• COSPLAY DOES NOT MEAN CONSENT. Period.
• NO NUDITY: No clothes is no clothes.
• SEXUALLY REVEALING: Because this is a family-friendly event, costumes must be appropriate for all ages. Sexually explicit, overly revealing, or provocative costumes are not permitted. This includes excessive cleavage or costumes that simulate nudity. Prohibited items include but are not limited to: exposed genital areas, visible undergarments, thong-style bottoms, pasties-only coverage, or costumes designed to simulate nudity.
• SHOES are required at all times. Even if a cosplay character goes barefoot, the cosplayer must wear shoes.
• MILITARY/LAW ENFORCEMENT COSPLAY: No costume may be realistic depictions of American Law Enforcement or current American Military uniforms, or have the words POLICE, POLICIA, SWAT, FBI, DEA, CIA or any other official Government Agency name or initials on them.
• NO TOUCHING of the cosplayer’s costumes. Many people spend a lot of time, effort and money into their cosplay. Be respectful. ASK.
• THROWING ITEMS: No throwing items of any kind including glitter, confetti, rose petals, snap firecrackers, etc
• PHOTOGRAPHS: If you want to have a photograph with a cosplayer, ensure you ask before you snap! Furthermore, get permission if any physical contact or posing is to happen.
• WEAPONS: See policy below

All prop weapons must conform to iMagicon policy, which is as follows: All weapons must be inspected by a member of our security staff and tagged prior to entry. If you have a weapon that does not pass inspection, you will not be allowed in the show. No real weaponry (live firearms, sharp blades, etc) are allowed at iMagicon. All weapons must be non-working and peace bounded. No functioning projectile weapons – including water pistols, silly-string guns, or nerf guns. Bladed weapons must be affixed in their sheaths so that they cannot be removed. No clowning around in the commons area. Any weapon used in an offensive manner will be confiscated. Anyone who violates this rule may be asked to leave the convention area with no refund given. Please use good judgement.

Any attendee wearing a bulky costume, or one with poor visibility, should have a handler available to escort him/her. If you have a cosplay that is greater than the set parameters, you will be limited to either the main floor or the armory portion of the facilities as we cannot make an opening big enough for you to move through. For cosplay contest: costumes that have low visibility or are a bit bulky may have a handler help them in individual and group competition. While for most competitors, being on the stage so everyone can see is needed. However: If, for any reason you cannot go onto the stage, bring it to the judges attention and we will see if you can perform on the main floor in front of the stage! Note: no assembly of costume is allowed on stage during the cosplay contest. This will be automatic disqualification. 

• Best Performance – 1st, 2nd & 3rd (Award trophy & prize)
• Best Handcrafted (emerging) – 1st, 2nd & 3rd (Award trophy & prize package)
• Best Handcrafted (Advanced) – 1st, 2nd & 3rd (Award trophy & prize package)
• Special Awards – Best Prop, Best Group, Judge’s Choice, etc. (varies by year)
• iMagicon Cosplayer Of The Year (Award trophy, $500 cash prize, prize package and title of 2026 iMagicon Cosplayer of the Year!)

• All cosplay entries MUST have a ticket to the event in order to participate.
• ALL participants MUST pre-register in advance to participate. If you miss online sign-up, you may register at the door on Friday only.
• Handcrafted entries will be docked points if not registered and portfolio submitted by the Thursday before iMagicon.
• All cosplayers must conform to the general cosplay rules. All fandoms are welcome: gaming, film, comics, anime, furry, etc.
• All cosplayers MUST be prejudged. If you are not within the prejudging window, you will be disqualified.
• All cosplayers must use the stage during performance, with exceptions granted by the judges.
• No jumping off the stage.
• No projectiles allowed, including glitter, confetti, rose petals, etc.
• Any skit must stay under 3 minutes.
• Come on stage, rock your shot, and make your way off to enjoy the rest of the show!
• NO walk-ups once registration has officially closed. If you miss the deadline, we are sorry.

• Costumes may be handmade or store-bought. In this division, costumes are very lightly judged but weigh significantly less in scoring than your performance. Performance means everything!
  
• No prejudging required – just bring your energy to the stage!
  
• Own your character! Stage presence and believability matter most.
  
• Perform a skit between 1–4 minutes. Time deductions apply if you run over.
  
• Age requirement: 11 and up.
  
• Awards will be given in two categories: Junior (11–17) and Adult (18+). Placements: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.
  
• Group skits are welcome! Groups will be judged in the age category of the oldest performer.

The Performance Division celebrates stage presence, acting, and entertainment above all. Costumes may be handmade, store-bought, or original design, but they count for much less than performance. Original characters (OCs) are welcome and judged fairly based on design strength and presentation.

Stage Performance Judging (120 points)

• Performance (60 points): Quality of the skit or presentation. How well the story, humor, drama, or energy comes across within the time limit.
  
• Acting & Stage Skills (30 points): Expressiveness, movement, choreography, and how well-rehearsed the act feels.
  
• Stage Presence (20 points): Confidence, impact, and audience engagement.
  
• iMagination Factor (10 points): Extra credit for creativity, originality, and surprise — especially for inventive skits or original characters.
  

Costume Judging (30 points)

• Costumes (handmade, store-bought, or original) are evaluated for completeness, creativity, and how well they support the performance.
  
• For original characters, judges focus on design strength and coherence rather than source accuracy.
  
• This score is secondary to the performance and will not outweigh stage presence or creativity.
  

Rules & Timing

• Performances must be 1–4 minutes. Going over the limit results in point deductions.
  
• Contestants must be age 11+.
  
• Groups are welcome but will be judged in the division of the oldest member.
  
• Props are allowed but must be safe, under control, and approved by the cosplay team. No projectiles, glitter, liquids, or fire effects.
  
• All performances must be safe, family-friendly, and respectful of the stage and audience.
  

Scoring & Awards

• Total possible score: 150 points (120 performance + 30 costume).
  
• Awards given for Junior (11–17) and Adult (18+) divisions: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.
  
• In case of a tie, the performance score takes precedence.

• Costumes must be primarily handmade by the entrant.
• Entries close at midnight on Thursday before convention without penalty.
• Late entries may be accepted until 5 pm Friday, April 24, 2026 (the day before competition), but will receive a late submission penalty.
• Costumes that have already won major awards at other conventions are not eligible.
• All contestants must provide proof of construction during prejudging. This can include photos, progress shots, material samples, sketches, or other documentation that shows how the costume was built.
• Proof of construction must clearly demonstrate the contestant’s own work. Lack of proof may result in disqualification or score penalties.

• Handmade Requirement: Costumes must be at least 75% handmade by the entrant. Wigs, small accessories, and minor pre-bought pieces are acceptable, but the bulk of the costume must clearly show your own work. Costumes that have already won major awards at other conventions are not eligible.
  

All contestants must provide proof of construction during prejudging. This may include progress photos, sketches, material samples, or written notes that show how the costume was built. Lack of proof may result in a score deduction or disqualification.

• Pre-registration closes Thursday, April 24 (no penalty).
  
• Late registration is open until 5 pm Friday, April 25, but will result in a 10% deduction from your prejudging score.
  
• No entries will be accepted after 5 pm Friday.

• Mandatory for all contestants.
  
• Held Saturday, 1–3 pm at the Superhero Stage.
  
• Contestants must be in full costume. If you are not present during this window, you will be disqualified.

• Each contestant will walk the stage to showcase their work.
  
• Optional short skits (1–3 minutes) are encouraged to highlight craftsmanship and character, but are not required.
  
• Skits going over the time limit will receive point deductions.

• Emerging and Advanced divisions. Placements for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in each.
  
• Eligible for Special Awards (Best Prop, Judge’s Choice, etc. – Varies by year)
  

All handcrafted contestants are automatically considered for the iMagicon Cosplayer of the Year (COPY) — trophy, $500 cash prize, prize package, and title.

The Cosplayer of the Year is not about who spent the most money, used the fanciest materials, or even followed the most technical path. This award celebrates the competitor who embodies the very heart of cosplay; creativity, ingenuity, performance, durability, and the ability to bring joy to the stage and audience.

It is the combination of talent, resourcefulness, effort, and spirit that earns this honor. A costume that holds together and tells a story, paired with a performance that moves, entertains, or inspires, speaks louder than expensive materials or perfect stitches ever could.Character is key.

Announced at the end of Saturday night’s contests, the winner will receive a trophy, prize package, $500 cash prize, and the title of iMagicon Cosplayer of the Year.

Cosplay is for everyone after all! Whether your armor is foam, cardboard, thermoplastics, fabric, or 3D print. What matters most is how you bring it to life, how you own the stage, and how you share your love of the craft with the community. This award belongs to the cosplayer who truly captures what cosplay is meant to be.

Good luck and show us your magic!

COPY Values Statement

The iMagicon Cosplayer of the Year award is not limited to the “best costume” by technical standards. It is awarded to the cosplayer who best embodies the spirit of cosplay as a whole.

Judges consider:

• Creativity and originality in design and execution
• Stage presence, performance, and ability to bring the character to life
• Durability and functionality of the costume under real conditions
• Ingenuity and resourcefulness, regardless of materials used
• Fun, joy, and the ability to inspire the audience and community
  

This award recognizes that cosplay is about more than rules, materials, or money. It celebrates talent, heart, and the ability to make characters real in a way that resonates with others. Whether built from cardboard, foam, fabric, or 3D print, the Cosplayer of the Year is the one who shows us that cosplay is for everyone.

Costume Judging

• Costumes must be at least 75% handmade by the entrant. Wigs, small accessories, and minor pre-bought elements are acceptable, but the majority of the costume must be constructed by the competitor.
  
• Judges evaluate craftsmanship based on proof of construction provided during prejudging (progress photos, notes, sketches, or samples). Lack of proof may reduce your score.
  
• Elements judged include: costume construction, sewing/painting/finishing work, wig and makeup styling, hand props, and overall presentation. Stage set pieces or props not worn by the cosplayer will not be judged as part of the costume.
  
• Shop-purchased items (such as replica props or weapons) are not eligible for craftsmanship points, but may still be carried on stage if they meet safety rules.
  
• 3D printing, fabric printing, or other automated tools are allowed. However, downloaded patterns or unmodified print files are considered commercial products and will not earn craftsmanship credit.
  
• If any element’s origin is unclear, judges may request clarification during prejudging.
  

Stage Performance Judging

• Every contestant will walk the stage; a 1–3 minute presentation or skit is optional but encouraged. Maximum time is 4 minutes; exceeding this results in point deductions.
  
• Judges score based on performance quality, stage presence, creativity, entertainment value, and how well the character is brought to life.
  
• Props must be under the competitor’s control at all times. No projectiles, glitter, liquids, fire, or hazardous effects are allowed. Smoke machines may be used only with prior approval and a handler.
  
• Up to 3 stage props are allowed. Each must be under 20 lbs and within 85” tall × 83” wide × 35” deep. Oversized props may result in point deductions or disqualification.
  
• All props must be set up within the 30-second changeover window between acts. Only designated handlers may assist.
  
• Contestants must leave the stage promptly after performing.
  

Scoring

• Total score: 200 points maximum (100 for costume craftsmanship, 100 for stage performance).
  
• Categories may include:
  
  • Craftsmanship & Build Quality (40)
    
  • Accuracy & Precision (40)
    
  • Technical Skill (20)
    
  • Performance (50)
    
  • Stage Presence/Acting (20)
    
  • Costume Stage Presence (20)
    
  • Creativity/“iMagination Factor” (10)
    
• The highest and lowest scores are dropped; the average of the remaining judges’ scores becomes the final.
  
• In case of a tie, the stage judges will make the final determination.