PITTSBURGH GAMING EXPO // COSPLAY CONTEST

Sponsored by Compass Rose Photography

[ALL TIMES SUBJECT TO CHANGE]

Attendees wishing to enter the PGX Cosplay Contest may do so BOTH DAYS IN DIFFERENT COSTUMES by visiting the Cosplay Booth during show hours. Entries will be accepted until thirty minutes before each contest start time.

There will be two divisions each day:

• Adult Division: Age 17 and up

• Youth Division: Age 16 and under

Categories may be changed or combined depending on turnout.
All contestants must have a valid PGX 2025 badge to participate.

Buy your badges HERE

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Registration Process

1. 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/Origin (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

2. After completing registration, each participant will receive one free professional photo with Amy Tedrow of Compass Rose Photography 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 Compass Rose Photography.
   

3. The two Cosplay Showcases and Contests will take place:

   • Saturday, October 4, 2025 | 5:30–6:30 PM

   • Sunday, October 5, 2025 | 3:00–4:00 PM
     

4. 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.
   

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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.

  
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Prizes

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

• First Place (Adult): $200 cash prize, weekend badge for PGX 2026, and $100 Compass Rose Photography voucher

• Second Place (Adult): $100 cash prize and weekend badge for PGX 2026

• Third Place (Adult): $50 cash prize and weekend badge for PGX 2026

• Three Judge’s Choice Awards (Adult only): Weekend badge for PGX 2026

• Youth Winner (16 & under): $50 cash prize and weekend badge for PGX 2026 (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 2026 badge once dates are confirmed.

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Rules & Best Practices

1. Costumes must follow the PGX Code of Conduct and remain PG-13. (No nudity, vulgarity, or excessive profanity.)

2. No glitter, confetti, live flames, smoke/fog machines, pyrotechnics, still-wet fake blood, or silly string.

3. No functional or live-edged weapons (firearms, airsoft, knives, swords, etc.). Props must pass inspection and may be refused.

4. No overly realistic first-responder or professional uniforms (police, firefighter, medic, EMT, security, etc.) as these could cause safety issues.

5. Judges’ decisions are final. Harassment or poor conduct toward judges may result in disqualification and/or removal.

6. Violation of rules or disruptive behavior may result in disqualification and/or removal.

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PITTSBURGH GAMING EXPO

GENERAL COSPLAY POLICY

1. Have Fun! – The most important rule.

2. Weapons – No functional weapons. All prop weapons will be inspected, tagged, and may be re-checked during the event.

3. No Realistic Professional Uniforms – First responder and security uniforms are prohibited for safety reasons.

4. Keep It PG-13 – No nudity or sexually explicit costumes. All attendees should feel comfortable, including families with children.

5. Language & Gestures – No inappropriate language or obscene gestures.

6. No Glitter, Confetti, Smoke, or Fire Effects.

7. Fake Blood – Must be completely dry before entering the venue (the floor is carpeted).

8. Age Requirement – Cosplayers age 13 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

9. Cosplay Is Not Consent – Always ask before touching or photographing cosplayers. Respect everyone’s personal space.

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