Cosplay Contest Application

At MagicCon: Philadelphia we are hosting a Cosplay Contest like no other! We will have incredible hosts, fantastic guest judges, and amazing prizes! The submission period is now closed.  Applications received after January 13, 2023 will be reviewed in order of submission and accepted on a rolling basis until all slots have been filled.

  • All contestants must have a badge for MagicCon: Philadelphia
  • All costumes must be related to Magic: The Gathering characters
  • Costumes are judged on the craftsmanship of the costume
    • Each costume must be hand-made 
    • Store-bought, online-purchased, or rented costumes are NOT permitted
    • Commissioned costumes may be admitted if the creator of the costume is present. If the costume wins, the creator of the costume will receive the prize 
  • Contestants must be present for both the pre-judging and Cosplay Contest on Saturday to be eligible to win
  • Costumes can be an original concept/design related to a Magic Character; or, costumes can be an accurate recreation of an existing design
  • Only one entry per person 
  • All costumes and props must comply with the MagicCon: Philadelphia rules, guidelines, and weapons policy  

Full contest terms and conditions are available here.

Prize Information

  • One (1) Best in Show Award: US $4000 cash prize, two (2) 3-Day VIP badges to the final Festival event scheduled to be held in 2023 (estimated retail value of $700), and one (1) standard hotel room at the official Festival event (as determined by Wizard of the Coast; estimated retail value of $200);
  • One (1) Best in Show Runner-Up Award: US $2000 cash prize, one (1) 3-Day VIP badge to the next Festival event scheduled to be held in 2023 (estimated retail value of $350), and one (1) standard hotel room at the official Festival event (as determined by Wizard of the Coast; estimated retail value of $200);
  • Three (3) Judges’ Awards for Novice, Journeyman, and Masters categories: Each category winner receives: $1500 cash prize, one (1) 3-Day badge to the next Festival event scheduled to be held in 2023 (estimated retail value of $160), and one (1) standard hotel room at the official Festival event (as determined by Wizard of the Coast; estimated retail value of $200).

Additional prizing and winner categories may be announced during the Competition, in Sponsor’s sole discretion.