Cosplay Contests
Where have I entered, what did I enter, and did I place?
I compete not just against others but against myself. It isn’t just about winning, but about seeing where I can improve, what I can change, and who I can meet along the way!
Mid Valley Comic Arts Expo
April 2025
Entered: Frieren - Beyond Journey’s End
Won: Nothing :)
A lot changed from my very first cosplay contest at Mid Valley Comic Arts Expo, and this years Expo. They got a lot of advice on running a cosplay contest, and I think that made for a much better overall experience. They also greatly increased the prizes. I mostly entered for the nostalgia factor (Nostalgia, haha, it’s only been a year) As it was my first contest the previous year. But I was so curious how much had changed, and what it was going to be like. I had made some changes to Frieren, but had not finished it to the completion level that I intend for this cosplay. The turn out was incredible for this cosplay, and having the ability to do prejudging this year was so nice.
The winners for this years contest were greatly deserved, and overall the cosplays on display were absolutely fantastic. I can’t wait to see what this expo does as the years progress. It’s a really fun expo, and they do greater things each year.
Ai Kirai Fest
February 2025
Entered: Frieren - Beyond Journey’s End
Won: Category Winner - Master’s
Ai Kirai Fest was a super cute little free market put on by Umi Events, which took place at an elementary school. I wasn’t sure what kind of turn out there was going to be given the venue and size, but I was so impressed by the size of the market and the turn out of the crowd. Overall it was a very small competition, but I saw several familiar faces which were so good to see. It was my first time entering in the Masters category, and a great opportunity to bring Frieren out for constructive criticism. She’d already had a wear test at Fan Expo in January, so some small things had been tweaked, but cosplays always have room for improvement.
The Master’s category only had 3 competitors, but the other two there were both incredible cosplayers and craftsmen. As such I was honored and surprised when my name was called as the category winner. I put a lot of work into Frieren, and it felt great to have her recognized, even with a lot of plans in her future!
Kisuucon
December 2024
Entered: Daisy - Super Mario Brothers (Smash Ultimate Inspired)
Won: Category Winner- Journeyman
I entered my Princess Daisy again in this Cosplay contest after doing some work on my wig. Wig work is so hard! I definitely have a lot more to learn, and I want to continue working on this wig to make it more proportional to my face (I really need to get more wig styling tools!)
Kisuucon was… an interesting convention to say the least. I only went on the Saturday for the cosplay contest, and while the convention as a whole was lacking the coordinators of the cosplay contest did an incredible job. I appreciated the judges and the hard work they put into the contest, and the MC was amazing. Overall I had a really great experience and I loved interacting with my fellow competitors. I also received some very in-depth critique for my cosplay that I can’t wait to implement to help improve it. These contests help so much with my craftsmanship, and I learn so much each time I compete. I also learn a lot from observing and talking to my fellow competitors.
Kumoricon
November 2024
Entered: Princess Daisy - Journeyman Walk-on
Won: Nothing :)
If I thought Wasabi Con was a large cosplay contest, I thought wrong. Kumoricon was way bigger, and had far more time to set aside for it. Prejudging was the day before, and made me glad I had booked a hotel for the weekend next to the convention. Plus they had an entire backstage area for the contestants with a screen to watch the competition (Wasabi Con we just sat in front of the audience). I met so many amazing new cosplayers that I hope to keep in touch with, I gain a ton of new inspiration and ideas, and I had an amazing time cheering for the skits and walk ons.
Aside from all of that I loved that they had a panel set up on the last day of convention in order to get feedback from the judges. While I didn’t win an award, I feel like I won in regards to feedback. Being able to hear from the judges and know what I can improve on and apply it in the future is priceless and I can’t wait to go to my next contest, whenever that may be!
Wasabi Con
July 2024
Entered: Rosie - Hazbin Hotel - Threadwork
Won: Category Winner- Threadwork
I entered my Rosie cosplay into the Wasabi Con cosplay contest and was blown away by the amazing cosplayers in the contest. I gained so many new ideas from my fellow competitors, and was amazed by the talent and creativity in the contest. This was a much bigger contest than the first one I had entered, and I was so nervous. The other competitors were so supportive and uplifting and it made the whole experience so worthwhile.
Mid Valley Comic Arts Expo
April 2024
Entered: Sylveon
Won: Third place
The Mid Valley Comic Arts Expo took place in Salem, Oregon at the Oregon Fair Grounds. The contest sign ups were the same day as the contest, and you could sign up as you entered the expo. This was a super fun little expo that I had just heard about. I wanted to try out a cosplay contest but was worried a large contest would be overwhelming, and found out about this convention after searching for cosplay contests online.
This was an interesting contest as the judging took place at the same time as you walked on stage, and deliberations took place after all contestants had finished their walk-ons. The judges were super kind, and it was an excellent experience for a first time cosplay contest!