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Cosplay
Photography & Meet Ups!
Official Cosplay Frames
Tekko 2026 is appraoching fast! Stay tuned for our Tekko 2026 Cosplay Frames!
Cosplay Guests
Check back soon for cosplay guest announcements...
Uptown Cosplay
Maguma
Starfall Blade
Rakumaroo!
Luluko
Harveen
ChibiMagicalGirl
MC Jez Roth
Midnight Pursona
HylianCream Cosplay
TunaPhish
Sarcasm-himé
Rakumaroo
Paige Knovice
Horror Queen Cosplay
MC Jez Roth
StarsOfCassiopeia
Black Bettie
MelPool Cosplay
Lady Cels
Rakumaroo
Lutavia Cosplay
AJ Cosplay
Jez Roth
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.
Registration is Closed! Thank you for your interest!
Info & Rules
1. Competition entries must comply with all Tekko dress code and conduct policies. Entrants must be registered attendees of Tekko.
2. Only costumes handcrafted by the entrant are allowed to be entered into the Craftsmanship contest. Commissioned, store-bought, or thrifted costumes cannot compete. Most of the costume should be made from scratch or heavily altered.
3. Costumes that have won major awards are not allowed to compete unless major revisions or significant improvements have been made. Please review the Divisions tab for information on divisions. Participants may not enter a costume that has been judged in any previous Tekko craftsmanship contests.
4. Official designs or fan art designs of licensed characters from any media source are welcome to compete. Original characters will not be permitted. All entries must have accompanying reference materials brought to their judging appointment. Participants will be judged on faithfulness to the design in addition to craftsmanship.
6. If a costume will be modeled by someone else, the crafter of the costume is considered the entrant. They are the person who must submit the application, speak to the judges, and the one eligible for a craftsmanship award, not the person wearing the costume.
7. All craftsmanship awards will be presented during the performance event. Attending the performance is HIGHLY encouraged. If the entrant cannot participate for any reason, please notify a judge or staff member during the scheduled judging session. Entrants may also participate in the Walk-On portion of the performance, but it is not required.
8. Entrants with a Friday judging time slot may participate in the skit portion of the performance event. Entrants with a Saturday judging slot may not, due to the performance rehearsal conflict. Preference for a Friday or Saturday time slot will be in the application form.
9. Please arrive at least 5 minutes prior to the scheduled appointment. If the participant is not present at their assigned time, they will forfeit their right to compete.
10. Active Tekko staff and current guests are not permitted to compete.
Divisions
Junior : Participants 15 years of age or younger. This category is meant to encourage young participants to develop their crafting skills. As such, Junior entries must have made most of their own costume. Costumes made by adults for juniors cannot compete at the Junior level and must compete at the skill level of their creator.
Novice: You are new to costume making or have received no major awards. Novices are expected to have hand-made or altered at minimum 50-60% of their cosplay. This category encompasses beginner cosplayers and first-time competitors who may already have foundational skills.
Journeyman: You have some experience in costume making or have received no more than 2 major awards. Journeymen are expected to demonstrate intermediate skill in several areas (fabrication, wig styling, textiles, detailed finishings, etc).
Master: You are an experienced costumer or have received 3 or more major awards. Masters are expected to show competence in applied skills and have made at minimum 80-90% of their cosplay.
*Major award examples include: "Best Of…," "Best In…," "First Place," "Second Place," and so on. Judges' awards, fan favorite awards, etc. do not count towards the participant’s skill level. The Tekko Craftsmanship Contest division levels only consider awards won on the merit of craftsmanship. Performance rewards are not considered. If you have questions about your division, please reach out to cosplay@pittjcs.org.
Participants may compete in the highest division they feel represents their skills but may not compete at a level lower than their competition history.
For example, a Best Journeyman winner may not compete as a Novice, but a first-time entrant with 5 years of theater experience does not have to enter as a Novice. We encourage entrants to challenge themselves!
Once the participant wins an award at a certain level, they can only compete at that level or higher in future.
In a group, the skill level of that group is determined by the highest classed skill member of that group. For example, a group of Novices with one Journeyman must all compete as Journeymen.
2024
Best in Show
Kaijuscientists (@Kaijuscientists) as Vash the Stampede from Trigun Maximum
1st Masters
Jeremy E Taylor Design (@jeremy_e_taylor_design) as Richter Belmont from Castlevania Dracula X Chronicles
2nd Masters
On Frozen Wings (@OnFrozenWings) as Sasuke Uchiha from Live Spectacle NARUTO ~The Shinobi Way of Life~
3rd Masters
Elephantbird Cosplay (@El3phantbird) as Signet from Friends at the Table: Twilight Mirage
1st Journeyman
Ironically Nautical (@IronicallyNautical) as Fizzarolli from Helluva Boss
2nd Journeyman
Severeluna (@SevereLunas) as Edda Blackbosom from Final Fantasy XIV
3rd Journeyman
Melpool (@MelPoolCos) as Roy from Fire Emblem/Super Smash Bros Ultimate
1st Novice
Lunarcosplay (@LunarCosplay) as Aloy from Horizon Forbidden West
2nd Novice
Wisteria (@Wisteria.Cos) as Hu Tao from Genshin Impact
3rd Novice
Coskitsch (@Coskitsch) as Fujimoto from Ponyo
Judge's Awards
Sarcasm-Hime's Judge's Award
Warren Triad (@WarrenTriad) as Khury Wezette from Final Fantasy
HylianCream's Judge's Award
Swordsfaire (@Swordsfaire) as Erina from ATLUS’ Persona 5 Tactica
Tunaphish's Judge's Award
Lala Vee (@LalaVee_Cosplay) as Purah from Legend of Zelda
2023
Best in Show
Laura Sanner & Dustin Hartman (she/her & he/him) as SogeKing from One Piece
1st Masters
Raspbearry Cosplay (he/him) as Yaoyao from Genshin Impact
2nd Masters
Chibi Lenne (she/they) as Persephone from Hades
3rd Masters
Wayward Owl (she/her) as Lord Sesshomaru from Inuyasha
1st Journeyman
VioletUnversed (she/her) as Hatsune Miku from Vocaloid (Snow Miku 2019 module)
2nd Journeyman
Gearstation Cosplay (she/her) as Deuce Spade (Starsending outfit) from Twisted Wonderland
3rd Journeyman
Lauren Laufeyson (she/her) as Ranger General Sylvanas from World of Warcraft
1st Novice
Asterea Cosplay (she/they) as Prince Leo from Fire Emblem: Fates
2nd Novice
Rinn (she/her) as Katarina Claes from My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!
3rd Novice
Starxxbird (he/him) as Venti cosplay from Genshin Impact
Judge's Awards
MelPool's Judges' Awards
lil-ink (she/they) as Midna from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
Lutavia's Judges' Awards
Amalia (she/her) as Hilda Valentine Goneril from Fire Emblem: Three Houses
Lady Cel's Judges' Awards
ArdenEzra.cos (she/they) as Cherry Blossom from Sk8 the Infinity
2022
Judges' Awards
Momo Karino's Judge's Award went to Arielle Eiger as Mima Kirigoe from Perfect Blue.
ChibiTifa's Judge's Award went to Slothier as Sailor V from Codename: Sailor V.
VickyBunnyAngel's Judges Award went to Violet Unversed as Hatsune Miku from Project Diva/Vocaloid in the Siren Module.
1st Novice
Owlfeather (she/her) as Hu Tao from Genshin Impact
2nd Novice
Chloe Kitsune (she/her) as Foul Legacy Childe from Genshin Impact
3rd Novice
Mia Disanti (she/her) Hua Cheng from Tian Guan Ci Fu (Heaven Official's Blessing)
1st Journeyman
Ligerscout (they/them) as Aragorn from The Lord of the Rings
2nd Journeyman
Little One Cosplay (she/her) as Laudna from Critical Role Campaign 3
3rd Journeyman
Nimbus Grey (she/they) Aerith Gainsborough from Final Fantasy VII Remake
1st Masters
tunaphish (they/them) as Tunaphish Vex’ahlia from Critical Role Campaign 1
2nd Masters
Malicious K Cosplay (she/her) as Sephiroth (designed by Dessi Desu) from Final Fantasy XVII
3rd Masters
Corwynte (they/them) as Diluc from Genshin Impact
Best in Show
Jeremy E Taylor Design (he/him) as Masquerade from Sakizou
2021
Judges' Awards
Slothtier's Judges Award went to Aurra Cos as Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd from Fire Emblem Three Houses https://www.instagram.com/aurracos/
Akakioga's Judges' Award went to Trina as Sylvanas Windrunner from World of Warcraft (no social media listed)
Risuruuu's Judges' went Award to Crimson Kami Cosplay as Misa Hayase from Super Dimension Fortress Macross www.Instagram.com/crimsonkami_cosplay
1st Novice
Nimbus Grey (she/her) as Princess Peach from Super Smash Brothers Ultimate https://www.instagram.com/nimbus_grey/
2nd Novice
Ashasauros (she/her) as Kaedehara Kazuha from Genshin Impact Instagram, Twitter, etc : @ashasauros
3rd Novice
Sirah (he/him) as benton from Zone 00 https://www.instagram.com/sirahcos/ https://www.facebook.com/sirahcos
1st Journeyman
Erika Mull as Kamado Tanjiro from Demon Slayer
2nd Journeyman
Nathan (he/him) as Zinogre Armor from Monster Hunter https://www.instagram.com/edeline_dravern/
3rd Journeyman
thelegendofemily (she/her) as Princess Zelda from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess Instagram.com/thelegendofemily
Best Masters (bumped from Journeyman!)
Corwynte (they/them) as Xiao from Genshin Impact
Best in Show
Tunaphish (she/her) as Mollymauk Tealeaf from Critical Role Campaign 2
Walk-Ons
The Walk-Ons are a non-judged exhibition of cosplayers during the Performance Contest. You walk on the stage, pose a few times and that’s it! This portion is open to all costumes from any genres, as well as original designs. You do not have to have made your costume to participate
Walk-Ons are a runway-style showcase of cosplayers featured during the Performance Contest. You walk the stage, pose a few times and that’s it! This portion of the event features both craftsmanship competitors and non-judged exhibition participants. You may not be a Walk-on and in a Performance entry.
This portion is open to all costumes from any genres, as well as original designs. You do not have to have made your costume to participate.
Registration for walk-ons will be done at-con before the Performance Competition.
- Please come to Main Events an hour before the competition starts and staff will direct you. There are limited spots available and they will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- Craftmanship entrants are already accounted for and do not need to sign up separately.
- Walk-ons do not attend Performance rehearsal.
Please have the following information ready to go! This will be written on a card that you will hand to the MC, who will read it to the audience as you walk on stage.
IF YOU ARE WALKING ALONE
The name you want to be called on stage. This is YOUR name, not your character's name. A cosplay handle, nickname, or first name are all acceptable.
The character or design that you are cosplaying.
The source material of the character. If you are not cosplaying from a series, you do not need this information.
Examples:
Erica as Princess Jasmine from Disney's Aladdin
Bob Cosplay as an original fox spirit design
John as Shoto Todoroki from My Hero Academia
IF YOU ARE WALKING AS A GROUP
List all group members on one card, including name, character, and series as above. Make sure that they are all comfortable with the name you provide being broadcast.
The title(s) of the media the character(s) are from. If you are not cosplaying from a series, you do not need this information.
You do not all have to be from the same series, but all groups must be under ten people.
Example:
Erica as Kyoko Kirigiri, Bob Cosplay as Makoto Naegi, and John as Monobear from Dangan Ronpa
Dragon Cosplay as Batman and Evan as Goku from Dragonball Z
Shiny Idols as Aquors from Love Live!
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.
Registration is closed! Thank you for your interest!
Rules & Requirements
1 As this is a cosplay Masquerade, performers are required to be in cosplay. Please contact the coordinator if you have questions about your costume's appropriateness.
2 The Masquerade is open to Tekko attendees. Staff and current guests are not permitted to compete.
3 Skits have a time limit of 3 minutes. The time it takes for you to get on and off the stage does not count toward your time limit. Your audio track must be within the time limit.
4 Tekko is an all-ages event and the material in the Performance section must reflect such. No explicit sexual references or gestures, obscene language, graphic violence, or nudity is permitted. All audio must be edited for content.
5 You will be required to submit a script of your skit for approval via email before the convention. Pre-recorded music and/or dialogue is HIGHLY ENCOURAGED and PREFERRED. We cannot guarantee more than 1 microphone. You will be asked to submit your audio file via email before the convention.
6 Masquerade rehearsal is mandatory unless cleared with the coordinator before the convention. Participants in Friday craftsmanship judging may also participate in the Masquerade, but not on Saturday judging as it is a scheduling conflict with rehearsal.
7 Stage combat and other more physical things will need approval at rehearsal to ensure the safety of attendees and equipment.
8 Whatever comes on the stage with you must leave the stage with you. Confetti, silly string, and other “messy” props are prohibited. Your performance must also be limited to the stage area.
9 You cannot enter in both the Walk-Ons and Performance. You also cannot be in two different performance entries. Stage ninjas/helpers count as performers/entrants. If you wish to enter both Craftsmanship and Performance, you must have a Friday judging time for craftsmanship.
Divisions
Novice - No more than 1 major award received Novices are new to performing and competing.
Advanced - 2 or more major awards received. Advanced competitors have some experience and have often competed or performed on stage before.
Categories may be changed/combined depending on cosplayer turnout.
Major awards are awards that are considered “Best Of” , “Best In”,”First Place”, “Second Place” and so on. Honorable mentions, gag awards and Judges awards do not count towards your skill level.
You may compete in a skill level higher than you are actually in, but you may not compete lower than your skill level. We encourage you to challenge yourself! BE AWARE- Once you win at a certain level you can only compete at that level or higher from then on out.
In a group, the skill level of that group is determined by the highest classed skill member of that group. For example, a group of novices with one journeyman must all compete as journeymen.
Walk-Ons
The Walk-Ons are a non-judged exhibition of cosplayers during the Performance Contest. You walk on the stage, pose a few times and that’s it!
This portion is open to all costumes from any genres, as well as original designs. You do not have to have made your costume to participate.
You may not be a Walk-on and in a Performance entry. Walk-ons do not attend rehearsal.
Registration for walk-ons will be done at con before the Performance Competition. Please show up at Main Events an hour before the competition starts and staff will direct you. There are limited spots available and they will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Please have the following information ready to go! This will be written on a card that you will hand to the MC, who will read it to the audience as you walk on stage.
*IF YOU ARE WALKING ALONE:*
The name you want to be called on stage. This is YOUR name, not your character's name. A cosplay handle, nickname, or first name are all acceptable.
The character's name that you are cosplaying. If you are not cosplaying a character, write out what your costume is. For example, "original fox spirit design" or "historical kimono."
The title the character is from. For example, "My Hero Academia," "Genshin Impact," "Disney." If you are not cosplaying from a series, you do not need this information.
Examples:
Erica as Princess Jasmine from Disney's Aladdin
Bob Cosplay as an original fox spirit design
John as Shoto Todoroki from My Hero Academia.
*IF YOU ARE WALKING AS A GROUP:*
You will all be listed on one card. Please have the name of each group member followed by the character they are cosplaying, as well as series if you are all cosplaying from different media. Make sure that they are all comfortable with the name you provide being broadcast.
The title of the media the character is from. For example, "My Hero Academia," "Genshin Impact," "Disney." If you are not cosplaying from a series, you do not need this information.
You do not all have to be from the same series, but all groups must be under ten people.
Example:
Erica as Kyoko Kirigiri, Bob Cosplay as Makoto Naegi, and John as Monobear from Dangan Ronpa.
Dragon Cosplay as Batman and Evan as Goku from Dragonball Z.
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:
Thursday 5:30pm - 8:30pm
Friday 9:00am-11pm
Saturday 9:00am-11pm
Sunday 9:00am-2pm
Repair only—no construction!
Active repairs only —people not actively repairing costumes will politely be asked to leave.
The wig station is for brushing out and preparing wigs only–our staff most likely will not cut your wig for you.
Only staff can change sewing machine settings, change needles or thread, etc. Only Con Mom can touch and use the serger! (just ask)
Attendees may use hot glue unsupervised—all other glues require staff supervision!
Supplies may not leave the Cosplay Repair Center (other than bobby and safety pins or fashion tape).
Do not leave items in the Cosplay Repair Center, they will be taken to Con Ops as lost and found.
Be respectful and courteous to all around you, we do not wish to banish you from Cosplay Repair. 🙂
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!