BotCon ’26 Cosplay Contest

How to Enter

Registration Information

Pre-registration is required unless otherwise stated.
Walk-in entries are allowed but are not guaranteed a spot.
Children under a certain age must have a guardian present at all times.
Large or complex costumes must provide their own handler. BotCon will NOT provide handlers.
If assistance is needed for getting on or off stage, please bring your own helper.

Rules

Rules & Guidelines

General Rules

All costumes must be at least PG-13 rated.
No nudity, excessive gore, or offensive imagery including hate symbols, vulgar language, or inappropriate references.
Costumes must represent a character from the Transformers continuity including official TV shows, movies, comics, and games.

Performance Rules

No vulgar language, offensive gestures, or inappropriate behavior during your performance or stage appearance.
No throwing items, jumping off the stage, or performing dangerous stunts.
Walk-ons are limited to 30–60 seconds.
Please keep your presentation brief and respectful of time limits.

Prop & Weapon Rules

All props must be convention-safe.
Props must be peace-bonded, lightweight, and non-functional.
No real or functional projectiles including Nerf darts, arrows, or airsoft guns.
If a Nerf gun is being used, please remove all projectiles.
All bladed props must be dull and made of safe materials such as foam or plastic.
No pyrotechnics, liquids, smoke effects, or open flames are permitted on stage.
No strobing effects are allowed on weapons or costume pieces for safety and accessibility reasons.

Important

Grounds for Disqualification

Behavior & Conduct

Harassment or bullying of fellow contestants, staff, judges, or audience members.
Use of vulgar, obscene, or discriminatory language on or off stage.
Inappropriate gestures, lewd behavior, or excessive suggestive content.
Disregard of staff instructions or refusal to follow cosplay area rules.

Costume Violations

Costumes that violate PG-13 standards including nudity, sexual content, or overly revealing outfits.
Graphic violence or gore.
Offensive imagery including hate symbols or slurs.

Performance Misconduct

Dangerous stunts or reckless behavior including jumping off stage, throwing objects, or aggressive movement.
Use of any pyrotechnics, smoke, fire, liquids, or strobe effects.
Performance exceeds the time limit without prior approval.

Prop & Weapon Violations

Bringing real weapons.
Use of sharp, unblunted blades or unsafe props.
Launching projectiles such as Nerf darts or arrows during the contest.

Dishonesty or Cheating

Entering a costume not built or significantly altered by the contestant while claiming it as original work.
Entering under multiple names or categories in the same contest.
Tampering with judging or contest process.

Automatic Disqualification

Threatening or endangering others’ safety.
Use of drugs or alcohol during contest hours.
Breaking venue rules or local laws.

Trophies & Prizes

Awards

🏆

Overall Winner

10″ Trophy

🥇

Advanced

8″ Trophy

🥇

Novice

8″ Trophy

🥇

Kids

8″ Trophy

Runner-ups will receive certificates

Category Prizes

Cosplay Adult Scout

🥇 1st Place $50 AgaBucks* + Prize Table item

🥈 2nd Place Prize Table item

Cosplay Adult Elite Guard

🥇 1st Place $50 AgaBucks* + Prize Table item

🥈 2nd Place Prize Table item

Cosplay Youth Protoform

🥇 1st Place $25 AgaBucks* + Prize Table item

🥈 2nd Place Prize Table item

*AgaBucks have no cash value and must be redeemed by close of the show on Sunday.