Cosplay at Nerdi Gras

Showcase your creativity and craftsmanship in Atlanta's most inclusive cosplay contest

4 Contest Categories
$15,000 Prize Pool
300+ Participants Expected

Contest Categories

Multiple categories ensure fair competition for all skill levels

🌟

Novice Division

Perfect for first-time cosplayers or those with less than 2 years of experience. Focus on creativity, enthusiasm, and having fun!

Experience: 0-2 years
Prize Pool: $2,000
Judging Focus: Creativity & Presentation
  • 🥇 1st Place: $800 + Trophy
  • 🥈 2nd Place: $500 + Medal
  • 🥉 3rd Place: $300 + Medal
  • 🎨 Best Craftsmanship: $400
⚔️

Journeyman Division

For intermediate cosplayers with solid construction skills and 2-5 years of experience. Higher standards for craftsmanship and accuracy.

Experience: 2-5 years
Prize Pool: $4,000
Judging Focus: Craftsmanship & Accuracy
  • 🥇 1st Place: $1,600 + Trophy
  • 🥈 2nd Place: $1,000 + Medal
  • 🥉 3rd Place: $600 + Medal
  • 🎭 Best Performance: $800
👑

Master Division

Elite category for expert cosplayers with 5+ years of experience. Professional-level judging criteria for the most skilled artisans.

Experience: 5+ years
Prize Pool: $6,000
Judging Focus: Professional Standards
  • 🥇 1st Place: $2,400 + Trophy
  • 🥈 2nd Place: $1,500 + Medal
  • 🥉 3rd Place: $900 + Medal
  • 🔧 Best Construction: $1,200
👥

Group Division

For groups of 3 or more cosplayers presenting coordinated costumes or scenes. Emphasis on teamwork, storytelling, and group dynamics.

Size: 3+ members
Prize Pool: $3,000
Judging Focus: Coordination & Storytelling
  • 🥇 1st Place: $1,200 + Trophies
  • 🥈 2nd Place: $800 + Medals
  • 🥉 3rd Place: $500 + Medals
  • 🎪 Best Performance: $500

Contest Schedule

Thursday 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Registration & Check-In

Contest registration opens at the Cosplay Headquarters. Bring your completed entry forms and get your participant badge. Late registration available Friday morning with a $10 fee.

  • Entry form submission
  • Costume documentation photos
  • Division verification
  • Participant welcome packet
Friday 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Preliminary Judging

Detailed judging sessions where participants present their costumes to the judging panel. Individual meetings allow for detailed examination and Q&A about construction techniques.

  • 15-minute individual sessions
  • Construction technique review
  • Reference accuracy assessment
  • Performance preparation
Saturday 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

🏆 Main Contest & Awards

The main event! Participants take the stage for their performance portion, followed by awards ceremony. Open to all convention attendees with professional photography and streaming.

  • Stage presentations (90 seconds each)
  • Professional photography session
  • Live streaming coverage
  • Awards ceremony & prizes
Saturday 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Winners Photoshoot

Professional photoshoot for all winners and special recognition award recipients. These photos will be featured on our website and social media.

  • Individual winner portraits
  • Group photos by category
  • Social media content creation
  • High-resolution photos for participants

Judging Criteria

Our expert judging panel evaluates costumes based on these key criteria

🎨

Craftsmanship (40%)

What we look for:

  • Construction quality and technique
  • Material selection and usage
  • Attention to detail and finishing
  • Structural integrity and wearability
  • Innovation in construction methods

Scoring breakdown:

  • Novice: Effort and improvement focus
  • Journeyman: Solid technique execution
  • Master: Professional-level standards
🎯

Accuracy (25%)

What we look for:

  • Faithfulness to source material
  • Proportion and silhouette accuracy
  • Color matching and consistency
  • Detail replication and interpretation
  • Character embodiment

Special considerations:

  • Original designs welcomed in all categories
  • Creative interpretation encouraged
  • Cultural sensitivity required
🎭

Presentation (25%)

What we look for:

  • Stage presence and confidence
  • Character portrayal and acting
  • Choreography and movement
  • Audience engagement
  • Use of props and special effects

Performance tips:

  • 90 seconds maximum stage time
  • Music and sound effects allowed
  • Safety guidelines must be followed
💡

Creativity (10%)

What we look for:

  • Unique interpretation or variation
  • Original design elements
  • Innovative construction techniques
  • Creative problem-solving
  • Artistic vision and execution

Bonus considerations:

  • Working electronics or special effects
  • Unique material usage
  • Crossover or mashup concepts

Contest Rules & Guidelines

General Contest Rules

📝 Entry Requirements

  • Must be wearing a costume/cosplay to participate
  • Entry form must be completed and submitted during registration
  • All costumes must be appropriate for all ages (family-friendly event)
  • Participants must attend preliminary judging to be eligible for awards
  • One entry per person per category (may enter multiple categories)

🏆 Competition Guidelines

  • Judges' decisions are final and binding
  • Winners will be announced during the awards ceremony
  • Must be present to win - no proxy acceptance
  • Prizes are non-transferable and non-refundable
  • Contest organizers reserve the right to disqualify inappropriate entries

📸 Photography & Media

  • By entering, participants consent to photography and media coverage
  • Professional photos will be available to participants
  • Contest may be livestreamed or recorded for promotional purposes
  • Participants may opt out of social media posting upon request

🔄 Changes & Updates

  • Rules and schedule subject to change - check website for updates
  • Emergency rule changes will be announced at registration
  • Weather or venue changes may affect outdoor photoshoots
  • Refunds not available for rule changes or schedule modifications

Eligibility Requirements

👤 General Eligibility

  • Open to all convention attendees with valid badges
  • No age restrictions - categories for all skill levels
  • Minors must have signed parental consent form
  • International participants welcome
  • Professional cosplayers eligible for Master division only

🏅 Division Qualifications

Novice Division
  • First-time contest participants
  • Less than 2 years of cosplay experience
  • Never won a major cosplay award
  • Self-declaration honor system
Journeyman Division
  • 2-5 years of cosplay experience
  • Previous contest participation acceptable
  • May have won novice-level awards
  • Intermediate construction skills demonstrated
Master Division
  • 5+ years of serious cosplay experience
  • Advanced construction skills
  • Previous major award winners
  • Professional or semi-professional cosplayers
Group Division
  • Minimum 3 participants
  • All members must be convention attendees
  • Coordinated costumes or themed presentation
  • Mixed skill levels allowed within groups

🚫 Disqualification Criteria

  • Inappropriate or offensive costumes
  • Unsafe construction or materials
  • Violation of convention code of conduct
  • False information on entry forms
  • Failure to attend required judging sessions
  • Disruptive behavior during contest

Safety Guidelines

⚠️ Weapon & Prop Policy

  • NO REAL WEAPONS: All weapons must be props/replicas
  • Weapons must pass peace bonding inspection
  • Maximum prop size: 6 feet in any dimension
  • No projectile weapons or functional firearms (even replicas)
  • Bladed props must be dull and secured during performance
  • Staff reserves right to confiscate unsafe props

🔧 Construction Safety

  • No exposed sharp edges or protruding elements
  • Electrical components must be battery-powered only
  • No open flames, pyrotechnics, or smoke effects
  • Costumes must allow normal vision and movement
  • Heavy costumes must have proper support structures
  • Emergency exit accessibility required

🎭 Performance Safety

  • No physical contact with judges or audience
  • Stage boundaries must be respected
  • Choreography must be safe for performer and others
  • No jumping or high-impact movements on stage
  • Props must be controlled during entire performance
  • Emergency signals must be acknowledged immediately

🏥 Health & Accessibility

  • Contestants with health conditions should inform staff
  • Accessibility accommodations available upon request
  • Hydration breaks encouraged during judging
  • Costume adjustments allowed for comfort/safety
  • Medical staff available throughout the contest
  • Contestant wellbeing prioritized over competition

Code of Conduct

🤝 Respect & Sportsmanship

  • Treat all participants, judges, and staff with respect
  • Support fellow cosplayers regardless of skill level
  • Accept judging decisions gracefully
  • Offer constructive feedback when asked
  • Celebrate others' achievements and creativity
  • Report inappropriate behavior to staff immediately

📱 Social Media & Photography

  • Always ask permission before photographing other cosplayers
  • Respect "no photos" requests without question
  • Tag @nerdigras in social media posts about the contest
  • Use appropriate hashtags: #NerdiGras2026 #Cosplay
  • Avoid posting unflattering or embarrassing photos of others
  • Report cyberbullying or harassment to staff

🎨 Originality & Attribution

  • Give credit for commissioned pieces or collaborations
  • Be honest about construction assistance received
  • Respect intellectual property and source material
  • Avoid cultural appropriation - research and respect origins
  • Original designs and interpretations are encouraged
  • Plagiarism or false claims will result in disqualification

⚠️ Consequences for Violations

  • Warning: First minor infraction or safety concern
  • Probation: Continued minor violations or safety issues
  • Disqualification: Major violations, safety threats, or harassment
  • Convention Ban: Severe misconduct or repeated violations
  • Appeals process available through convention management
  • All decisions made in consultation with convention leadership

Workshops & Learning Opportunities

Enhance your skills with our cosplay workshops and panels led by expert crafters

Beginner

Cosplay 101: Getting Started

Perfect for newcomers! Learn the basics of cosplay planning, material selection, and simple construction techniques. Leave with a starter kit and confidence to begin your cosplay journey.

When: Friday 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Instructor: Sarah Chen & Team
Cost: Free with badge

Topics Covered:

  • Character selection and planning
  • Budget-friendly material sourcing
  • Basic sewing and construction
  • Wig styling basics
  • Makeup fundamentals
Intermediate

Armor Crafting with EVA Foam

Learn professional EVA foam techniques for creating realistic armor pieces. Hands-on workshop with materials provided. Take home a completed shoulder piece and templates for future projects.

When: Saturday 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Instructor: Marcus "ArmorCraft" Johnson
Cost: $45 (materials included)

You'll Learn:

  • EVA foam selection and preparation
  • Heat forming and shaping techniques
  • Painting and weathering
  • Attachment methods and strapping
  • Professional finishing touches
Advanced

Electronics & LED Integration

Add impressive lighting effects to your costumes! Learn to work with LEDs, Arduino basics, and create programmable lighting systems. Bring your costume project for personalized assistance.

When: Sunday 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Instructor: Dr. Elena Rodriguez
Cost: $65 (electronics kit included)

Technical Skills:

  • Basic electronics and circuit design
  • LED strip integration and control
  • Arduino programming for cosplay
  • Battery management and safety
  • Troubleshooting common issues
All Levels

Performance & Character Acting

Transform your cosplay presentation with professional acting techniques. Learn stage presence, character embodiment, and how to create memorable contest performances that captivate audiences.

When: Friday 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Instructor: Alex Theatre & Friends
Cost: Free with badge

Performance Skills:

  • Character analysis and development
  • Stage presence and confidence
  • Choreography for limited space
  • Voice and movement techniques
  • Contest presentation strategies

Workshop Registration

Workshops with fees require advance registration. Free workshops are first-come, first-served. All workshops have limited capacity, so register early!

Celebrating the incredible creativity and craftsmanship of our previous champions

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Ready to Showcase Your Creativity?

Join Atlanta's most inclusive and exciting cosplay contest! Whether you're a first-time cosplayer or a seasoned veteran, Nerdi Gras celebrates creativity at every level.

Contest Registration: Opens February 1st, closes March 15th

Workshop Registration: Available now with early bird pricing

Questions? Email cosplay@nerdigras.org