Let’s play it safe! Please help do your part in upholding a safe and welcoming environment for all cosplayers at Tucson Comic-Con. Please refer to Convention Policies & Codes of Conduct and Anti-Harassment Policy pages for more information.
All Costume Contest participants must have:
- A completed online registration form (Adult Costume Contest only)
- A paid Tucson Comic-Con badge or wristband for either the full event or the day of the competition
Please note that Tucson Comic-Con staff are not eligible to compete.
Competition Divisions
You will be allotted 60 seconds for your presentation (90 seconds if your entry is a “Group” entry). While there is no requirement to perform a skit, you are encouraged to walk onto stage, strike a pose, and show the crowd your hard work!
NOVICE: Contestants who have never participated on stage at any contest at any previous convention.
INTERMEDIATE: Contestants that have entered 2 or fewer costume contests at any previous convention.
ADVANCED: Contestants that have entered more than 2 costume contests at any previous convention.
YOUTH: Contestants that are 12 years of age or under. Costumes must be made, or heavily modified store-bought, but not strictly “off-the-shelf” store bought.
Award Categories
BEST IN DIVISION: Awarded to the 1st place winner of each competition division (Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Youth).
RUNNER-UP: Awarded to the 2nd place winner of each competition category (Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Youth).
BEST ADULT GROUP: Awarded to the best adult group (more than 2 contestants) costume contest entry.
BEST YOUTH GROUP: Awarded to the best youth group (more than 2 contestants) costume contest entry.
JUDGE’S CHOICE: Honorable mention awarded to an individual contestant or group by the judges.
MC’s CHOICE: Honorable mention awarded to an individual contestant or group by the contest emcee.
BEST OVERALL: Our grand prize awarded to the best overall individual or group entry.
Costume Rules
- Convention Costume/Attire Rules apply to all contests.
- This contest is open to multiple genres! Example genres are: Sci-Fi, Anime, Comics, Manga, Fantasy, Historical, Literature, Steampunk, Television, Movies, Gaming, Animation, and more! If you have any questions concerning the appropriateness of your costume, please contact our cosplay coordinator Bonnie Acuna at: ba****@tu*************.com
- Be prepared to bring reference material, especially if your costume is obscure. Preferably, this should be a hard copy or photograph. Original characters are permitted, but pictures of your inspiration are recommended. For example, if your costume is your interpretation of a Night Elf from World of Warcraft, bring a picture of that character.
- Prejudging at the Adult Costume contest is now optional, but still encouraged.
- Each entrant may only present one costume. No costume changes are permitted.
- All participants consent to the use of pictures taken during the contest, or during pre-judging by Tucson Comic-Con for the promotion of future events and contests.
- Judge’s rulings are FINAL and may not be contested. Good sportsmanship is required for participation!
- Groups from the same theme or series are welcome to enter, but random characters from different series in a single group entry are discouraged. Groups consist of two (2) or more individuals and will be treated as one entry. Winners in group categories will receive one prize to share.
Stage Rules
- NO jumping off the stage.
- NO pyrotechnics, confetti, fireworks, smoke, or glitter bombs.
- NO throwing items or spraying liquids (water guns, fake blood, etc.) into the crowd
- Contestants are responsible for any damage to Tucson Comic-Con and/or Tucson Convention Center property.
- Do not interact with or interrupt the MC. Do not make him or your show or performance. If the name of your character or source material is mispronounced, correcting the MC before leaving the stage is permitted before your character/costume is repeated to the crowd.
- If you require assistance onto the stage due to costume restraints, staff will be available to assist you. However, staff will not be available to assist you with setup or taking down props.
- Additional time will not be allotted for set up, take down, or an elaborate performance. Please plan accordingly to fit your entire presentation into 60 seconds (90 seconds for group entries). Failure to abide by the allotted time limit may result in disqualification.
Any questions may be directed to Cosplay Coordinator Bonnie Acuna at: ba****@tu*************.com
