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Welcome to the Game & Geek Expo 2026: Runway Cosplay Contest!

This contest is all about celebrating creativity, confidence, and bringing your favorite characters to life on stage. Whether your costume is handmade, commissioned, or purchased, everyone is welcome to participate.

 

Registration:

To compete, all contestants:

  • Must have a valid Game & Geek Expo admission badge.
  • Must be officially registered for the Runway 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: 

  • Kids: 12 years old and under
    • Contestants under the age of 8 must be accompanied on stage by a parent or legal guardian. NO EXCEPTIONS. 
    • Contestants ages 8–12 must have a parent or legal guardian nearby with a valid Game & Geek Expo admission badge. 
  • Teen Division: Ages 13 –17. 
    • You must have a valid Game & Geek Expo admission badge on their person. 
  • Adult Division: Ages 18 and up.
    • Must have a valid Game & Geek Expo admission badge. 

Identifier 2:

  • Solo – One contestant.
  • Duo – Two contestants.
  • Group – Three or more contestants.

Judging:

The Runway Contest is judged on presentation and stage presence only. You are not required to perform. JUST HAVE FUN! 

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.

Costume construction and craftsmanship are not judged during the Runway Contest. Handmade, modified, commissioned, thrifted, and purchased costumes are all welcome. Come strut your stuff!!

Judges May Consider

  • Judges may consider:
  • Creativity
  • Audience engagement
  • Overall presentation

Awards:

Awards include:

  • Best Adult Cosplay
  • Best Kids Cosplay
  • Best Teen Cosplay
  • Best Duo Cosplay
  • Best Group Cosplay 

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. (NO metal weapons)
  • 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!