Expectations
The BETA (7 NOV Convention) prioritizes the cosplay competition to determine if there is enough cosplay community support to launch the first scheduled convention: INSPIRY X SPARK 2027, which will include two additional non-commission cosplay competitions.
While the prize may exceed the norms, the judging will not, and will follow familiar categories that cosplayers know and expect.
At the end of the event we will hold a specific panel for competition feedback and take recommendations for adjustments to continually improve the competition.
Registration
To compete you must register on-site the day of the event. Unregistered entries won’t be judged or considered. Minors 16+ must have parent or legal guardian signature. If emancipated, proof of emancipation is required (photocopy will be accepted, do not bring original documents).
Judges
Our intent is to bring in experienced cosplay judges for all of our competitions. In the event we have to deviate, we will find appropriately credentialed subject matter experts in related fields to serve as judges. Our goal is transparency and fairness in the judging process.
Prejudging
Time restraints for facility use, programing, number of registered cosplayers and operating budget are all factors that determine how much time judges will have with the cosplayer. A common time-frame is 3-5 minutes for pre-judging, however through feedback from the community we are organizing the event programing to allow more time for pre-judging. We will work to ensure each cosplayer has a fair and equal amount of time with the judges.
Skill Levels
The competitions are primarily for beginner to intermediate cosplayers to encourage growth and innovation in the hobby. INSPIRY X was designed to allow for previously unknown or non-competition cosplayers to quickly gain an advantage with a significant prize commission to use towards a project of their choice or to upgrade their equipment. The point ranges at the end of the BETA will help us determine the cut-offs for creating beginner, intermediate, and master categories specifically for our future competitions.
Craftsmanship
For our purposes, craftsmanship refers to the overall quality of the cosplay. We are not using master level rubrics for craftsmanship nor do we have the system to appropriately apply that level of review. This event is for beginners & intermediates and is aligned to the level of craftsmanship we expect to see. Our intent for our cosplay competition is to provide a simplified, easy to understand points system for the average audience member, backed by experienced cosplayers. We will rely on the knowledge and skill of our cosplay judges to help us establish a foundation we can build on over time.
Scoring
Accuracy & Fidelity
How closely does the cosplay match the reference imagery? Are proportions, colors, and fabric choices intentional? If an original design, is it consistent throughout?
0-10 points
Construction Quality
Is there cleanliness of seams, hemmed edges, proper use of materials, paint texture, smoothness of foam? Does it have structural integrity, are adhesives cleanly applied, is loose stitching visible throughout the build?
0-30 points
Complexity & Difficulty
Does the final result match the skill level required for the technique used? Were advanced techniques attempted such as casting, complex leatherwork, wiring electronics/LEDs, or sewing heavy materials/fabrics?
0-30 points
Material Innovation
Is there creative use of everyday or specialized materials? Were unique out of the box solutions required to solve build problems? Are there any instances of innovation to reuse materials in new unique ways?
0-30 points
Max total = 100 points
(At the end of each competition Judges will have opportunities to make recommendations to improve the rubrics. Our goal is continual process improvement to provide a challenging but not overwhelming event that encourages interest in craftsmanship cosplay.)