Cosplay Contest
Stage Upper Gaming Gym
Register in Upper Gym at the Final Boss Con booth by 2:30 pm Look for the event signup banner
As always, the FBC Cosplay Contest is free to all who wish to enter with CASH prizes as well as trophies created and donated by Once More With Feeling Shop. The contest will take place on the stage in the Upper Gaming Gym. Cosplayers will be able to register for the contest the day of the convention, but not before.
Categories
Novice- This category is for people who are just starting with cosplay and have never won a cosplay contest before and have never won an individual award. The Novice contest has a focus on the accuracy of a character, but with less emphasis on construction techniques or intricate details. Roughly 35 % of the finished cosplay must be made or altered by the participant.
1st Place $100 & Trophy 2nd place $25
Journey Cosplayer- This category is for cosplayers who have participated in five or more cosplay contests but have never won first place. They can have won up to three individual awards, i.e best prop, best wig, most in character, ect. Roughly 35 % of the finished cosplay must be made or altered by the participant.
1st Place $125 & Trophy 2nd Place $25
Master Class- Master Class is for anyone who has won a cosplay contest or had for or more individual awards (i.e best prop, best wig, most in character, ect) in their cosplay career. Master class has an optional but recommended pre-judging. Pre-judging is essentially a 5-10 minute interview in which judges can ask questions about the construction of your cosplay. Pre-judging enables the Master Class judges to adequately judge the hard work that goes into a Master Class Cosplay. You are permitted to bring in materials such as reference images or make books. Pre-judging sign ups end at 2:30 pm. At least 85 % of the finished cosplay must be crafted by the participant.
1st Place $175 & Trophy 2nd Place $50
Group Cosplay- A new category for FBC IV, Group Cosplay consists of two or more participants with coordinating cosplays. Roughly 35% of the cosplay must be made or altered by the group. The group will go on stage, pose, and be judged together as one unit. Remember to be respectful and ensure everyone in the group is safe and comfortable!
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Accuracy: How accurate is the cosplay to the character? Details, proportions, the colors, and textures are considered in the scoring
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Technic/Craftmanship: how were the materials used to create the cosplay? Higher diversity in materials and techniques will score higher here
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Hair Styling and Makeup (if applicable)
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Finish: the overall effect of the cosplay. Originality in choosing a character and WOW factor for the general presentation
Grading
Rules
Subject to change
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All Cosplay participants must be registered attendees of the convention.
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The same costume CAN NOT win more than once at FINAL BOSS CON.
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Contestants will walk on stage when announced and have 10-15 seconds to pose for pictures and move on.
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NO blatant nudity/adult-related content. Please use some discretion with your character, props, and presentation.
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Your entry must be finished before you get to the line-up hallway. No sewing, gluing, spray painting, welding, or other construction work is allowed backstage. However, the final assembly of large pieces and/or props and unexpected repairs will be allowed.
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Participants in the contest understand there may be a use of video and photo images.
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All contestants must be able to move their costumes on their own. So please no 80 lb wings or giant mecha unless you can walk upstairs in it.
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It’s okay for entrants in the Novice or Journey category to have help from a relative/friend, but they should have made at least 35% of the costume themselves. The helper does not need to be present, but the contestant must be honest with judges about the extent of the involvement anyone else had in the construction of their costume. Master category contestants are expected to make 85% of their costumes.
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Audience members are not allowed to run up to the stage area for any reason.
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Audience members should be courteous and respectful. Please do not boo or shout negative things to cosplay contestants.
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The Cosplay Director or judges have the right to eliminate any entry from the competition on the basis of taste, danger to the audience, building, or yourself, violation of any of the above rules, or any other reason deemed sufficient.
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We will have four different judges at this year’s event. The lowest score will be dropped from each cosplayer's score during the judging contest.
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Our Cosplay Director will help you register and give you a number at the event.
Prop Guidlines
1. **Size and Weight**: Please ensure that your props are manageable in size and weight. Oversized or heavy props can pose safety risks in crowded areas.
2. **Materials**: All props must be safe for both the wearer and those around them. This means no sharp edges, protruding spikes, or anything that could cause injury.
3. **Weaponry**: If your cosplay includes weapons, they must be clearly marked as "prop" and made from non-functional materials. Realistic-looking firearms must be non-guns, such as resin replicas or foam replicas.
4. **Visibility**: Make sure your props are easy to see and do not obstruct your peripheral vision, as this will help maintain a safe environment for everyone.
5. **Check-in**: All large props must be checked in at the admission upon arrival at the con. Our admission staff will inspect them to ensure they comply with our safety guidelines. Admission staff will give you a sticker to place on prop.
For ALL guests
Cosplay Director and Judges