COSPLAY CONTEST

Please Welcome Rubber City Cosplay, our 2024 Cosplay Contest Hosts

Originating from Akron, Ohio, Rubber City Cosplay was founded in 2015 as a collaborative effort dedicated to sharing, creating and crafting a thriving cosplay and pop culture community. We are intentional about providing accessible and focused experiences that foster self-expression. We envision an empowering community where creative individuals feel celebrated, inspired, and valued, while fostering a culture of belonging and authenticity.

Rubber City Cosplay (where you need to register in person for Contests) will be set up all weekend long in the main entrance Lobby near the MAIN STAGE

 
 

SATURDAY contests

 
 

TEEN COSPLAY CONTEST

Saturday August 3, 2024

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Ages 13 - 17. Register in Person Saturday (at the Rubber City Cosplay Space) before 1pm

TEEN PRIZES

  • Best in Show - $100 CASH + 2025 Con Tickets

  • Judges Choice - Certificate of Recognition

  • 1st place - 2025 Con Tickets + 25 Gashapon Tokens ($50 value) + Prize Pack

  • 2nd place- 2025 Con Tickets + 15 Gashapon Tokens ($30 value) + Prize Pack

  • 3rd place - 2025 Con Tickets + Prize Pack

ADULT COSPLAY CONTEST

Saturday August 3, 2024

4:30 pm - 6:00 pm

Age 18 and up. Register in Person Saturday (at the Rubber City Cosplay Space) before 1pm

Categories; Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced.

Novice - For contestants who have just started making their own costumes and are new to cosplay competitions. Contestants in the Novice category must have never won an award in Novice (Beginner, etc) or higher at another major convention. If so, contestants will be moved to Intermediate. The percent of the costume that must have been made by the contestant(s) is 60%.

Intermediate - For contestants who have been cosplaying for a few years and/or have made a number of Intermediate level costumes. You must not have won more than 2 major awards in Intermediate (Journeyman, etc) at other contests. If so, contestants will be moved to Advanced. The percent of the costume that must have been made by the contestant(s) is 70%.

Advanced - For contestants who have been cosplaying for many years and/or have made a number of advanced level costumes. Anyone can apply to participate in Advanced (Masters, etc) but we highly recommend that contestants follow the description for both Novice and Intermediate and the outlined wins in each to determine their proper category. The percent of the costume that must have been made by the contestant(s) is 80%.

Judges may move a contestant to the next category, provided they have shown the correct level of skill and talent. Judges will inform the contestant prior to announcing winners and let them know the shift has been made. If you are confused or curious which category is best for you consult with Rubber City Cosplay booth prior to signing up for the contest!

 

ADULT PRIZES

  • Best in Show - $300 CASH + 2025 Con Tickets + Prize Pack

  • Judges Choice - Certificate of Recognition

Advanced

  • 1st place - $200 CASH + 2025 Con Tickets

  • 2nd place – $50 Con Cash (Credit to buy from any convention vendor)

  • 3rd place - $25 Con Cash (Credit to buy from any convention vendor)

Intermediate

  • 1st place - $100 CASH + 2025 Con Tickets

  • 2nd place – $50 Con Cash (Credit to buy from any convention vendor)

  • 3rd place - $25 Con Cash (Credit to buy from any convention vendor)

 Novice

  • 1st place - $50 CASH + 2025 Con Tickets

  • 2nd place – $50 Con Cash (Credit to buy from any convention vendor)

  • 3rd place - $25 Con Cash (Credit to buy from any convention vendor)

 

Sunday contests

 

Group COSPLAY CONTEST

Sunday August 4, 2024

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Open to ALL AGES and/or mixed age groups. Register in Person Sunday (at the Rubber City Cosplay Space) Before 1pm

GROUP PRIZES

Kids COSPLAY CONTEST

Sunday August 4, 2024

3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Ages 12 and Under. Register in Person Sunday (at the Rubber City Cosplay Space) Before 1pm

KIDS PRIZES

  • Judges Choice - Certificate of Recognition

  • 1st place – DEFY Ticket Package + Prize Pack

  • 2nd place- DEFY Ticket Package + Prize Pack

  • 3rd place - DEFY Ticket Package

 

WHAT are judges looking at in the contest?

 

Contestants of all Skill Levels in the Adult, Group, and Teen Contests will be judged on the following 4 criteria points:

Preparation, Process & Knowledge.

●   Provide an explanation of the creative process by utilizing progress photos, knowledge of techniques and ability to describe their cosplay journey. We recommend providing Process Explanation or a Build Book to outline steps of the cosplay and how you overcame obstacles along the way.

Construction, Including Materials & Methods.

●     Judges will be looking for unique methods that contestants have used to create their costume. Creativity and construction, use of various materials and the ability to produce a unified vision with materials and methods even if not in their intended use.

Transformation Tools, Makeup, Wigs & More.

●     Becoming the character intended is an integral part of any cosplay. Judges will be examining tools of transformation, including wig styling, makeup application, weathering, and distressing techniques and accuracy to character.

Details, Details, and More Details.

●     What is the thing that sets your cosplay apart from others portraying the same character? What intricacies or unique applications have you used to highlight details and ultimately, your ability to accurately portray your cosplay as accurately as possible.

The Best In Show Award

This Award highlights the cosplayer who showcases unparalleled craftsmanship and attention to detail. They stand as a beacon of excellence and exemplify the dedication and skill that elevates cosplay to the next level.

HARASSMENT OF ANY KIND IS NOT TOLERATED

No Nudity, no real weapons, no profanity, no religious or political statements, No fire or explosives, No being mean or presenting violence. Please keep costume in good taste. you can enter into multiple categories, (group and adult for example)

ALL POLICIES AND COSTUME RULES HERE

Attendees may be photographed or filmed at any time at the convention. By purchasing admission to Really Cool Comic Con, all attendees consent to being recorded (by audio, visual and/or other means) for exhibition in all media now known or hereafter devised worldwide in perpetuity.

**ALL categories, times, and details are subject to change. Really Cool Con updates regularly so please check back to stay informed of all current information.