Craftsmanship Cosplay Contest

Prepare to unveil your masterful creations at the Craftsmanship Cosplay Contest! This competition invites cosplayers to showcase their painstakingly crafted costumes, vying for enticing cash prizes and captivating trophies. What sets this contest apart is the esteemed panel of judges—our advanced guest cosplayers—who will bring their discerning eyes and wealth of experience to evaluate the intricate details and dedication woven into each cosplay entry. Beyond being a mere contest, it’s an unparalleled opportunity for participants to impress and gain recognition from some of the most talented figures in the cosplay community.

If accepted to participate, you will receive a link that will allow you to create a bio on the event website that includes adding photos and videos as well as sharing your background as part of our marketing of the contest. Plus accepted contestants get a BOGO code for 2 tickets, and 1 free dessert ticket.

Below you can meet the judges, followed by the application as well as contest guidelines and rules. See our Contestant & Panel Host FAQ for more info.

Craftsmanship Cosplay Contest Judges to be announced

Application Deadline & Prizes

July 31st, or until all 20 slots are full. $500 in cash prizes plus trophies for Journeyman, Masters, Best in Show, plus two Judge’s Choice.

Rules and Guidelines

Entrants will either enter as a child (17 and under) or an adult (18+).
Craftsmanship Contest is limited to 20 entrants.
If we have not received 30 online entrants for the Craftsmanship Contest prior to the convention, walk-up registration may be available.
If there are more then 30 online entrants, not every online entrant will be able to participate. 30 entrants will be selected prior to the convention and notified via email.
Submitting a photo of your progress in your pre-registration may increase your chances of being selected if there are more than 30 registrants.
Children will not count toward the 30 entrant limit.
All entrants must check-in for the cosplay competition when they arrive at the convention.
Nudity is not a costume. Costumes must be PG-13.
Craftsmanship Contest will take place on Saturday and pre-judging is mandatory.
Missing pre-judging will disqualify you for any award.
Selected Craftsmanship entrants will receive an email including their pre-judging time. Please see information desk for pre-judging location.
This is a Craftsmanship show. Costumes must be 25% handmade, or altered, upcycled. Entrants will be judged on craftsmanship only. (Please note, store bought costumes are welcome to enter our runway contest on Sunday. Registration will be at the convention!)
Re-Run Rules: Any costume that has won an award at a previous convention or event is not eligible to win an award at Sunshine City Scare. This includes best in show, category awards or minor awards. Winning an award during the Craftsmanship contest will make that costume ineligible to win an award at Sunday’s Runway contest. A costume that does not place at the craftsmanship contest is welcome to renter their costume at the runway show on Sunday. You can enter a new costume on Sunday regardless of Saturday results.
Group cosplays will be judged as one entry.
Craftsmanship Contest awards will be Best Child (Under 18), Best Novice, Best Journeyman, Best Master, and Best in Show.
Build books and/or references are not required, but recommended.
Language about the categories-
- Journeyman: Has won best novice, or any minor award in a contest and/or competed in competitions for more than 2 years.
- Masters: Anyone is welcome to enter master. This category is for anyone that has won best journeyman, that has won Best in Show or has won minor awards and been competing for more than 5 years.
- Two Judges Choice awards.
- Judges reserve the right to move contestants up categories at their sole discretion.
Judges’ decisions are final