Please make sure you have read all the rules for the Cosplay Contests before submitting your application.
COSPLAY CONTESTS
SKIT CONTEST (Friday)
Store-bought or handmade, hit the stage and show off your skills in our performance-packed Cosplay Skit Contest—perfect for beginners and veterans alike, with 4-minute skits and prizes for top acts! Placements of first, second and third in each category.
Store-bought or handmade costumes welcome!
No prejudging required.
Take the stage and perform a short 1–3 minute skit as your character. Bring the fun, bring the flair—this contest is all about performance and personality!
- Ages 11+
- Awards for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place in both Junior and Adult divisions
- Group entries welcome (category based on oldest performer)
- No portfolio or craftsmanship judging—just show us your stage chops!
HANDCRAFTED CONTESTS (Saturday)
Prejudging at 4 PM – Superhero Stage
Contest: 5:30 PM – Superhero Stage
Handmade costumes only (75% or more handmade).
Two categories available based on skill level. All participants must wear their cosplay to prejudging and submit a portfolio to: cosplay@imagiconnd.com no later than Wednesday, April 23 to avoid penalties.
Amateur Handcrafted Cosplay Contest
Perfect for those newer to cosplay craftsmanship!
- Focus on basic construction, painting, details & character immersion
- Includes optional 1–3 minute skit to show off your work and earn points
- Portfolio not required, but recommended. Submit a portfolio by Wednesday, April 23 to cosplay@imagiconnd.com.
- Awards for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place
Advanced Handcrafted Cosplay Contest
For experienced builders bringing their best work to the stage!
- Focus on craftsmanship and execution such as stitching, details, use of material.
- 1–3 minute skit for performance points
- Must submit a portfolio by Wednesday, April 23 to cosplay@imagiconnd.com to avoid penalties.
- Cosplay that have previously won awards at any convention are ineligible unless significantly modified and documented
- Awards for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place
Q: What is Handmade?
A: iMagicon follows a strict 75% Handmade and 25% policy (typically allotting for Wig, Minor Accessories, ect). In this competition our focus is geared more on the craftsmanship involved. Amateur and Advanced with placements of first, second and third! Our age range is age 11-Infinity (younger will also be welcomed – please email us)! Please be honest and gauge how you feel your work is during registration. Major prizes up for grabs too in each category and a $400 cash prize for the Cosplayer of the Year, courtesy of Rock 30 Games – Minot! That being said, see the two handcrafted categories below for the specific requirements of each.
Pre-Registration online will be available until Thursday, April 24! After that you will have one final chance for late registration at the door on Friday, April 25 to sign up for Saturday’s handcrafted competition (advanced handcrafted will be penalized 10% for a Friday late registration)!
After that, no sign up, no competing!
Q: What is a portfolio?
A.: A portfolio is simply documentation of our cosplay crafting journey. What materials you used, and photos that show your progress. All participants in the Advanced Handcrafted Cosplay Contest must submit a portfolio that showcases their cosplay crafting journey. Portfolios need to be sent to cosplay@imagiconnd.com before Wednesday of competition. Note: You cannot compete in a cosplay that you already won awards in at other conventions unless significant changes occurred and are documented.
Contestants must present their cosplay during pre-judging at 4 pm Saturday by the Superhero Stage.
Please make sure you have read the Cosplay Contest Rules before signing up.
Cosplay Contest Prizes
- Best Skit Role Play (Friday): 1st, 2nd & 3rd – Trophy + Prize
- Best Amateur Cosplay (Saturday): 1st, 2nd & 3rd – Trophy + Prize Package
- Best Advanced Cosplay (Saturday): 1st, 2nd & 3rd – Trophy + Prize Package
- Cosplayer of the Year: $400 Cash + Trophy + Prize Package + Title
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COSPLAY PRIZES
Cosplay contest awards will be issued as follows:
Best Skit Role Play: 1st, 2nd & 3rd (Award trophy & prize)
Best Amateur: 1st, 2nd & 3rd (Award trophy & prize package)
Best Advanced: 1st, 2nd & 3rd (Award trophy & prize package) – YOU MUST SUBMIT PORTFOLIO (proof of construction)* to cosplay@imagiconnd.com a week PRIOR to competition.
iMagicon Cosplayer Of The Year (Award trophy, $400 cash prize, prize package and title of 2025 iMagicon Cosplayer of the Year!)