Cosplay Contests

Since joining the cosplay community, I have become even more inspired craft and create. Going to conventions and seeing all of the skill and countless hours that cosplayers put into their cosplays has encouraged me to continue learning and motivates me to keep growing my skills.

For me, part of learning and improving has included participating in cosplay contests - to grow my crafting skill as well as my confidence!

If you were to ask anyone who knew me before I started cosplaying, I think they would be shocked to find out I now walk across stages in front of hundreds of people in crazy outfits. I am such an introvert and I have always had a big fear of being on stage or being the focus of attention in any group no matter the size. I am still a very shy and anxious person and I don't think that will ever completely change, but something about cosplay gives me just a little more confidence to where I actually WANT to go across the stage in front of hundreds of strangers. Cosplaying has helped push me out of my comfort zone and is constantly challenging me to put myself out there more. 

I have really enjoyed participating in cosplay contests. My main goal is never to win awards, but to learn from all of the experiences surrounding the contest. I have learned so much from seeing and talking to other competitors during the contest as well as from participating in pre-judging. I love having the ability to talk to other crafters and learn about methods I may have never heard of as well as to get feedback from other crafters on how I can improve my own skills. 

While winning awards is never my primary focus, it is definitely a fun bonus! Being recognized for all the hard work put in to a cosplay is always rewarding. I wanted to use this space to highlight all of the awards - big and small - that I have been selected for so far throughout my cosplay journey. I also want to use this space to share a bit of information about my experiences with each of the contests I have participated in for anyone who may be interested in competing.


ConNooga

ConNooga is located in Chattanooga, TN. The times I have participated, the contest has included pre-judging in front of a panel of judges. The contest has been a little disorganized with the contestant lineup and the pre-judging line the times I participated, but overall I have enjoyed the contest, and I know they have made changes each year to try and improve the contest!

ConNooga contest entries:

  • 2023 - Sylvie
  • 2024 - Padme (Picnic Dress)

Judges Choice - ConNooga 2024

Padme Picnic Dress - Star Wars (with the judge who selected me)

Fanboy Expo Knoxville

Fanboy Expo Knoxville is located in Knoxville, TN. I have participated in their contest a few times and it has not ever included any pre-judging to my knowledge. This contest has been different each year that I have tried to participate, but generally the contest seems to be more of a fashion show style contest with contestants walking across stage in front of the audience and judges. Some years have had % crafted requirements, but others have not.

Fanboy Expo Knoxville contest entries:

  • 2018 - Rey
  • 2022 - Ahsoka
  • 2024 - Jinx

3rd Place Overall - 2024

Jinx - Arcane


Yama Con

Yama Con is located in Pigeon Forge, TN. This contest does require contestants to sign up ahead of time online. They do have limited space, so slots will fill up. The contest reaches out to contestants to let them know if they have been accepted to participate. As the con approaches, those accepted are sent some additional communication about rules, procedures, and sign-ups for a pre-judging time slot. This contest gives out awards for Novice, Journeyman, Masters, Best In Show, and a lot of minor awards. Several contestants make build books for the judges at this contest. This has been my favorite contest to participate in so far. 

Yama Con contest entries:

  • 2023 - Jinx
  • 2024 - Scarlet Scarab
  • 2025 - Doctor Strange

"Big Bite" award - Yama Con 2023

Jinx - Arcane (award for my Fishbones prop)

1st Place Novice - Yama Con 2024

Scarlet Scarab - Moon Knight

1st Place Journeyman - Yama Con 2025

Doctor Strange - Marvel



I will continue to update this page as I participate in more contests!


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