PLEASE read this entire page carefully if you would like to participate in Sonic Neon Summit’s cosplay contest. It contains important information.

1. You must have a valid Sonic Neon Summit 2025 weekend pass or Saturday-only badge. 
2. If you are under the age of 13, you must have your parents’ permission to enter, and you must also be accompanied by your parent/guardian throughout the duration of the contest. You will be performing in showcase only.
3. You agree to read and abide by all the rules as posted upon signing up for the contest.
4. You acknowledge that the Cosplay Judges and Sonic Neon Summit staff have the right to refuse participation to anyone for any reason.

• Awards: This is a competitive category, and entries will be eligible to win awards based on their craftsmanship!

• All applications for the Craftsmanship category must be submitted by June 1st, 2025.

Want to share your cosplay with the crowd without entering the competition? Then the Showcase category is perfect for you!

• Participants will walk the stage, strike a few poses, and show off their cosplay – Sonic-themed or otherwise!
• This is a non-competitive category and does not include judging or awards.
• The Showcase category is purely for fun – just enjoy being in the spotlight!
• Kids age 13 and younger will be put into their own showcase category. There is no Youth craftsmanship category at this time.

Important Note:

Craftsmanship and Showcase are separate categories and cannot be combined. If you wish to be judged for Craftsmanship, you must indicate this when signing up.

To ensure fair and accurate evaluation, all Craftsmanship contestants are required to present the judges with PRINTED, FULL-COLOR reference materials for their cosplay. Even if your character is widely recognized, judges still need visual references to properly assess accuracy and detail – no exceptions.

• Printed, full-color reference images of your character’s design from official sources (game screenshots, show stills, concept art, etc.).
  Digital devices such as phones, tablets, or laptops will NOT be accepted as substitutes for printed materials.
• A thin folder with pockets or brads is strongly recommended to keep your materials organized and easy for the judges to flip through.

• Progress photos documenting your creative journey (construction, sewing, prop-making, etc.) are welcome, but keep it concise – please do not bring hundreds of photos documenting every single step of your work.
  
• Prejudging sessions are restricted to 5 minutes or less – judges may revisit your reference packet during their deliberations.
  

• All printed materials will be returned to you after the show, so be sure to label your folder if desired.

1. Violating any Contest, Convention, or rule set in place by the GSR will automatically disqualify you. Depending on the severity of the violation, you may have your badge revoked or face a permanent ban from all future Sonic Neon Summit events.
2. All performances have a three-minute time limit. Contestants who enter either category can walk on stage, pose, and show off their cosplay before exiting the stage.
3. This is a family-friendly event. All performances and cosplay must be kept at a PG-13 level or lower. Therefore, no explicit language, gestures, nudity, etc. Any cosplayers attempting to present a costume with excess nudity will be disqualified and permanently banned from Sonic Neon Summit.
4. Participants are expected to behave backstage in an appropriate, friendly, and mature manner.
5. All props/backgrounds MUST leave with you. There is no storing of props/backgrounds pre-/post-event in the backstage area.
6. Be smart! Do not be the one who gets sent to the hospital in front of everyone for attempting a dangerous stunt. The safety of our cosplay contestants and audience are our top priority.
7. This cosplay contest has a Discord server where you can interact with fellow competitors, con staff, and judges. These interactions must always remain professional and sportsmanlike. Disrespectful attitude or language to any peer, staff, or judge will have consequences up to and including disqualification from the contest, depending on severity.