1. General Information

Event Name: J1-Con – Cosplay Craftsmanship Contest
Date & Time: September, 27th, 2025, 7pm
Location: Showboat, Atlantic City, NJ
Registration Opens: September, 27th, 2025 at open till 5pm

2. Contest Categories & Divisions Contest Categories :

●  Best in Class (Novice, Journeyman, Master), Best in Show (Overall)
●  Best Sewing (Overall)
● Best Prop/Armor (Overall)
●  J1-Con Award (decided by Audience/Stage Presence)
●  Best Group (Overall)
●  Best Youth (Overall, Ages 0-13)
●  Judges’ Awards

Master Class

●  For experienced cosplayers with multiple wins in the Journeyman category or many “Best of” awards.
●  Participants who work professionally in costume design, tailoring, theater, or prop-making must enter this category.

Craftsmanship Requirement:
——- FULLY STORE BOUGHT COSPLAYS ARE PROHIBITED————

●  70% of the costume must be handcrafted! (Store-bought items must be disclosed in the application.)
●  Wigs, shoes, and pants, for example, may be purchased but must be altered in a noticeable way.
●  Commissioned and group-made cosplays are only eligible if the creator is PRESENT during the craftsmanship pre-judging; otherwise, you will be disqualified.

3. Registration & Submission Guidelines

Check-In & Organization:
—–FULLY STORE BOUGHT COSPLAYS ARE PROHIBITED——

●  You can sign up at (Erin Lunger table). All sign-ups will be on separate sheets for each category. Please carefully write your name/cosplay name, character name, and the series they are from under the correct category, your prejudging time will be placed next to you categori and please circle if you’re in a group or youth.
● Sign-ups stop 30 minutes before prejudging time,times are show on sign up sheet
●  Contestants must show up at the designated spot and remain organized.
●  YOU MUST STAY QUIET AND PAY ATTENTION DURING LINEUP. IF YOU ARE CALLED TO THE STAGE AND MISS YOUR NAME, YOU WILL NOT BE GIVEN ANOTHER CHANCE.
●  Contestants will be organized by category to make sure they are in the correct one.

4. Competition Format & Judging

—–FULLY STORE BOUGHT COSPLAYS ARE PROHIBITED——

●  There will be a pre-judging session before the cosplay contest begins. YOUTH MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT FOR PREJUDGING
●  Contestants must check in at least 30 minutes before prejudging begins. Late arrivals will not be accommodated.
●  Each contestant will have 5 minutes to discuss their costume.
● Having a build book detailing how the costume is built will be taken into
● No additional time will be provided for dressing or adjustments.
●  Final decisions will be made after contestants walk on stage.
●  Winners will be called onto the stage after the main stage walk-on contest, following the judges’ final deliberation.
●  All contestants must stand by near the stage for winner announcements. If a winner is not present when called, they forfeit their award.
●  If you miss your prejudging session, you will not be eligible for awards, even if you participate in the stage walk.

5. Judging Criteria

●  Craftsmanship (70%) – Material quality, construction, detail, accuracy, and finish.
●  Presentation (20%) – Character portrayal and confidence.
●  Overall Impact (10%) – Wow factor, creativity, and audience engagement.

What the judges look for:
●  Build books are required and must be presented during the craftsmanship discussion.
●  Innovative use of materials.
●  Complex sewing or armor techniques.
●  Special effects, animatronics, or lighting features are a nice touch but are not a deciding factor.

6. Prop & Costume Regulations

●  All props must comply with The showboat and J1-Con safety policies (No sharp edges, firearms must have orange safety tips, no live fire/flamethrowers, confetti, silly string, liquids, fog machines, or anything deemed messy).
●  Contestants must be able to move freely without assistance.
●  Large costumes must have a handler to help maneuver.

7. Prizes & Awards Cash Prizes & Trophies:

●  Novice, Journeyman, Master, Best in Show – Cash prizes & trophies
●  Best Sewing- Trophies & Prize
● Best Prop/Armor – Trophies & Prize
●  J1-Con Award – 2 tickets for next year (decided by Audience/Stage Presence)
● Best Group – Trophy & Prize
●  Best Youth – Trophy & Prize
●  Judges’ Award – Award Certificate

8. Liability & Disclaimers

●  Participation is at your own risk. The event organizers are not responsible for injuries, lost/damaged property, or technical failures.
●  All costumes must follow venue dress codes (no indecent exposure or dangerous accessories).
●  By entering, participants agree to be photographed and have their images used for promotional purposes.
●  No political, religious, or culturally insensitive costumes or acts.
●  The judges’ decisions are final. No appeals or disputes will be accepted.
●  Failure to follow rules may result in disqualification.
●  The Costume Contest Staff or a representative of J1-Con has full authority to eliminate anyone from the competition on the grounds of unsportsmanlike conduct, violation of the rules, or any other reason deemed sufficient. There is no appeal. Arguing with staff may result in a lifetime ban from future J1-Con Costume Contests.

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