• Sign up at the Saratoga Cosplay Events Booth on 11/22/2026 
• Sign ups close at noon
• Competition starts at 3:00 PM, check in at 2:30 PM
• We ask that under age 13 review these guidelines with a parent or guardian and that parent or guardian be present at sign up. 

Performance Judges are Venus Nebulous, Lex Lunar and Kawaii Kiwi Cosplay

Craftsmanship Judges are James Cosplay, Breadbite Cosplay and Minimoon Cosplay

Hosted by Jennard Cosplays

HALFTIME

NINTENDO TRIVIA WITH JOSY AND STONE TOAD COLE

Competition Categories

Performance

Do you love being on stage? This is the category for you!

You can:

• Lip-sync to a song
• Dance
• Sing
• Act out a scene
• Show off another special talent

Performance sign-ups are limited. Audio must be 2  minutes or less, approved at the SCE booth before 1:00 PM, meet a PG – PG-13 RATING and absolutely no AI generated audio allowed in our creative competitions.

Avoid:

• Realistic or harmful violence
• Sexual content or references
• Physical contact
• Swearing

Craftsmanship

Do you love making your own cosplay? Show us what you can create!

You can enter if you have made at least 50% of your cosplay yourself, including things like:

• Sewing
• Foam work
• Prop building
• Wig styling
• Armor
• And more!

If you used a commissioner or someone else (like your mom!) made part of your costume, that’s okay! Just tell us who helped you in your application. 

Walk-Ons

Never entered a cosplay contest before? First time cosplayer? Welcome!! 

Walk-Ons are for anyone who wants to come on stage, show off their cosplay, and have some fun.

Walk ons are eligible for Judge’s Choice awards and Best Makeup! You do not need to have made your cosplay yourself to participate in Walk-Ons.

Awards

Judges’ Awards – Certificate

Each judge may choose a cosplay that they personally enjoyed or that stood out to them.

Sustainability Award – Certificate

For a cosplayer who does a great job using thrifted, reused, or recycled materials.

This is a special award unique to Saratoga Comic Con!

Best Group – Certificates

For a group of 2 or more cosplayers who work well together and show off a fun, creative, or coordinated group cosplay. A group can be a maximum of 6 people!

Best Makeup – Trophy

For a cosplayer who shows off creative, detailed, or impressive makeup.

This can include beauty makeup, special-effects makeup, face makeup, or full-body makeup.

Best Performance – Certificates

For a performer or group who does a great job entertaining the audience, telling a story, and showing confidence on stage.

Craftsmanship Award – Certificate

For a cosplayer who shows strong skills in making 50% or more of their cosplay – This is considered 2nd Place! 

Best in Show Award – Trophy

This is considered 1st Place! 

General Rules

No AI

AI-generated content is not allowed in the competition.

This includes AI-generated:

• Music or audio
• Written material (build book, skit script or otherwise)

Saratoga Cosplay Events also does not allow our photos or videos to be used to train AI.

If someone uses AI in their entry, they may be removed from the competition and may not be allowed to compete in future Saratoga Comic Con contests.

Be Kind

Cosplay competitions are about having fun and cheering each other on!

Please:

• Be kind to other contestants.
• Cheer for your fellow cosplayers.
• Respect the judges’ decisions.
• Never bully or harass another contestant.

Harassment may result in disqualification and being banned from future competitions.

No Sandbagging

If your cosplay has already won a major award at a past contest, please tell us when you apply.

You may enter it again if you have made significant improvements or changes since it won.

Can’t Make It?

Things happen!

If you can no longer attend the competition, please let us know as soon as possible. If you sign up before noon and can’t make it to competition time, let us know!

Repeatedly signing up and not showing up without telling us may affect your ability to compete in future contests.

Cosplay Guidelines

Family-Friendly Cosplay

Saratoga Comic Con is a family-friendly event.

Please make sure your cosplay follows the Saratoga Comic Con Cosplay and Weapons Policy.

Shoes must be worn at all times, and appropriate areas must be covered – if a cosplay in the Youth Competition is from a Rated R media, you can walk the stage but the media/character name won’t be announced. 

Props and Weapons

Please follow the Saratoga Comic Con Cosplay and Weapons Policy.

• No real weapons or live steel.
• No projectiles.
• Props should not be able to seriously hurt someone.
• Never point a weapon or prop at the audience or another person.
• For the safety and comfort of our community, we do not allow gun props on stage at the cosplay competition! 

Three Poses

We want to see your cosplay!

When you walk on stage, please prepare three poses to show off your costume.

Don’t worry!! Our staff will show you where to go and what to do on stage. 

Groups

Groups can have up to 6 cosplayers.

Only one application is needed for each group – try to sign up all together at the booth! 

What to expect: At check in time, Saratoga Cosplay Events staff will have performance line up on the left side of the room and craftsmanship and walk ons line up in their order number on the right side. At sign up, each contestant will get a contestant number. When it’s your turn to go on stage, get ready! We’ll show you where to do your three poses and make sure you hold your main pose (count to 5 in your head!) so the judges and audience can get a good look at you. We’ll walk you through it! Then it’s off the stage, find a spot and cheer for your fellow competitors! Good luck!!

Questions? Email saratogacosplayevents@gmail.com 

Sign up is only in person during sign up hours.