Cosplay at LI Retro

Cosplay

Get In The Game by Getting In Character

Cosplayers from all fandoms come to LI Retro to share their passion for their favorite game, anime, comic, film or art. All attendees are welcome to share their passion and dress up as the character or concept of their choice.

All on site registration (if applicable) will be located at the Cosplay Table located on the second floor.

Cosplay Fashion Show - Friday August 7th

Want to strut your stuff on the cosplay runway but don’t want to compete? Join LI Retro’s 3rd Annual Cosplay Fashion Show! All video game cosplayers are welcome, ages 14 and up. No competition, no judging, no awards — just the chance to show off your cosplay and start our retro weekend off right!

All cosplayers aged 14+ are welcome to participate.
Cosplays in the fashion show can be bought, made, commissioned, altered, closet cosplay, etc
Models can sign up online before the con or in-person at the cosplay table on the 2nd floor. Participants will be asked to provide their preferred name, cosplay character name and series, and a brief explanation of why they chose the character or why they are important to them.
During the show, the MC will read the model’s name, character information, etc. while the model walks on stage and poses 2-3 times for photos.

Adults Cosplay Contest - Saturday August 8th

1st Place: $400

2nd Place: $100

3rd Place: $50

All cosplayers aged 14+ are welcome to participate. Younger cosplayers can enter the kid’s contest on Sunday.
Contestants can sign up online before the con or in-person at the cosplay table on the 2nd floor. If you sign up online, be sure to check in at the cosplay table as soon as you arrive at the Expo. The Cosplay Team will tell you when and where to go for pre-judging and the contest.
Contest will cap at 40-50 applicants, so be sure to enter early!
Do not enter a cosplay that you’ve won an award with within the past year. Be fair to your fellow cosplayers.
Pre-judging will take place before the contest. You will be given a pre-judging time slot for the 3 judges to chat with you about your cosplay. They will take notes and review together during the intermission to finalize their decisions.
Cosplays are scored via a point-system based on three categories of evaluation: Originality, Creativity, and Handiwork. Please note that handmade cosplays and/or cosplays with handmade elements will receive higher points through this system.
Creativity points are for how you went about putting the cosplay together. What tools or methods did you use? Was it a unique process? Did you make changes to something you bought?
Originality points are for how you presented yourself; did you come to pre-judging and/or on stage in character? Or was it a unique cosplay (ie: 1950s roller skater waitress Samus, for example)? Did you do something that stood out to the judges?
Handiwork points are for how much of the cosplay is handmade and how well it is made. Whether the cosplay is sewn, foam, 3D printed, etc – is it clean? How are the seams and edges? Is it falling apart? Does it fit well? Bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better. Be prepared to flip your seams, show the details of your work up close, and explain your methods to the judges.
Once a contestant is finished with pre-judging, they are allowed to enter the auditorium (if there is no panel ongoing).
During the event, contestants will walk on stage and pose 2-3 times for photos while the MC reads information about the cosplay from the contestant’s application. The judges may ask each contestant 1-2 brief questions or provide commentary on what they learned about your cosplay. Please keep your answers short and sweet and do not use profanity or vulgarity on stage.
Poor sportsmanship will not be tolerated. This includes but is not limited to your behavior in-person at the event and online. Being rude or disrespectful to the judges, to staff, and/or to your fellow competitors will result in you being disqualified and/or banned from competing in our Cosplay Contest.
By registering to compete, you acknowledge that you will be filmed and/or photographed for our social media, website, and livestreams. If you are indeed posted on social media, please be sure to comment on the post so we can tag you!

Kids Cosplay Contest - Sunday, August 9th

1st Place: $75

2nd Place: $50

3rd Place: $25

Cosplayers under 14 are welcome to participate in the kids contest.
There is no online registration for the kids contest; please sign up on the day of the event at the cosplay table on the 2nd floor. The Cosplay Team will tell you when and where to go for the contest.
Contestants may be accompanied on stage/in front of the judges by a parent or guardian if desired.
Do not enter a cosplay that you’ve won an award with within the past year. Be fair to your fellow cosplayers.

Your 2026 Cosplay Judges!

Cosmess

CosMess (cos_im_a_mess), is a proud Hispanic cosplayer with over a decade of experience. What began as a passion for bringing her favorite characters to life grew into a commitment to learning the artistry behind every detail. Known for her bold garment construction, inventive prop crafting, and detailed wig styling. Her work reimagines beloved characters with fresh, imaginative interpretations that blend technical precision with creative flair. CosMess brings imagination to life with every detail. She is passionate about learning, refining her skills, and connecting with fellow artists.