COSPLAY CONTEST
Registration & Rules 

ADULT COSPLAY CONTEST RULES

Categories:

  • Exhibition: For anyone who wants to show off their cosplay on stage without being judged. A great option for those who prefer the spotlight without the competition.

  • Novice Craftsmanship: An individual who has just begun their costuming and competition journey. They have 4 or fewer years practicing the skill they are entering and no previous craftsmanship awards.

  • Advanced Craftsmanship: For competitors who meet one or more of the following:

    • Won a craftsmanship award

    • Won a major cosplay/costuming award

    • Practiced their entered skill for more than 4 years

    • Has handmade 3+ cosplays from scratch

  • Group/Duo: 2 or more individuals competing as one collective.  

Cosplay Contest Awards:

Best Exhibition, Judge’s Choice (x3), Photographer’s Award, Novice Runner-Up, Best Novice, Advanced Runner-Up, Best Advanced, Best Group, Best in Show

How to Register: (Please read all rules before registering)

Pre-Registration: You must purchase a Tupelo Con pass before signing up online.

Check-In: All online registrants must check in at the cosplay contest registration table on Saturday, March 15th, between 10 AM - 12 PM to keep their spot.  Missing check-in may forfeit your slot.

Limited Spots: The contest is capped at 50 entries on a first come, first serve basis.  Pre-registering online guarantees a slot.

On-Site Registration: Available Saturday, March 15th, from 10 AM - 12 PM in the cosplay area as slots are available.

Groups/Duos: Up to 5 people per group.  Only 5 group/duo slots available on a first come, first serve basis.  One registration form per group.

Prejudging Times:

            Individual entries: 3 minutes

            Groups/Duos: 5 minutes

            Prejudging times will be assigned at check-in/registration.

COSPLAY CONTEST RULES

  1. Eligibility and Divisions:

  • If you’re unsure which division to enter, ask a cosplay contest volunteer at registration.

  • Craftsmanship entries must be mostly handmade with clear craftsmanship skills (e.g. needlework, formwork, 3D printing, etc).  Closet, store-bought, online-purchased, or rented cosplays are not allowed.

  • If you are modeling a cosplay made by someone else (including commissioned work), the creator must be present for prejudging and will be the one to receive any awards.

  • Previously awarded cosplays (any cosplay that has won a craftsman award before) are not eligible for competition.

2. Prejudging & Judging Criteria:

  • Prejudging is required for all craftsmanship contestants.  Missing prejudging disqualifies you from awards, but you may still walk on stage.

  • Bring a reference image of your character to help judges assess accuracy.  Progress photos or build books are strongly encouraged but not required.

  • Judges may bump contestants up into a higher division but cannot bump them down.

 3. Stage Performance & Logistics:

  • Line up 15 minutes before the contest at the main stage near the convention entrance.

  • Contestants may have up to two minutes on stage.

  • No microphones or music will be provided on stage, so plan your stage presence accordingly.

 4. Past Winners:

- To support the local cosplay community, Tupelo Con “Best in Show” winners from the past 3 years are not eligible to compete.  However, they are encouraged to participate in the “Winner’s Walk” at the start of the craftsmanship contest.  Please report to cosplay contest registration to organize the walk.

 5. Contest Etiquette & Safety:

  • All cosplays and props must follow Tupelo Con’s cosplay rules and prop policies.

  • Harassment or poor sportsmanship towards judges, contestants, volunteers, or attendees will not be tolerated and may result in disqualification or removal from the con.

  • Contestants may have a handler for assistance during prejudging and the contest.  Ask registration for any needed accommodations.

  • Everything to be displayed on stage must also be present during prejudging.

  • No special effects or projectiles (glitter, liquids, flames, etc) on or off stage.  Violating this rule may lead to disqualification.