Cosplay Competition

Contest Rules

Black Hills Con COsplay COmpetition Rules

All contestants must abide by the rules of the main con
Contestants must follow given directions when interacting with the cosplay competition
Signup will close 2 hours prior to the contest and thus all cosplayers must sign up before then.
Failure to show up at the given check-in time will result in disqualification.
You must choose a category in which you qualify for, so please read the descriptions carefully
Each contestant may only sign up for one category
Contestants that will be judged should bring a printed reference photo
Contestants may be bumped into another category based on skill
Any dishonesty can result in banning from future participation in the cosplay competition
We will not accept costumes that have won a previous competition (here or elsewhere)
We will require our competitive cosplayers (Beginner/Expert) to schedule a time with us to get their costumes judged.
All cosplayers must uphold spirit of the competition
The con has the right to disqualify/remove competitors for any reason beyond these rules.

Sections

Children:

Exhibition:

This section is for anyone ages 12 and under. It will not be judged and thus will not be awarded rankings. Homemade and bought costumes alike are welcome. Applications for this section must be filled out by the contestant's parent/guardian. We will require all participants in this section arrive at latest 30 minutes prior to the scheduled time for the competition.

Exhibition:

This section is for anyone age 13 or older who either have 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. This section will not be judged and thus will not be awarded prizes.

We will require all participants in this section arrive at latest 30 minutes prior to the scheduled time for the competition.

Beginners:

Expert: (Online sign up only)

This section is for people of the age 13 or older who have made or altered at least 30% of their costume. This is for competitors who see themselves as more casual in the cosplay scene, but still work on their cosplay. These contestants should bring printed reference photos. This section will be judged. Because of this, we require all participants in this section to sign up for a judging time.

Expert: (Online sign up only)

This section is for people of the age 13 or older who Have made or altered at least 70% of their costume. This section is for competitors who see themselves as more competitive and experienced in cosplaying. Cosplayers in this section should bring reference photos and similar supplements to assist in judging (eg. Swatches, progress photos, sketches, and so on). This section will be judged. because of this, We will require all participants in this section to sign up for a judging time.

*PLEASE NOTE:

ALL APPLICANTS FOR THIS SECTION MUST APPLY ONLINE

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Which category should I sign up for?

All children under the age of 13 automatically are put into the CHILDRENS category.

For anyone 13 or over, it depends on the cosplay:

If you don't want to compete or you made less than 30% of your cosplay, the EXHIBITION category is where you belong.
If you made at least 30% of your costume, the BEGINNERS category is your best bet.
If you have made over 70% of your costume and you can provide a portfolio to the judges, then you want to sign up for the MASTERS category. If this sounds like you, don't forget that all Masters entries are REQUIRED to sign up online.

Do I have to be judged?

No. Children are never judged, and the adults have a category called "Exhibition" were they can show off their costume without judging.

Do I have to make my own costume?

To qualify for a judged section (Beginner or Expert) you will have to have made or modified at least 30% of your costume. Otherwise, you don't have to make it yourself.

Do I need to sign up online?

Only entries in the Master's category required to sign up online.

If you are entering the Beginners category a judging time slot IS REQUIRED and they are first come, first serve. That means signing up early might be a good idea.

Can I cancel/change my entry

We understand that life is unexpected, so if something comes up or there is a change of plans, please get in contact with us at bhconcosplay@gmail.com so we can work around whatever is needed.

Can I sign up at the convention?

Childrens. Exhibition, and Beginners entries are welcome to sign up in person at the convention if there is any space left. HOWEVER Masters entries are required to be entered online beforehand.

My costume Broke! what do I do?

If you just need to make repairs, we carry tools at the cosplay table to help.

If you think you can't fix it in time for either the judging, rehearsal, or the competition, talk to the cosplay desk. We will work to adjust the schedule to give you extra time to fix it.

Cosplay Competition

Think you have what it takes?

Table Of Contents

Table of contents

UPDATES FOR 2022

We are applying the following updates for the upcoming cosplay comp 2022:

Contest Rules

Black Hills Con COsplay COmpetition Rules

Sections

Children:

Exhibition:

Exhibition:

Exhibition:

Exhibition:

Exhibition:

Beginners:

Expert: (Online sign up only)

Expert: (Online sign up only)

Expert: (Online sign up only)

Expert: (Online sign up only)

Expert: (Online sign up only)

Frequently Asked Questions