

COSPLAY CONTESTS
ARE NOW OPEN!
technical
cosplay
PRIZES TO BE ANNOUNCED!
CHECK BACK SOON FOR MORE DETAILS
PEOPLE'S CHOICE cosplay
PRIZES TO BE ANNOUNCED!
CHECK BACK SOON FOR MORE DETAILS
*Please read ALL the rules below
*Be sure to scroll all the way down
technical
cosplay
We can't wait to see your AMAZING costume creations! We want to see you embody your cosplay alter-ego. Show us your creativity and skills!
Rules
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Individuals ONLY!
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No age brackets
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Each contestant may enter no more than one costume into competition.
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Costumes from all genres (video game, comic book, anime, movies, television, etc.) are acceptable. Mashups and original designs are also permitted.
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Large elaborate costumes must be handled by the contestant and/or assistants the contestant brings to help. FanfaireNYC will not be able to provide assistants.
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The majority of the cosplay must be made by the entrant. While most of your costume must be homemade, found item costumes and modified items are acceptable.
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All prop weapons must conform to the FanfaireNYC Weapons Policy, which you can find at the bottom of this page.
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During the judging portion of the event, judges will inspect each costume, inquire as to how they were designed and created, and answer questions contestants may have about the contest. All costumes must be judged in order to be eligible.
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Contestants are encourages to bring a reference photo of the character they are portraying. The judges may not know the character in question, and this will help their ability to gauge the effectiveness of the costume.
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All contestants must arrive by 2pm to check-in, although contestants will not be required to stay in the room for the full judging period.
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Contestants will be divided into 4 different categories during judging. Contestants will be asked which category they prefer during judging, although judges retain the right to bump a contestant into a higher category if they feel a costume deserves to be recognized at a higher skill level.
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All contestants are welcome to enter the People's Choice contest Sunday. If you did not win the Technical Contest, you can run as a contestant Sunday. If you did win Saturday, you can enter to walk and display but you will not be eligible for any vote casting.
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You're FanfaireNYC ticket is your entry fee. A $5 suggested donation is appreciated, but not required and can be purchased on our Eventbrite.
Criteria
Judges will use a 10-point scale to assess factors such as:
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Accuracy—resemblance to character, as applicable
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Uniqueness—positive factors that distinguish the design from others
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Craftsmanship—quality vs functionality, handmade, effort shown, prop durability
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Presentation—confidence, posture, portrayal
Schedule
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Showtime is on the afternoon of Saturday, April 29th and winners will be announced on site after judges deliberate.
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Prizes can be claimed once winners are announced.
PEOPLE'S CHOICE
cosplay
Are you fabulously EXTRA? Then this is the contest for you. We want to see you capture the essence of your character. Couples and groups are welcome.
Rules
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Costumes from all genres (video game, comic book, anime, movies, television, etc.) and mashups are acceptable.
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Individuals and groups allowed.
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No age bracket
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Large elaborate costumes must be handled by the contestant and/or assistants the contestant brings to help. FanfaireNYC will not be able to provide assistants.
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All prop weapons must conform to the FanfaireNYC Weapons Policy, which you can find at the bottom of this page.
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Pre-registration is not mandatory but strongly encouraged.
- There is no extra fee to enter this contest within FanfaireNYC.
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There will be a registration and check-in time slot right before the judging phase. If you pre-registered, you MUST visit during check-in.
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Each contestant will be given an entry number to display during their costume presentation.
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You'll have 2 minutes to show off your costume and props.
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You're FanfaireNYC ticket is your entry fee. A $5 suggested donation is appreciated, but not required and can be purchased on our Eventbrite.
Criteria
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Judging is open to all attendees who pay $1 per vote. There is no limit to how many votes a judge can purchase.
Schedule
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Showtime is on the afternoon of Sunday, April 30th and winners will be announced on site after all votes are cast and counted.
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After all entrants present their costumes, attendees will cast their votes, which are then counted and winners calculated.
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Prizes can be claimed once winners are announced.
ENTRIES
OPEN UNTIL
APRIL 28
*11:59 PM EST
Your FanfaireNYC ticket is your entry fee!
A $5 suggested donation is appreciated, but not required and can be purchased on our Eventbrite HERE.
Click the button to register for this event!
ENTRIES
OPEN UNTIL
APRIL 28
*11:59 PM EST
MEET OUR COSPLAY JUDGES
Click on each of the guest judge photos to read their bios!
FanfaireNYC Costumes and Weapons Policies
Cosplay is a big part of FanfaireNYC.
We encourage everyone to attend in costume. Our festival will feature a dedicated area for Cosplay and costume contests for kids and adults. We will also provide space for Cosplayer meet ups and group photo events.
Acceptable Costumes:
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For everyone's safety, firearms and sharpened instruments are prohibited. PEACE BONDED FOAM & LIGHT PLASTIC PROPS ONLY! We understand many characters are associated with various weapons, however, due to the fact that this event takes place in a school environment we ask you to please leave the weapons at home. To peace bond your weapons go to the coat check area.
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All costumes must observe a PG-rating, kids-friendly policy; no nudity, profanity, or abusive content.
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Any offensive content or complaints from fellow attendees will be addressed by convention staff and could result in dismissal from the premises.
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No clowning around or showing off in the common areas.
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Any prop used in an offensive manner will be confiscated.
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Do not use any sort of projectiles at all!! Nothing must leave your person while you are presenting your costume.
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No flashpots, explosive devices, or similar special effects are to be used.
Anyone who violates these rules may be disqualified from the competition and may be asked to leave the convention area.