The contest runs like any other contest for the most part. You pre-register online, show up to the con, check the schedule to confirm the time of pre-judging, this will usually coincide with lining up for the cosplay contest. Pre-judging is where things divert from the norm:

• While being asked about the crafting process of your costume, you will have a photo taken of you in your cosplay. This photo will be utilized in the audience voting form.

• After you have had your photo taken, you will be placed in the line for the contest based upon the division you have submitted with your application. If you have been determined to be a higher skill level, your division will be adjusted.

• Once everyone who has entered has been pre-judged, the contest will proceed with the stage portion of the contest. This is your standard 30-40 second walk-on. This is your chance to wow the audience. Pose, do a short skit, show off!

• After your walk you will wait backstage for the rest of the contestants to finish their walk.

• Once everyone has completed their walk, the audience will be asked to pull up the audience voting form. The audience will have about 30 minutes to vote on who they feel  did the best for each division.

• During the audience voting portion of the contest, all contestants will be asked to walk through the stage. This time, to refresh the audience’s memory. You may use this walk to strike a pose, but it will be walking in a line. Please be mindful.

• Our Master-level judge, maintaining an unbiased opinion, will hold the majority of vote weight in regards to craftsmanship.

• The audience vote will hold the most weight for performance-based categories.

• Best In Show will be weighted 70% and 30% (Craftsmanship and Performance)

• The audience does NOT hold final say over the contest, its prizes, or placements.

• Our experienced judge will utilize the audience vote to determine placements, any discrepancies in votes and skill level will be resolved by them.