Thank you for your interest in joining The Nostalgia Con Cosplay Competition!
The Nostalgia Con 2026 Cosplay Contest — $10,000, One Winner
Sunday, October 4, 2026 · 3:00–6:00 pm
One cosplayer leaves The Nostalgia Con with $10,000. Not a split, not a division prize. One winner.
This is a craftsmanship contest. Before the show, every entrant sits down privately with our panel of judges, who look at the build up close and ask how it was made. The judges advance six finalists, those finalists are re-judged head to head, and the winner is announced from the stage at the end of the night.
Bring what you're proudest of. Scratch-built armor, a hand-sewn gown, a mixed-media original design — entries are scored on how well you executed what you set out to make, not on how big or expensive it is. Novice, Intermediate and Master all compete for the same prize, and we will also have subcategories naming Best Craftsmanship, 3x Judge's Choice, and Crowd Favorite. (Those winners will win the title assigned and may include convention merch/autographed memorabilia)
To enter you must:
Be at least 13 years old on October 4, 2026
Hold a paid Weekend or Sunday badge
Have built the costume yourself — no commissions, no professional costumers
Enter as an individual; there are no group entries
Keep it family-friendly
Applications close October 1, 2026.
[Read the full rules] -
Questions about the contest, feel free to reach out to: Aerons@thenostalgiacon.com