Everything You Need To Know About the 2026 Cosplay Contest

Geek'd Con 2026 is RIGHT around the corner. It's all going down at the Shreveport Convention Center August 14-16th in Downtown Shreveport. And one question we've been getting a lot is about the cosplay contest. So, here's all the details you need to know about this year's contest.

The cosplay contest will be back on Sunday, August 16th at 2 PM in the upstairs main panel room!

We ALWAYS have a ton of fantastic entrants into the cosplay contest. This year, the Cosplay Contest is brought to you by The Generator House in Shreveport.

Like last year, pre-registration for participants will be the ONLY WAY to sign up for the contest. Space has always been limited and it sucks having to turn folks away. We don't like turning people away anymore than they like being turned away. So, to make life easier on everyone involved, participants will be required to pre-register to participate. Pre-registration will open on Monday July 27th at 11 am. If you have questions, please reach out before hand.

Below are the categories for the Cosplay Contest:

DIVISIONS/CATEGORIES

Advanced Craftsmanship: (14 and up): You have brought your hard work here to compete. This category is for competitors who compete at the Intermediate (Journeyman) and Master levels. Have won multiple major awards at Intermediate and Master level at other cons. Must have made 75% or more of the costume yourself. Build Books and reference photos are not required but highly recommended. This helps the judges to see your progress, and how you built your cosplay. They will be Pre-judged by the Cosplay Guest Judges at a designated time & location. (5 Entrants max.)

Beginner Craftsmanship: (14 and up): This category is for first time crafters, or for crafters who compete at the Novice level. Has never won a major award in Intermediate or Master level. (For example, if you have only won judges awards or best novice/beginner but nothing higher, you may still compete in this category.) Must have made 50% or more of the costume yourself. Build Books and reference photos are not required but highly recommended. This helps the judges to see your progress, and how you built your cosplay. They will be Pre-judged by the Cosplay Guest Judges at a designated time and location. (15 Entrants max.)

Masquerade/Runway: (14 and up): Just for fun category. You just want to walk the stage and show off your costume to the crowd. Any costume allowed; bought, modified, or thrifted. Judged on wow factor/audience reaction and overall fun and uniqueness. (20 Entrants max.)

Youth Cosplay (13 years old and under): Children must be accompanied by an Adult at sign up. Any costume allowed; bought, modified, or thrifted. Just for fun. Judged on wow factor/audience reactions and overall fun and uniqueness. (20 Entrants max.)

PRIZES

Prizes provided by our fantastic partner the Generator House!

CRAFTSMANSHIP Best of Show - Prize: $500 and Award Certificate

CRAFTSMANSHIP Best Advanced Craftsman - Prize: $300 and Award Certificate

CRAFTSMANSHIP Best Beginner Craftsman - Prize: $150 and Award Certificate

MASQUERADE DIVISION 1st Place – Prize: $50 and Award Certificate

YOUTH  DIVISION 1st Place - Prize: Geek'd Con Prize Pack and Award Certificate

JUDGES SPOTLIGHT AWARD - Prize: Award Certificate

GENERAL COSPLAY RULES

• This is a Family Event. Costume must be appropriate for all ages. No costume shall be too revealing and must cover at least as well as a swimsuit. Costumes cannot be obscene, offensive, nor endorse any form of hate or hate group.
• Safety: No real weapons allowed, no sharp objects, no projectiles of any kind can be shot on stage or into the crowd, no open flames allowed, no lasers shined into crowd. All props must be checked by staff upon entry. No running or jumping on/off stage. Footwear must be worn at all times!
• Any electronics must be self-contained; no electrical outlets/extension cords required.
• Contestants allowed 15 seconds of stage time to walk across, show costume, and speak. The convention will not provide any personalized walk-on music or microphone for contestants on stage.
• No costumes allowed that have already won a Craftsmanship award at another contest.
• No poor sportsmanship, harassment, or bullying will be tolerated.
• No profanity allowed on stage, and no political or religious statements; that includes words on signage or clothes.
• You must have a ticket to the convention to enter the contest.