Everything You Need To Know About the 2025 Cosplay Contest

Geek'd Con 2025: the 10th Anniversary show is RIGHT around the corner. It's all going down at the Shreveport Convention Center August 22-24th in Downtown Shreveport. And the 10th anniversary means we're celebrating the past while adding some new stuff moving forward.

Which brings us to one of the most anticipated parts of Geek'd Con weekend: the cosplay contest! The cosplay contest will be back on Sunday, August 24th at 1 PM!

We ALWAYS have a ton of fantastic entrants into the cosplay contest. And over the years, we've received a lot of different feedback and requests. So, this year, we're using YOUR feedback to launch a new and improved cosplay contest - brought to you by the Sand Bar in Shreveport.

The first major change - This year, the only competitors allowed will be those that pre-register. Space has always been limited and it sucks having to turn folks away because they had trouble finding a parking spot or were running late. 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. Additional details and the pre-registration will be posted on Monday August 4th. If you have questions, please reach out before hand.

The next big change - due to popular demand - we're launching some new categories! Our cosplay competition has really elevated over the last couple years. So, to accommodate the major jumps in competition, we're leveling the playing field a bit by introducing some new categories to the contest as listed below:

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. (10 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

New contest with new divisions means a new prize breakdown, right? Well here you go! Prizes provided by our fantastic partners the Sand Bar & Johnny's Pizza 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: Free Johnny's Pizza for a Year 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.