Cosplay Contest
Grand Prize: $1,000
Hand-crafted cosplays only
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
Application Requirements
Deadline
All entries must be submitted by Saturday, June 6, 2026 11:59 pm Central Time. Late entries will not be accepted.
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.
Cosplay Contest Requirements
Attendee Badge
All cosplayers must have the current year’s valid Dream Convention attendee badge to participate.
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.
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.
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.
Performance Description
Contestants must provide a written description of their performance. An example is provided in the application process.
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.
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.
Rules and Guidelines
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. See Costume Modesty below for additional details.
- No offensive, discriminatory, or vulgar cosplays will be tolerated.
Weapons and Props
All prop weapons must be taken to the Prop Check Desk immediately upon arrival to be peace-bonded for safety.Weapons are strictly prohibited and not allowed under any circumstances.
Prohibited Weapons and Props:
- Firearms, projectiles, and open flames are strictly prohibited.
- Airsoft guns (even if internal parts are stripped) and BB guns are not allowed.
- Metal cosplay weapons (e.g., swords, knives, bayonets) are prohibited.
- Stun guns and tasers are not allowed.
- Functional water guns are not allowed.
- Ammunition of any kind is strictly forbidden.
- Any props that are misused, thrown, swung, or may cause harm to other attendees will result in the immediate revocation of your privilege to carry that prop within the convention.
Staff discretion: Any staff member reserves the right to deem any prop dangerous, and if deemed so, that prop will not be allowed into the convention. Please adhere to this policy to ensure a safe environment for all attendees.
Note: Our policies regarding weapons and props may change without prior notice, so please stay updated.
Allowed Props:
- Wooden props are allowed.
- Paper mache weapons and props are allowed.
- Water guns (only if security can verify that they are unusable).
- Bows and arrows are permitted. However:
- No tips on arrows.
- Bows must remain unstrung for the entirety of the convention.
- Foam weapons are allowed.
Costume Modesty
- Costumes that are deemed lewd or offensive due to excessive nudity are not permitted. Please ensure that costumes remain PG-13. Refer to the image of what is allowed below.
- Upper Body Coverage: All attendees must have at least 60% coverage of both sides of their chest, regardless of gender.
- Bottom Coverage: At least 60% of your bottom must be covered by your clothing.
- Dance Belts: Any attendee wearing tight-fitting costumes (such as bodysuits or leggings) are required to wear a dance belt for added support and coverage.
- Mandatory Footwear: Shoes must be worn at all times bothon the convention floor and during cosplay events. Bare feet are not allowed.
- Offensive Costumes: Costumes that display offensive language, symbols, or imagery are prohibited.
- Stilt and Skating Restrictions: Tall stilts, roller skates, or any shoes with wheels are not permitted for safety reasons.
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.
“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.
Stage Etiquette
- No acrobatics, running, or jumping off the stage for safety purposes.
- Props must be cleaned up immediately after your performance.
Cosplay Contest Categories
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.
Mandatory Meeting & Judging
A mandatory meeting will take place on Saturday, July 11th at 12:00 PM CST. Failure to present to this meeting without notifying Cosplay Department Staff may be disqualified and dismissed from the contest.
Judging Criteria
The competition consists of two judging segments: Pre-Judging and Runway Performance. Contestants will be evaluated on craftsmanship, creativity, and presentation.
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.
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.
Runway Performance – Presentation & Impact
Contestants will take the stage and showcase their cosplay in front of the audience and judges.
Judges will evaluate:
- Presentation & Performance: Confidence, stage presence, and character embodiment.
- Overall Impact: How well the cosplay translates visually and portrays the intended character.
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).
Work-In-Progress (WIP) Books
WIP Books are required for judging. Contestants must present their WIP Book during the craftsmanship judging session.
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
