Cosplay Contest
MEMPHIS COMIC EXPO COSPLAY CONTEST
Sign up early—spots are limited and first come, first served!
Join us Saturday at 4:00 PM on the Main Stage for the Memphis Comic Expo Cosplay Contest! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, we’ve got a category for you. Awards, cash prizes, and cosplay glory await!
IMPORTANT INFO
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Contest Date: Saturday at 4:00 PM on the Main Stage
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Pre-Judging: Saturday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
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On-Site Signups: Open from con opening until noon (or until slots are full)
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Pre-Register: Recommended to guarantee your spot!
CONTEST CATEGORIES
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Junior (14 & under)
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Novice (Beginner)
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Journeyman (Intermediate)
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Master (Advanced)
Each contestant will receive a 6-minute judging slot and must be judged before 1:00 PM to qualify for awards. All entries must include costumes that are at least 70% handmade or significantly modified. Commissioned costumes and group entries are not eligible for the craftsmanship competition this year.
ELIGIBILITY & REQUIREMENTS
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All participants must be registered MCX attendees
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Costumes from any genre are welcome—including anime, comics, video games, and original designs
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Original characters must include reference art or design documentation
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If modeling a costume made by someone else, the maker must be present at judging
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Costumes that have previously won Best in Show or 1st in division are ineligible unless 75% has been remade
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Contestants must appear on stage during the show to qualify for awards
DIVISION GUIDELINES
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Novice
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New to cosplay contests
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Has not won 1st place in Novice or awards in higher divisions
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Costume must be 70% self-made
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Journeyman
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Moderate experience and previous contest participation
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Has not won 1st place in Journeyman or any Master division awards
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Costume must be 70% self-made
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Master
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Highly experienced cosplayers with multiple awards
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Costume must be 70% self-made
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Junior (14 & under)
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Adults may assist, but juniors must participate in construction
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Extra credit for significant youth involvement
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Adults should be present during judging to explain their role
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STAGE AWARDS
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Best in Show
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Master Division: 1st Place & Runner-Up
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Journeyman Division: 1st Place & Runner-Up
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Novice Division: 1st Place & Runner-Up
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Youth Division
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Best Makeup
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Best Armor
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Best Prop
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Best Sewing
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Judges’ Choice
PEOPLE'S CHOICE RUNWAY SHOW
Sunday at 2:00 PM on the Main Stage
Not entering the contest but still want to strut your stuff? Join us for the People’s Choice Runway Show! No judging, just show off your look and let the crowd decide. The fan favorite is determined by audience applause for a cash prize!
GENERAL RULES
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MCX is a family-friendly event: no nudity, profanity, or inappropriate content (verbal, written, or visual)
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No projectiles, pyrotechnics, or live flames of any kind
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Contestants are responsible for costume maintenance during the show
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Handlers are allowed for large or complex costumes, but MCX will not provide them