About the Competition

Love for video and tabletop gaming comes in many forms, and cosplay is one such way! That is why we are proud to host a competition to showcase talents. We will have divisions for Craftsmanship and Showmanship so cosplayers of all backgrounds will be able to compete and show off their work! Bonus points for gaming-related cosplays. We look forward to seeing you there!

Join the community and discussion in our Facebook event!

Registration

COSPLAY REGISTRATION: Saturday, Oct. 5, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
PRE-JUDGING: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; 2-4 p.m.
COSPLAY COMPETITION: 6 p.m.

Prizes


Prizes sponsored by Arda Wigs, NYGExpo, and our sponsors.

Rules and Dress Code

  • The cosplay contest is open to all attendees of NYGExpo, excluding the convention’s staff and volunteers. For entrants 13 years of age or younger, we ask that you bring a parent or guardian with you to sign a consent form for you to enter.
  • We will cap contest entries to the first 50 contestants to register. Please make sure to sign up as soon as you can to guarantee a spot!
  • We will have separate divisions for Craftsmanship (cosplays you have made yourself) and Showmanship (if you have not made your cosplay).
  • As NYGExpo is a gaming-focused convention, bonus points will be awarded to contestants whose cosplays are related to video/board/card games!
  • Entrants will be allowed 30-60 seconds on stage to show off their costumes.
  • All prop weapons must abide by the NYGExpo Prop Policy. Please refer to the Prop Policy for details.
  • Entrants should have reference material ready to be presented during pre-judging, whether printed out or on their phone. Lack of reference material will result in a deduction of points in their overall judging score. Staff will only provide one opportunity to save a single reference picture during contest registration.
  • Outfits that have won awards at other competitions may be ineligible to win unless you’re able to demonstrate considerable alterations, solely at the judges’ discretion, since that previous competition.
  • Costumes must meet dress code requirements. We ask that our participants have “swimsuit” areas entirely covered. The buttocks and groin must be entirely covered with opaque fabric. Breasts must also be covered with opaque fabric and be well-fitted at the sides and in the band. The use of body paint and/or adhesive covers does not provide sufficient coverage and is not considered acceptable.
  • Original Characters are allowed and will be judged by the same guidelines as the other entries in their divisions.
  • Entrants will be required to sign their entry form stating that they have read, acknowledged and agreed to follow the rules of the cosplay contest. Also, by signing the form, entrants acknowledge and agree that their photos may be taken and used in promotional material for Name Your Game Expo & OKgamers.
  • Winners will be announced following the conclusion of the Cosplay Contest

Cosplay Prop Policy

  • All cosplay props must be inspected and tagged* by NYGE security staff at Prop’s Check.
  • All firearm cosplay props must be non-operable and are required to have an orange safety tip at all times.
  • Airsoft props will not be allowed and you will be asked to take them back to your room or vehicle.
  • Live steel props are not allowed. Bladed props must be blunt and not have a sharpened edge.
  • Any bow type props must either be unstrung or strung with a low-tensile string. Prop projectiles must have a soft, non-metal, blunted tip.
  • Please do not hit, strike, swing at, or brandish props at other attendees. You may wield them when posing for photos.

*We will be working with our Safety team to make sure they are considerate when tagging your props. If you have questions or concerns during the tagging process, please talk with the team member helping you.

If you have any questions, please contact Cosplay@okgamers.com and we will be happy to help.

*Rules are subject to change at any point prior to Name Your Game Expo 2019.

About the Judges

Portal Productions is an award-winning cosplay team based out of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Established in 2006, Portal brings large casts of characters from anime, manga, and video games to conventions across the country. Their 15-member team showcases their diverse talents onstage in both masquerade and skit competitions, winning awards at Tokyo in Tulsa, Mechacon and Anime Weekend Atlanta.

A long-time member of the Oklahoma cosplay community, Portal spends most of their time grossly sobbing over their latest project, passing on construction advice to anyone who asks and paying homage to their rubber duck, Pickle-sama.

Leafsan

Leafsan (Laura) had already mastered the art of reading commercial patterns when she joined Portal in 2008. Since then, Laura has become one of the main seamstresses in Portal, specializing in intricate embroidery appliqués and shoe construction. Her favorite costumes are those with a historical base and ones that allow her to simultaneously binge watch the “Great British Baking Show” while working.

SugarMonster Cosplay

SugarMonster Cosplay (Fofty Supreme) was an established Oklahoma cosplayer prior to joining Portal in 2015. After years of being a frequent collaborator, Fofty went on to become the team’s wig specialist and often assists with pattern drafting and construction. Their favorite costumes are those of their favorite characters and those with a challenging wig to style.

Buckle

One of the founding members of Portal, Buckle is the team’s expert in all aspects of cosplay. They are often found with a heat gun in one hand, scissors in the other, and a paintbrush in their mouth. Buckle’s favorite costumes are often the ones they end up having an adventure in, and you may have seen one of those adventures on Critical Role’s “Talks Machina” show.