Cosplay

Photography & Meet Ups!

Looking for cosplay photography and photo meet up information? Click here!

Cosplay Guests

Check back soon for cosplay guest announcements...

Cosplay Craftsmanship Contest

In the Craftsmanship Contest, cosplayers are judged on their ability to skillfully recreate a design in a private, scheduled interview with a panel of experienced judges. Please review all of the rules below before registering for this competition.

Performance Contest

In the Performance Contest, cosplayers will take to the Main Stage and perform in front of a live audience. Performers are not judged on craftsmanship, only overall presentation. You may compete with bought or commissioned costumes.

Iron Cosplay

Iron Cosplay - Tekko

Make costumes from actual garbage, play outrageous mini games, SABOTAGE your friends!

Join host Ely Renae for a fast-paced creative adventure, where you get to speed-build costumes, and maybe sabotage your friends a little bit along the way! The audience will be split into teams and must choose their Cosplay Champions to create the ultimate costume and win the competition! Champions will have to use scrap cosplay materials and their imagination to make a kick-ass costume before the time runs out. If you're not a creative type, never fear! Audience participation will be paramount in helping your team win this event. Compete in mini-games in order to sabotage other teams, or to help your team receive items that will help them build their costume! All sorts of entertainment, inventiveness, and mischief will be had! Don't miss out on this outrageous event!

Iron Cosplay will take place on Sunday at noon at Hall stage. Any potential builders should show up 10 minutes beforehand. Those who sign up in advance will have first priority to join a team, but additional positions may be available at con.

Sign up here!

Ely Renae

Ely Renae (she/they) is an award-winning professional costume designer, cosplayer, and sewist, local to Pittsburgh, PA. She began her cosplay journey as a hobbyist 13 years ago, and since then has grown her skillset in armor construction, sewing, and wig work. Ely has been awarded multiple grand prizes in both armor-making and sewing techniques.

In 2016, Ely began taking commissions for custom-made fleece costumes and kigurumi, which led to her founding the size-inclusive brand, Kangaroomis. Since then, she has created over 1000 costumes out of her home studio, and has shipped her custom designs to cosplayers around the globe. Ely firmly believes that everyone should feel comfy and happy in cosplay, no matter their body type, size or shape, and she tries her best to reflect that sentiment in all of her creations. She also creates custom clothing, bags, and plushies.

Along with creating new designs for her cosplay brand, Ely enjoys teaching classes on costume-building techniques, sewing, and small business management. She finds fulfillment in connecting with people, and believes in the importance of fostering a cosplay community rooted in inclusivity, acceptance, and unbridled creativity. Ely also loves a little chaotic energy, which is evident in her MC work, as well as her Iron Cosplay event! In her free time, Ely is a dungeon master for a magical girl themed D&D campaign, an avid Stardew Valley farmer, and an overly-affectionate parent to her two cats, Arya and Midna.

Website: Kangaroomis

Facebook: Ely Renae

Cosplay Repair Station

You are now entering Hangar Bay 16 aka Cosplay Repair! We are a highly skilled group of Cosplayers and enthusiasts here to help you fix your minor costume and prop mishaps.

This FREE service is available for all with badges to the convention!

You will recognize our staff by their aprons and CRC badges. We will also have a Cosplay Medic wandering the convention to help with on the spot needs.

We have dressing rooms and stations for Wigs, Glues and adhesives, Sewing, general repair and paint. Our staff is knowledgeable in all areas. We are a safe space where you can change outfits, fix items (yes, even your pants for you non-cosplayers!) and prepare for judging.

Open to cosplayers: (Hours based on prior years)

  • Friday 9am-11pm

  • Saturday 9am-11pm

  • Sunday 10am-2pm

Magic of Cosplay Exhibit

Welcome to a unique experience, here at Tekko! Once again we welcome The Magic of Cosplay Exhibit! We believe in Cos-Positivity and look forward to another wonderful year. For 2023, we have secured a number of beautiful costumes, props, and wigs for your viewing pleasure. The exhibit will give you a chance to get up close and personal with the creations, but please, No Touching. Don’t worry, we do have some great items that you can touch and a project you can participate in. We have videos, costume construction books, and a Cos-Positivity question for all to answer. We hope the exhibit will inspire you to get creative! Our Exhibit staff will be present to answer any and all questions you may have. We look forward to seeing you at the convention. And yes, we are participating in the Ribbon Game!

Location and Hours: (For 2024!)

Friday: 11am - 7pm

Saturday: 10am - 7pm

Sunday: 10am - 1pm

Cosplay Guest Suggestions

Would you or someone you know make an amazing cosplay-themed guest at Tekko? Let us know who you want to see and why!