Pittsburgh Gaming Expo

Cosplay Showcase & Costume Contests

PGX would like to thank Jeff Zoet Visuals for providing complimentary photo ops to all contest participants!

Cosplay Contest Schedule

Contest 1: Saturday, October 3rd (Time TBD)
Contest 2: Sunday, October 4th (Time TBD)

See cosplay guidelines below for both days. Schedule is subject to change.

Cosplay Contest Guidelines

Registration Process

A QR code will be available at the booth. Scan the code to access the contest registration form, which will ask the following:

Cosplayer Name (real or stage name)
Division (Adult or Youth)
Preferred Pronouns
Character/Costume Name
Franchise/Original (list "original" if it is your own creation)
Optional stage intro (catchphrase, intro line, etc.)
Email Address (internal use only)
Optional social media handle (for promotional purposes)
Media acknowledgment

After completing registration, each participant will receive one free professional photo with Jeff Zoet of Jeff Zoet Visuals at a designated time. Contestants must be registered to receive this photo. Non-contest participants may book photo sessions during show hours. Additional prints and images may be purchased directly from Jeff Zoet Visuals.

Contestants will be called on stage by the name listed on their form. Each will have the chance to display their costume, strike a pose, or perform a short line or catchphrase (no vulgar/explicit language). Judges must be able to see the costume clearly for evaluation.

Judging Criteria

Entries will be judged on three criteria:

Craftsmanship: Construction quality, choice of materials, sewing, assembly, paint, detail work.
Concept: Accuracy to the character OR originality if it’s an original design.
Presentation: Stage presence, portrayal, poses, dialogue, movement, and mannerisms.

Prizes

There will be Fourteen (14) total winners across the two days:

First Place (Adult): $200 cash prize, weekend badge for PGX 2027, and $100 Compass Rose Photography voucher
Second Place (Adult): $100 cash prize and weekend badge for PGX 2027
Third Place (Adult): $50 cash prize and weekend badge for PGX 2027
Three Judge’s Choice Awards (Adult only): Weekend badge for PGX 2027
Youth Winner (16 & under): $50 cash prize and weekend badge for PGX 2027 (winner must have parent/guardian present to claim prize)

Note: Badge prizes do not stack. Winners from Saturday who re-enter the same cosplay on Sunday are ineligible for another cash prize, but may compete with a different cosplay.

Winners will be announced at the end of each contest. Prizes must be claimed at the Cosplay Booth before the close of show hours; unclaimed prizes are forfeited. All winners will also receive an email regarding their PGX 2027 badge once dates are confirmed.

Pittsburgh Gaming Expo General Cosplay Policy

Reminder: All attendees must follow the PGX Code of Conduct. Failure to comply may result in removal from the event.

Have Fun!: The most important rule.
Weapons: No functional weapons. All prop weapons will be inspected, tagged, and may be re-checked during the event. No live-edged weapons, firearms, airsoft, knives, or swords. Props must pass inspection and may be refused.
No Realistic Professional Uniforms: First responder, medic, EMT, and security uniforms are prohibited for safety reasons.
Keep It PG-13: No nudity, vulgarity, or excessive profanity. All attendees should feel comfortable, including families with children.
Effects & Materials: No glitter, confetti, live flames, smoke/fog machines, pyrotechnics, or silly string.
Fake Blood: Must be completely dry before entering the venue (the floor is carpeted).
Age Requirement: Cosplayers age 13 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Cosplay Is Not Consent: Always ask before touching or photographing cosplayers. Respect everyone’s personal space.

Contest Specific Conduct

Judges’ decisions are final. Harassment or poor conduct toward judges may result in disqualification and/or removal.
Violation of rules or disruptive behavior may result in disqualification and/or removal.