COSTUME CONTEST

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At A Glance

COSTUME CONTEST (ENT22215244)

DAY & TIME Saturday 4 pm – 6 pm

LOCATION Main Stage (ICC: 500 Ballroom)

Join us for Gen Con’s 37th annual Costume Contest! Whether you want to show off your cosplay skills and compete or be dazzled by the amazing creativity, the Costume Contest is a can’t-miss event at Gen Con!

You’ll find the Costume Contest on the Main Stage (ICC: 500 Ballroom) at 4 pm on Saturday. For spectators, the Costume Contest is a free, ticketed event. Attendees without tickets may be seated if space allows, but priority is given to those with tickets. A valid Gen Con 2023 badge is required for entry.

Can’t make it to the show? No worries! The Costume Contest will be livestreamed and made available by VOD on our Gen Con Live Twitch TWITCH.TV/GENCONLIVE.

Saturday Timetable

9 am

Deadline to drop entries at the Information Booth.

9:30 am – 1:30 pm

Costume Contest Check-In

Wabash West Concourse between ICC 124 and 125

Contest entries will not be accepted after check-in has closed.

3:05 pm – 3:45 pm

Costume Parade

3:30 pm

Pre-Show Entertainment

3:45 pm

Contestants report to line up for the Costume Contest.

4 pm

Costume Contest begins!

Contest Basics

Costume entries may be simple walk-on-and-pivot displays or may involve a short presentation.

Performances are limited to two minutes. You may perform your own speech, drama, song, or other skill, or you can simply model while our emcee narrates text that you provide. Either way, the emphasis of judging is on the costumes.

Costume Contest Contestant Info

Registration

Registering in advance is highly recommended. The costume contest is limited to 70 entries. If any category receives 14 entries, that category will be closed. Entries will be accepted on a first come, first entered basis. When the contest reaches capacity, a waiting list will be created. Entries on the waiting list will be admitted to the contest if a registered entry drops out or does not appear at check-in.

To register, first read the rules, then print and fill out the form linked in the QR code below or ask for a form at the Information Booth. This form does not register you for Gen Con — only the costume contest. A valid Gen Con badge and two generic tickets will be required when you sign in at Costume Contest Check-In. An emcee introduction is REQUIRED! You must submit a short introduction for yourself that you would like the emcee to read as you appear on stage. Type or handwrite it (neatly) and attach it to your entry form. This is your chance to impress the judges; include a description of the construction of your costume. This description is limited to 100 words. Gen Con reserves the right to edit material.

On-site entries: If you register on site, fill out the entry form (your introduction for the emcee must be attached and typed or neatly written) and drop it in the “Costume Contest Entry” box located at the Information Booth by 9 am on Saturday. If you miss this deadline, come directly to Costume Contest Check-In (Wabash West Concourse between ICC 124 and 125) and staff will determine if there is room for you.

Contestant Check-In: All contestants must appear at Contest Check-In. Mailing or dropping an entry form reserves a space for you, but you are not officially registered until you appear at check-in. Contestants who do not appear at check-in (see Saturday timetable) are considered dropped. Check-in takes about 30 minutes. Your emcee introduction is required at check-in.

Costume Categories

Choose a category for your costume and check it on the entry form. If your costume fits multiple categories, pick the category you prefer. We will review your costume at check-in to make sure you are in the right category. Categories may be closed depending on the number of entries.

• Fant asy / Historical: Wizards, barbarians, pixies, mermaids, warriors, Renaissance citizens, etc.

• Game Characters: Video games, board games, role-playing games, etc.

• Pop Culture: Robots, aliens, spaceship pilots, heroes, villains, etc.

• Professional: To keep the contest fair, you must enter the Professional category if you meet any of the following criteria, regardless of your age:

1. You are a past first-place winner of a Gen Con costume contest or other major costume contest within the past 5 years.

2. Your costume was constructed by a professional in the garment or costume industry, whether it was you or someone else.

3. Your costume was constructed by someone who earns the majority of their living in the construction of costumes or clothing.

• Child: A ges 0–13, all costume types

• Groups: Teams of two or more costumers.

• Potluck: Anything not mentioned above!

Awards and prizes will be presented for the following special categories:

• Best In Show

• St aff Favorite

• Golden Needle

• Wizards of the Coast: Awarded to the best cosplay featuring an iconic Dungeons & Dragons or Magic: The Gathering character/monster (ex: Tasha, Chandra Nalaar, Owlbear)

Costume Parade

The parade is a great way to gather with fellow cosplayers and show off your cosplay creativity at Gen Con! Anyone in costume may join the parade anywhere along the route listed below. Parade participants will assemble outside Hall A at 3 pm.

Contestants: The parade is encouraged but optional; contest judging will not consider parade participation.

Parade Route

The parade begins outside Hall A.

Enters Hall A traveling through the length of the Event Hall.

The parade will then exit through Hall D

The parade continues north along the Crossroads Concourse, exiting outside the doors to the Westin.

A sharp right turn on Maryland Street through the Maryland Street Motor Lobby.

Another right turn at the corner of Capitol Avenue

The parade ends at the Georgia Street entrance