Two Days of Cosplay!

All Cosplay Contest participants must be paid attendees of LionCon. Participants must register at the Cosplay Contest Booth during the show. The Cosplay Contest Booth will be open until 3:00 PM on Saturday for registration for the various contests listed below.  Costumers may only enter one costume.

Entry Classes are:

• Master: An individual who has won four or more category awards, who has professional qualification as a costumer, or who has won Best in Show at LionCon or another convention.
  • — This is the category for someone who has “graduated” from the Journeyman category by winning four “best in" category awards or displaying skills that surpass the previous level. They display advanced knowledge of construction, design, and materials (certain % of cosplay made by you). This category also applies to entrants that are professionals in fields related to costuming. See rule 5 for more detail on %
• Journeyman: An individual who is not a professional costumer and has won 2-3 awards at other conventions.
  • — This is the category for someone who has “graduated” from the Novice category by winning a “best” award in that category or displaying skills that surpass the previous level. They display intermediate knowledge of construction, design, and materials (certain % of cosplay made by you). See rule 5 for more detail on %
• Novice: An individual who is over thirteen, not a professional costumer, and has never won or has won less than two awards at other conventions.
  • — A novice entrant has little/no experience in costuming. However, they can display basic knowledge of construction, design, and materials 
• Young Fan: An individual who is 13 years or younger. The Young Fan costume may be self-made or with the help of an adult. Young fan costume may also be store bought.

•••

Awards:

Scores given for workmanship, along with presentation. Our Judge(s) will look for technical skill, finishing, fit, handling of fabric and materials, etc.

• Best in Show: Awarded to the best combined score out of all entries. Best in Show eliminates the contestant from consideration in all other categories. They are, however, still eligible for awards in special categories.
• Best Master: Awarded to the Master with the best combined score. In the event that individual wins Best in Show, this award goes to the second ranked Master
• Best Journeyman: Awarded to the Journeyman with the best combined score. In the event that individual wins Best in Show, this award goes to the second ranked Journeyman
• Best Novice: Awarded to the Novice with the best combined score. In the event that individual wins Best in Show, this award goes to the second ranked Novice
• Best Young Fan: Awarded to the Young Fan with the best combined score. In the event that individual wins Best in Show, this award goes to the second ranked Young Fan

•••

RULES

1) The cosplay contest and the show are intended to be family-friendly and appropriate. Please use good judgment.  Costumes will be evaluated by Cosplay Contest Staff. Should a costume be deemed inappropriate, the contestant could be disqualified from the contest.

2) The LionCon Head staff reserves the right to eliminate anyone from competition based on behavior, danger to the audience/other contestants, or for any reason deemed sufficient.

3) Costumes that have won any category award at previous LionCon contests may not be entered again.

4) Costumes that have won a category award at another convention the same or similar size as LionCon must have at least 50% updates and must be entered at the next craftsmanship level. (Masters can continue to enter in master class.)

5) For Journeyman and Master category: If entering Journeyman class - All costumes must be at least 60% made by the costumer, 40% can consist of an altered or purchased item/clothing. If you made the costume but have someone modeling it, please also be present at pre-judging so the judges may address you about the crafting. If entering Master class, it is expected that you have made 70% or more of your costume. If you have questions about the percentage rule, please email to the cosplay department for clarification. (lionheartgames@hotmail.com)

6) Young children must be under the control of a responsible adult at all times.

7) No changing areas, repair/make-up supplies, or storage areas are provided for costumers.  Please come to the contest with everything you need for your costume.

8) Costumers will be required to sign a release for use of photos.

9) No whiners! Contestants are presumed to be adults, or under the supervision of one. All judges’ decisions are final.

10) All Cosplay Contest participants must be paid attendees of LionCon.