🧵 Gameacon Coachella Valley 2025 Cosplay Contest October 11–12, 2025 | The Shops at Palm Desert

Welcome to this year’s Gameacon Cosplay Contest—a celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and character! Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or a first-time cosplayer, this is your moment to shine on stage. We can’t wait to see your amazing creations!

 

How to Enter

 

Ready to compete? For more information and to register for the Cosplay Contest, make sure to visit ASTRO's booth at the event to sign up and participate! Here’s a breakdown of the process:

1. Entry Requirement: You must have a general admission ticket to Gameacon to enter the contest. There is no additional fee to compete.

2. Sign Up: There is a separate contest held each day. To enter, you must register in person at ASTRO's booth on the day you wish to compete (e.g., sign up Saturday for Saturday's contest, Sunday for Sunday's contest). Sign-ups will close one hour before each day's contest begins.

3. Prejudging Slot: When you sign up, you will be given a time slot for that day's prejudging. This is a private, close-up presentation with the judges where you can discuss your craftsmanship and build details.

 

Competition Categories

 

Our judges will place you in the category that best fits your experience level during prejudging.

• Beginner: For those new to competing or who have made less than 50% of their costume.

• Advanced: For seasoned cosplayers who have made or heavily modified at least 75% of their costume.

 

Awards & Prizes

 

All contestants are automatically considered for the following awards. Our judges will determine where your cosplay shines!

• Best in Show (Grand Prize)

• Best Advanced

• Best Beginner

• Best Craftsmanship

• Best Prop

• Judges' Choice (x3)

(Specific prizes for each category will be announced soon!)

 

Judging Process & Stage Walk

 

The contest is judged in two parts:

1. Prejudging (Craftsmanship): This is where our judges inspect your costume up close. They will look at sewing, prop-making, painting, and overall construction quality. Be prepared to talk about how you made your cosplay!

2. Stage Walk (Performance): This is your time to shine for the audience! Each contestant will have up to 60 seconds on stage to pose and embody their character. Performance, stage presence, and character accuracy are key.

 

Contest Rules & Guidelines

 

Please read these rules carefully. Failure to comply may result in disqualification.

• Originality: At least 75% of the costume must be self-made or significantly modified by you to be eligible for major craftsmanship awards. Purchased or commissioned costumes are welcome on stage but will only be judged on performance.

• Age: Contestants under 13 must have a parent or guardian's permission to enter.

• Family-Friendly: Costumes must be family-friendly and cover areas equivalent to a two-piece swimsuit. Shoes are required at all times.

• Safety: Your costume must be easy to maneuver in without assistance. Vision must not be significantly impaired. No smoke, fire, liquids, or other hazardous materials are allowed.

• Prop & Weapon Policy: All props must adhere to the Gameacon Prop Policy. As we are in a public mall, this policy is very strict. No realistic-looking props or prop firearms of any kind are permitted. Please review the full policy on our FAQ page. Mall security has the final say.

• Check-In: All contestants must check in backstage 30 minutes before the contest begins.