Con Nooga contests

 Con Nooga Cosplay Contest Rules & Guidelines

Whether you’re stepping on stage in your very first costume or unveiling a masterpiece built over months, you belong here. Con Nooga celebrates creativity at every level.

ALL CONTESTANTS MUST PRE-REGISTER: 

*See Button Below*

Failing to show up for your scheduled time slot forfeits your position in prejudging and the competition.

Pre-registration spots are limited to 54 first come first serve 3 minute sessions.

Eligibility

• Contestants must be registered Con Nooga attendees with a valid badge or wristband.
• All ages are welcome, however there is a separate cosplay contest for kids 0 - 13 hosted with less strict rules at 3 PM Saturday on the Main Stage.
• Group entries are allowed. One person must act as the group representative.
• Cosplayers may only enter one contest category.

Costume Categories

Contestants must choose one category that best represents their costume and experience level.

Off the Rack (70% or more purchased)

Store-bought or commercially made costumes.

• Minor modifications allowed such as simple tailoring, styling, makeup, or accessories.
• No major structural changes or heavy fabrication.
• Perfect for first-time competitors or anyone who just wants to show off a great look.

Off the Machine (70% or more hand made)

Hand made cosplays sewn/fabricated by YOU. (Cosplays fabricated by another person but worn by you will be shifted to Off the Rack category)

• Build book and reference photos will be requested.
• Judges may ask to inspect your stitching/get a close up look of cosplay/feel materials.
• Perfect for serious competitors.
• This category will be split into the following skill levels:
  • Novice
  • Journeyman
  • Master
  • Unranked/No current level

Off the Dome (OCs/Mashups)

Cosplays rooted in your creativity. Original characters, mashups, and personificatoions go here.

• References will be required for mashups. 
• Please summarize the story behind your character in your application/to our judges. 
• Be sure to tell us why this character is important to you!

Props

Category for showcasing props over clothing/makeup/other.

• Judges may ask to touch/hold your prop.
• You may be in full cosplay however the judgement over this category will be focussed on your props.
• Props must be 90% hand made to be considered. 

Content & Conduct

Costumes must comply with Con Nooga’s general code of conduct.

• No hate symbols, offensive imagery, or unsafe materials.
• All costumes must remain secure and Con-safe.
• All genetalia simulated or otherwise must be completely and consistently covered. 

Respect judges, staff, fellow contestants, and the audience. We’re here to cheer, not duel.

Judging & Presentation

Judging criteria may include craftsmanship, accuracy, creativity, and stage presence.

• Judges’ decisions are final and immune to persuasion.
• Time limits for stage presentation must be followed.
• If you do not arrive for your scheduled judging time you will forfeit your spot.

Media & Photography

By entering, contestants grant Con Nooga permission to photograph or record their cosplay for promotional use.

Disqualification

Contestants may be disqualified for:

• Failure to follow staff instructions.
• Unsafe costumes or behavior.
• Unsportsmanlike conduct.
• Attempted bribery of judges (even with baked goods).
• Failure to show up for your scheduled prejudging slot. 
• Failure to attend the stage walk. 

Awards & Prizes

• Winners will be announced at the conclusion of the contest on stage.
• Prizes are non-transferable.
• Prizes will consist of trophies, 2027 badges, and in special cases custom awards for judge’s favorites. 

FAQ

• Prejudge slots are Friday 7 - 8:30 PM and Saturday 1 - 2:30 PM in Room 13 by pre-registration only. 
• No walk-ins will be admitted.
• You may not reschedule your prejudging.
• Stage walk is on Saturday at 6 PM on the Dread Hollow Stage.

Please provide the song title and artist to the DJ before the contest begins so the track can be queued in advance. If you have not signed up online, on-site sign-up will be available at the Dread Hollow Stage prior to the event.

Group Performances:

• Groups may consist of two to three performers.
• Performers will lip-sync to a song of their choice.
• Judges will score entries based on:
  • Overall look and presentation
  • Performance style
  • How well the song complements the cosplay

Solo Performances:

• Solo performers follow the same rules and judging criteria as groups.
• Only one performer may be on stage for solo entries.

If you will be singing, please provide a karaoke or instrumental version of your song. We will not be able to locate or create karaoke tracks on-site.

Live Music:
If you are playing live music, please speak with host Travis in advance so we can coordinate equipment and timing.

Stand-Up Comedy:
Stand-up performances must be 5 minutes or less.

Safety Guidelines:
Performances must not include anything that could endanger yourself, other performers, guests, or crew, or cause any damage to facilities or equipment.

The  room has been transformed into a giant board game! Some squares lead to  fun mini-games, while others offer small prizes. Roll the dice and join  this unique take on a classic game—where you are the game piece.

One  player will be blindfolded and given a Nerf toy. All other participants  will scatter! You may choose to stay quiet or make as much noise as you  like to throw the hunter off.

Important Rule: For safety, all players must stay off the stage and away from the DJ booth at all times.

Romance Not Required!

Think  you know your partner, friend, or cosplay buddy better than anyone  else? Your OTP-in-real-life? It’s time to put that knowledge to the  test!

Couples  and friend pairs will answer questions about each other to earn points  and prove whether their ‘ship is truly seaworthy. Limit of 6 pairs. The  ‘ship with the most points at the end of the game is declared the  winner.