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The Cosplay Competition is an event where you get to show off your costuming skills and have a chance to compete against other cosplaying individuals!

Cosplay Competition

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Categories

Children
(Not Judged)

This division is for anyone 12 and under. It will not be judged and thus will not be awarded prizes.  Homemade and store-bought costumes are welcome. Applications for this section must be filled out by the contestant's parent/guardian.  

Exhibition
(Not Judged)

You must be 13 or older and have either not made/altered any aspect of their costumes, or do not wish to be judged. This is your time to show off your costume to the entirety of the con without the added pressure of the competition!  This section will not be judged and thus will not be awarded prizes. 

Group
(Not Judged)

*MUST SIGN UP ONLINE BY (May 31st)  FOR JUDGED PORTION*

You must be 13 or older (with an exception for children under this age who have a an adult/guardian participating with them in the Unjudged portion of the Group Contest) and have each individually made 30% of your costume contributing to the Group Costume for the judged portion. In this section a group is considered two or more people with corresponding costumes within the same fandom they have created their costumes for. Printed references for each cosplay is encouraged but not required!

Beginner
(Judged)

You must be 13 or older and have made or altered at least 30% of your costume. This division is for cosplayers who are looking for a chance to compete in a more casual way while also showing off your skill. It is encouraged that you bring printed references for your cosplay but not required. Contestants are not allowed to enter costumes that have won more than one award at any conventions. They are also not allowed to enter costumes that have won any award here or at another convention.

Expert
(Judged)

*MUST SIGN UP ONLINE BY (May 31st) FOR JUDGED PORTION* Online sign ups only

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You must be 13 or older and have made or altered at least 70% of your costume. This section is for competitors who's skills who exceed the Beginner division and wish to face a more competitive lineup. Cosplayers in this section MUST bring reference photos and similar supplements to assist in judging (exp. Swatches, progress photos, sketches, ect.) Contestants are not allowed to enter  costumes that have won more than one award at our convention or another convention.

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BHC is now offering the first place winner of the Experts category the chance to come back the following year as a Guest Judge as well as a weekend pass for the convention upon agreeing to be a Guest Judge. If you have any questions, please read our FAQ at the bottom of the page or reach out to us via bhconcosplay@gmail.com

Group
(Judged)

*MUST SIGN UP ONLINE BY (May 31st) FOR JUDGED PORTION*

 

You must be 13 or older (with an exception for children under this age who have a an adult/guardian participating with them in the Unjudged portion of the Group Contest) and have each individually made 30% of your costume contributing to the Group Costume for the judged portion. In this section a group is considered two or more people with corresponding costumes within the same fandom they have created their costumes for. Printed references for each cosplay is encouraged but not required!

Black Hills Con: Cosplay Competition Rules

  • All contestants must abide by Black Hills Con's policies found on our website under the POLICIES tab.

  • Contestants must follow given directions when interacting with Staff for Cosplay Contest

  • All who wish to signup must do so online before deadline or in person up until 2 hours prior to the competition itself.

  • Failure to arrive check-in time or judging time will result in disqualification.

  • All contestants must choose a category they qualify for, so please read our descriptions carefully! If there are any questions, please feel free to reach out to us through our email!

  • Contestants may be switched to a different category at judges/Head of cosplays discretion.

  • Any contestants found being dishonest in regards to any of our rules will face disqualification as well as the potential of being banned from future contests under Black Hills Con.

  • Beginners are required to schedule a judging time either via email or upon signing up day of at the Cosplay Table. Experts and Judged Groups are required to schedule a judging time via email upon online sign up.

  • Remember to HAVE FUN! While this is a contest, don't get down if you don't happen to win! We're all here to have fun and support one another!

BHC Cosplay Table Hours

Friday

Cosplay Table Opens (TBD)

  • Cosplay 101 (Hosted by Head of Cosplay: Jazmine) 

  • Cosplay Table Closes 

 

(During these times, attendees can register for our beginners category and unjudged categories of the cosplay contest. They can also sign up for cosplay chess.)

Saturday

Cosplay Table Opens/Judging Begins (TBD)​

  • Cosplay Parade 

  • Judging Times Close 

  •  Cosplay Table Closes

  • Cosplay Contest Rehearsal/Setup 

  • Cosplay Contest 

 

(During the times Cosplay Table is open, attendees can register for our beginners category and unjudged categories of the cosplay contest. They can also sign up for cosplay chess.)

Sunday

Cosplay Table Opens (TBD)

  • Cosplay Chess 

  • Cosplay Table Closes 

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at bhconcosplay@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your Cosplay question.

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