We can't wait to see your AMAZING costume creations! We want to see you embody your cosplay alter-ego. Show us your creativity and skills!

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Rules

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• Individuals ONLY!

• No age brackets

• Each contestant may enter no more than one costume into competition.

• Costumes from all genres (video game, comic book, anime, movies, television, etc.) are acceptable. Mashups and original designs are also permitted.

• Large elaborate costumes must be handled by the contestant and/or assistants the contestant brings to help. FanfaireNYC will not be able to provide assistants.

• The majority of the cosplay must be made by the entrant.  While most of your costume must be homemade, found item costumes and modified items are acceptable.

• All prop weapons must conform to the FanfaireNYC Weapons Policy, which you can find at the bottom of this page.

• During the judging portion of the event, judges will inspect each costume, inquire as to how they were designed and created, and answer questions contestants may have about the contest. All costumes must be judged in order to be eligible.

• Contestants are encourages to bring a reference photo of the character they are portraying.  The judges may not know the character in question, and this will help their ability to gauge the effectiveness of the costume.

• All contestants must arrive by 2pm to check-in, although contestants will not be required to stay in the room for the full judging period.

• Contestants will be divided into 4 different categories during judging. Contestants will be asked which category they prefer during judging, although judges retain the right to bump a contestant into a higher category if they feel a costume deserves to be recognized at a higher skill level.

• All contestants are welcome to enter the People's Choice contest Sunday. If you did not win the Technical Contest, you can run as a contestant Sunday. If you did win Saturday, you can enter to walk and display but you will not be eligible for any vote casting.

• You're FanfaireNYC ticket is your entry fee. A $5 suggested donation is appreciated, but not required and can be purchased on our Eventbrite.

• Maximum of 30 contestants

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Criteria

Judges will use a 10-point scale to assess factors such as:

• Accuracy—resemblance to character, as applicable

• Uniqueness—positive factors that distinguish the design from others

• Craftsmanship—quality vs functionality, handmade, effort shown, prop durability

• Presentation—confidence, posture, portrayal

 

​Schedule

 

• Showtime is on the afternoon of Saturday, April 6, 2024  and winners will be announced on site after judges deliberate. 

• Prizes can be claimed once winners are announced.