

• If you choose a digital or video format, you must bring a device on which the content can be viewed and ensure it is ready for presentation during the judging session or confirm it has been received by the cosplay staff in advance.
• Contestants without a WIP Book (in any format) will be disqualified from the craftsmanship judging.
• Be respectful to our judges, staff, volunteers, and other contestants at all times.

For any questions or concerns, please contact the Cosplay Department at

‍cosplay@dreamconvention.com