Cosplay Competitions at New England FanCon

New England FanCon will be hosting TWO cosplay competitions: a novice's beginner competition on August 16, and a journeyman's intermediate competition on August 15. Each category will accept up to the first 25 qualified applicants into the show. See below for details!

Novice/Beginner Competition - Sunday, August 16

GRAND PRIZE: $50

Do you have a year or less of cosplay competition experience? This is the category for you! Contestants have beginner skill in altering/constructing cosplays, from sewing to foamwork to wig styling as applicable. Storebought costumes are permitted with some intentional modification.

Journeyman/Intermediate Competition - Saturday, August 15

GRAND PRIZE: $100

For those cosplayers with a little more experience under their belt. Contestants have moderate skill in altering/constructing cosplays, from sewing to foamwork to wig styling as applicable. Storebought bases are permitted, with significant modification.

How to Participate

• See Eligibility Requirements below!
• Fill out our application form by July 21st! Please note, you must purchase a pass to FanCon to be eligible! No additional purchase necessary to participate in contest.
• Accepted? Review our scoring criteria below and start preparing your costume!
• Decide on your cosplay and any stage needs/assets by July 31st.

Scoring Criteria

Contestants will be reviewed by a panel of three judges on a cumulative points system.

• Craftsmanship/Construction Quality - 20pts: Considers how well-made the costume/modifications are. Judges will look at qualities like durability, technical skill, and detailing.
• Accuracy/Presentation - 15pts: Considers how closely the costume and/or props resemble the character. Original characters are permitted with submitted reference images.
• Performance/Stage Presence - 10pts: Considers YOUR interpretation of the character! Show us charisma, posing, and audience engagement relevant to the character. Want to do a simple walk-on? Pick out a song that shows your personal flair!
• Creativity - 5pts: Considers the elements that make your cosplay original. Did you attempt something ambitious with your construction? Is your competition dance or skit unique? Points are awarded for that special something that makes you shine.
• Bonus Points - Up to 5pts: Considers the things that blow our judges away! If any of our judges think you deserve a little extra credit at their discretion, this is their opportunity to give your score a little boost!

Eligibility Requirements & Rules

By entering the Cosplay Contest, participants agree to the following rules and conditions:

• All contestants must be registered attendees of the event.
• Contestants must be 14+ years of age. Entrants 14-17 must have a parent/guardian's permission to participate, and be accompanied by that parent/guardian at check-in.

Costume Requirements

• Costumes must comply with all event policies and local laws.
• Costumes containing offensive, discriminatory, excessively obscene, or hateful content may be disqualified at the discretion of event staff (please keep things PG-13!)
• All props must comply with the event's prop and weapons policy.
• Contestants are responsible for the safe operation and handling of their costumes and props.

Conduct

• Contestants must conduct themselves respectfully toward judges, staff, volunteers, fellow contestants, and attendees.
• Harassment, disruptive behavior, or unsafe actions may result in immediate disqualification and removal from the contest.
• Contestants must follow all safety and competition instructions given by contest staff.

Judging

• Judges' decisions are final.
• Scores, rankings, and judging notes will not be publicly disclosed unless otherwise determined by the organizers.
• Contest organizers reserve the right to adjust categories, awards, or placements if deemed necessary.

Stage Performance

• Performances must not exceed a time limit of one minute.
• Any skits, presentations, music, or performances must be appropriate for a general audience unless otherwise specified by the event. If you have any questions about permitted content, please reach out to the support team at nefanconhelp@gmail.com for assistance.
• No open flames, pyrotechnics, smoke-generating devices, hazardous materials, liquids, glitter, confetti, or other substances that may create safety hazards or require extensive cleanup are permitted.

Releases

• By participating, contestants grant the event and its representatives permission to photograph, record, and use their likeness, costume, performance, and submitted materials for promotional, marketing, archival, and social media purposes without additional compensation.
• Participants assume all risks associated with contest participation.
• The event, its organizers, sponsors, staff, volunteers, and venue shall not be held liable for personal injury, property damage, theft, loss, or other claims arising from participation in the contest.

Schedule & Attendance

• Contestants must sign up by July 21st 2026.
• Contestants must submit their final choice of cosplay and music by July 31st
• Contestants must check-in at the information desk at least 20 minutes prior to contest start. Late arrivals may be disqualified or moved to the end of the lineup at the discretion of contest staff.
• Contestants must be present to receive awards.

In Closing:

• Event organizers reserve the right to interpret, modify, or amend these rules at any time to ensure fairness, safety, and the smooth operation of the contest.
• Failure to comply with these rules may result in disqualification.
• By submitting a contest entry, the participant acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms & Conditions.