Saratoga Comic Con 2025 Craftsmanship Contest – Rules/Guidelines UPDATE

Hi Cosplayers!

As we approach Saratoga Comic Con and signups for the Craftsmanship division approach, we wanted to make sure there was an updated post with all guidelines and rules updated for 2025.

MAIN UPDATES:

• Good Sportsmanship – this is a great community of cosplayers who support each other but it’s important to cheer for everyone. Accept the decisions of the judges and support your fellow competitors! Anyone found harassing any competitor will be disqualified and banned from future Saratoga Comic Cons per the harrassment policy.
• To qualify for best craftsmanship, you must have handmade 50% of your cosplay at minimum. This includes so many mediums – propwork, wig styling, sewing ect. If any part of your cosplay was commissioned, you MUST note it with credit to the artist in your build book/on a build sheet filled out by the competition. For example – if you made your entire outfit but commissioned the styled wig, you must let the judges know.
• Sandbagging rule! If you have won a major award in this cosplay, you may not entire the winning cosplay and we encourage you to enter another one. Honorable mentions are allowed as long as you note it in the entry form – and also if you have made considerable changes or improvements to the cosplay since the win.
• THREE POSES – We need to see your cosplay which means we need more stage time from YOU! Please prepare three poses for your stage walk – there will be spots labeled on stage where to pose and hold the pose for a few seconds. It will be fun!

SATURDAY: ADULT CONTEST (AGES 17 AND UP)

The categories are as follows:

-Best Craftsmanship – Did you make more than 50% of your cosplay? This one is for you!

-Best Makeup – Do you specialize in makeup? The trophy awaits!

-Sustainablity Award – Is your cosplay thrifted or made from recycled materials? This award is unique to Saratoga Comic Con!

Best Group – Will you and your bestie join us on stage?

BEST IN SHOW: All categories are eligible for Best in Show!

— ULTIMATE COSPLAYER – This one is Cosplay of the Season at Saratoga Comic Con! It should show exceptional passion, hard work and great sportsmanship.

— CONTESTS WILL BE LIMITED TO 75 FOR CONTESTANT SIGNUPS. Sign ups will be ONLINE beforehand for craftsmanship and performance. A limited amount of walk ons may sign up at the show at the Saratoga Comic Con Cosplay Department Booth, first come first served and they will go quick! A group counts as ONE entry. 

⁃ To qualify for Best Craftsmanship, 50% or more of your cosplay must be crafted by you. If any small part of your cosplay was commissioned, that must be noted with credit to the artist. 

⁃ Max group size is 6 cosplayers!

PLEASE NOTE – PERFORMANCE COMPETITION WILL BE SEPARATE THIS YEAR. WE WILL HAVE ANNOUNCEMENTS ON THIS RELEASED BEFORE THE END OF JANUARY 2025.

Be supportive of your community! The contest should be a positive and enjoyable experience for all cosplayers. If at any time you experience harassment, let a Saratoga Cosplay Events staff know! 

Every year the judges look forward to seeing your hard work! We will have a great judging panel with judges that specialize in different parts of cosplay.

Thank you so much! Craftsmanship applications open up January 10th and close April 3rd, 2025 (or until entry space lasts). You will hear back by April 15th. See you soon!