THE RULES

Our cosplay competition is new but there are pre-existing standards of conduct within the community that we will uphold. All INSPIRY X events are family oriented.

Cosplays that encourage hate speech, offensive language or overtly sexualized designs are explicitly prohibited.

All cosplays must adhere to the local city ordinances of public decency in the county of which the event is held.

Thongs, micro bikinis, translucent or see through materials used to cover genitalia or nipples are prohibited, entry will not be allowed. Local law enforcement, private security and INSPIRY X security will be on site to ensure a safe event.

Proxy is allowed, the creator must be present during pre-judging. You must inform the judges of the proxy and are responsible for answering questions and producing the physical or digital build book. If scored to the Top 20, the proxy will walk the runway during the finale.

Purchased cosplays are considered non-craftsman and are ineligible for the competition. (There will be a specific competition for this at a future date.) All cosplays are welcome to walk the runway from 11 am - 4 pm.

Sandbagging. INSPIRY X is for beginner to intermediate cosplayers. Do not enter the competition with a build that has previously won another competition. We will verify the winner before issuing the commission. There are multiple ways for experienced award winning cosplayers to get involved with INSPIRY X, such as workshops, exhibits and demos. The 7 November 2026 BETA event serves a dual purpose of scouting for cosplayers to join us in 2027.

Help us create a positive experience by being respectful and encouraging to all competitors. Guests that create or contribute to harassment, unsafe activities or threats of violence will be escorted out of the venue by local law enforcement, private security, INSPIRY X security or any combination there of.

Individual scores will not be publicly published or posted in the event hall. All scores are final.

INSPIRY X prioritizes ADA accessibility within the competition and along the runway for audience viewing.

Group entries will not be accepted during the 7 November 2026 BETA. A separate group cosplay competition is scheduled for a future phase.

A physical or digital build book must be present at time of registration.

Original characters are permitted and encouraged but not required for the 7 November 2026 BETA event.

Real firearms, live steel, sharp metal, or functioning projectile weapons are prohibited. All prop weapons will be peace-bonded by security before entering the convention space.

All liquids, goops, glitters, and confetti type substances are prohibited from the convention venue.

All special effects must be self-powered and contained within the cosplay/costume.