Welcome to the Game & Geek Expo’s 2026: Craftsmanshop Cosplay
This is a casual cosplay showcase designed to celebrate the hard work and dedications our fellow cosplayers in the community have put into their build while still offering a competitive experience.
Registration:
To compete, all contestants:
- Must have a valid Game & Geek Expo admission badge.
- Must be officially registered for the Craftsmanship Contest.
Registration Information
- Registration closes 1 hour before the cosplay contest begins.
- No late registrations will be accepted.
- Contestants may register:
- Online before the event
- At the convention registration desk (while registration remains open)
Competition:
Categories:
Identifier 1:
Beginner: For people who are new to making costumes or have won fewer than two to three major awards.
Journeyman: For growing makers who have outgrown the beginner category and won a few local awards, but are not yet professionals.
Veteran: For elite builders at the top of their craft, professionals, or those who have accumulated many major wins.
Youth/Teen: Reserved for younger participants 17 years of age or younger.
Judging:
We will not have prejudging. This is a casual craftsmanship contest.
You are NOT required to have a performance prepared, but are encouraged to have fun, pose, stay in character, and enjoy their moment on stage.
Judges May Consider
- Overall Presentation
- Stage Presence
- Character Portrayal
- Creativity
Awards:
Awards include:
- Best Youth
- Best Beginner
- Best Journeymen
- Best Veteran
Awards may be adjusted based on participation and attendance.
Costume & Stage Safety
All costumes and stage presentations shall not expose the body in such a way as to be deemed indecent exposure. There are no exceptions. THIS IS A FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENT!
The following are strictly prohibited:
- Hate speech or discriminatory content
- Political or religious demonstrations
- Explicit sexual content or nudity
- Performances intended to harass, threaten, or target another individual for ANY reason!
Contestants may not perform any action that could endanger themselves, fellow contestants, judges, staff, or attendees.
Game & Geek Expo reserves the right to deny or remove any contestant before or during the contest if their costume or performance is determined to be inappropriate or unsafe.
Prop Policy
All costume props must comply with the official Game & Geek Expo Cosplay Policy.
If your prop does not pass security inspection, it will not be allowed on stage. No exceptions.
Prohibited Props
The following are not permitted:
- Actual Weapons
- Functional weapons
- Sharp-edged props
- Open flames
- Smoke or fog effects
- Pyrotechnics
- Live animals (Service Animals are permitted.)
- Any material, substance or effect that creates a safety hazard or excessive mess.
Additional Requirements
- All costume props must comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws, as well as, GGE & Raleigh Convention Center Policies.
- Replica projectile weapons, arrows, or similar props must be rendered inoperable and fitted with brightly colored safety tips.
- Props not approved during security inspection must be returned to your vehicle, hotel room, or another off-site location.
- If you do not want to have your costume prop(s) inspected or tagged, or if you are not willing to comply with these policies. You will not be permitted into the building. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Final Notes:
Game & Geek Expo reserves the right to modify these rules as necessary to ensure a safe, fair, and enjoyable event for everyone.
COSPLAY IS FOR EVERYONE.
Whether this is your first contest or your hundredth, we encourage you to have fun, support one another, and celebrate what makes this community so incredible.
Good luck, and we’ll see you on stage!