MaricopaCon strives to present a Cosplay Contest that can be fully enjoyed by both contestants and audience members.

As such, the number one rule, whether you are watching or participating, is to have fun and encourage others.

The contest is not just a fashion show but about creativity and celebrating characters, their humor/drama, and the art of costuming.

--All participants must have a MaricopaCon 2019 badge.

--All participants must read and agree to follow all rules of the Cosplay Contest.

--Costumes that won cash prizes at any previous MaricopaCon cosplay competition are ineligible.

--All costumes from all genres and media are accepted (no nudity)

--Reference pictures will be required. This includes screen captures, photos, posters, comics, or any other official medium that reveals  the character's full costume. The pictures should reveal different views of the character (i.e. front, back, sides). Do not assume judges know your costume or character! 

--All entrants will participate in the performance portion (either in a skit or a walk-on).

--Judging panel is made up of popular/respected cosplayers and costume makers.

--Awards include Best of Show and Fan Favorite.

COSTUME CONSTRUCTION

The Costume construction scoring is based on the Adaptation and Representation of your costume to the character design as well as resemblance to character shown in documentation. Costume construction judging also takes into account use of materials, construction methods and durability, and use of appropriate/innovative methods and applications. Pre-fabricated, store-bought or rented costumes can compete in the cosplay contest but automatically receive a score of 0 for Costume Construction.  To score in Costume Construction the costume must be made by the wearer or a fellow fan. Store-bought elements can be incorporated into costumes, but the full costume cannot have been purchased or rented.

PRESENTATION

Walk-on –-- Quick presentation consisting of a few poses intended to show off a costume. Up to 30 seconds.

OR

Skit---characters talking to each other or the audience and acting out a scene. Duration up to 90 seconds.

Scoring is based on costume, portrayal, and performance.  A group skit can last up to 180 seconds.

FAN FAVORITE

Win the crowd and win this award. Each MaricopaCon attendee that is part of the audience for the Cosplay contest will have the opportunity to cast a vote for their favorite entry in the cosplay contest.  If there is a tie, the Con Chair will break the tie.

BEST IN SHOW

Costume Construction score plus your Presentation score. 

Highest total is Best in Show and is the 2019 MaricopaCon Cosplay Contest winner.

-MaricopaCon is a family friendly event. Content should not go beyond PG-13. Offensive language of any kind is not allowed—no racial or sexual epithets; no profanity, etc. (this includes messages on signs or clothes).

-Be clever, not crass! If you think your costume or presentation might be too risqué or offensive, it probably is.

-No using stage time to make political, religious, insulting, or other demonstrations not related to your entry.

-No excessive violence.

-No sexual activity or contact (real or implied)

-No nudity—No costume is no costume

-If you need to throw something during your presentation clear it with Cosplay Contest director.

-No fire, smoke, flashpots, explosive devices,  messy substances, lasers, pressurized gases or liquids.

-All prop weapons must be peace bonded and approved.

-All weapons must be non-working and peace bonded. No functioning projectile weapons – including water pistols, silly-string guns, and ping-pong pistols. Bladed weapons must be cased or sheathed at all times

-You may surprise the audience, but NEVER SURPRISE THE JUDGES/CHAIR.

-By registering for the Cosplay contest, all participants agree to allow MaricopaCon to use their images for promotional purposes, both photographs and video.

MaricopaCon is Arizona's first kickstarted gaming convention.  It started at Jason's house and was held there the first two years.  The 3rd year brought about the Kickstarter project and a public venue.  This will be the 7th year at a public venue and it will be made possible by the kickstarter supporters and GMs.  We specialize in small and cozy feel with a chill atmosphere.  MaricopaCon brings together many of the local game designers who have had many successful kickstarted projects of their own!

Clash of Steel is the parent company that runs MaricopaCon.  They specialize in hand-cast pewter miniatures, 3D printed objects, perler bead art, and acrylic paintings.  Jason's art has been shown in the Firehouse Gallery and Frontal Lobe Gallery.  Visit his Deviant Art page at https://jasonyoungdale.deviantart.com/gallery/