February 6 - 9, 2025
Orange County Convention Center
BEGINS IN:
- 00Days
- 00Hrs
- 00Mins
- 00Secs
The MEGACON Orlando Replica Competition
The MEGACON Orlando Replica Competition challenges cosplayers to recreate a prop or costume piece to the best of their abilities, focusing on one specific item instead of a head-to-toe cosplay look. The replica pieces will be on display from 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM on Sunday, February 4 at the Orange County Convention Center.
Our team of experienced judges will select the Best Novice Maker and the Best Experienced Maker. Attendees of MEGACON will vote for their Fan Favorite.
Please read all rules and regulations below before registering.
How it works
The MEGACON Orlando Replica Competition challenges cosplayers to recreate a single prop or costume piece to the best of their abilities.
Contestants must register in advance and choose to compete in either the Novice Maker or Experienced Maker category. Novice makers are those who have been fabricating for less than two years and have yet to win any major awards such as: Best in Show, Runner-Up to Best in Show, or Best in Division.
Cosplayers who have previously won a Major Award at a standard cosplay contest should count that award towards their division placement for this contest.
On the morning of Sunday, February 4, contestants will bring their piece, along with supporting materials documenting how they built it, to the gallery area at the show for check in before 11:30 AM. Contestants will then install their piece within the gallery area. Please note that no special supports, such as a mannequins or custom mounts, will be provided, please bring your own.
Pieces will be on display until 3:30 PM on Sunday. Contestants may pick up their piece after 3:30 PM.
Judging
Each prop will be assigned a number. Attendees will vote on their favorite prop by writing the corresponding number down on a piece of paper and submitting it to the ballot box.
A panel of expert prop makers will judge each piece to determine the best Experienced Crafter and Best Novice Crafter. Contestants will be assigned a time that they can meet with the judges next to their piece to answer any questions.
Judging will conclude at 2:00 PM with the winners announced immediately after. Winners can pick up their prizes then or when they retrieve their props at the end of the display period.
Criteria
Props must be the work of the submitter. No commissioned or purchased finished props are allowed.
Fabrication: Clean edges, paint job, seam and joint work, construction and durability, innovative construction methods.
Materials: Believable to the prop, innovative use of unconventional materials, functionality of the design, and execution of simulated materials.
Screen Accuracy: Attention to detail and likeness of the screen version
A note on 3D printing:
3D printing will be allowed, but those wishing to enter 3D printed props must provide supporting documentation outlining how they have either designed the 3D print file themselves, and/or significantly altered a 3D print file prior to or post printing. Entrants may use smaller 3D printed components as part of a larger design.
Prizes
The Following prizes will be awarded:
Best Experienced Maker: $100.00 USD one (1) 4-Day pass to MEGACON Orlando 2025
Best Novice Maker: $100.00 USD and one (1) 4-Day pass to MEGACON Orlando 2025
Fan Favorite: One (1) 4- Day Pass to MEGACON Orlando 2025
Contest Rules and Regulations
- Contestants must have a valid ticket for Sunday/weekend badge to compete.
- Contest is open to those 13 years of age or older.
- Props must be the work of the submitter. No commissioned or purchased props are allowed.
- Contestants must also submit a description outlining their building process to be considered for a cash prize. Additional documentation such as photos is encouraged.
- FAN EXPO reserves the right to disallow any contestants based on appropriateness of the prop or costume piece. MEGACON is a family friendly convention. Items that are deemed to be racist, obscene, or otherwise derogatory will not be allowed to compete. Items with hate symbolism such as swastikas, KKK hoods, etc. will not be allowed to compete. FAN EXPO HQ staff has the final say on all entries. Decisions will not be appealed.
- All props MUST pass Prop Check inspection or be approved by FAN EXPO HQ staff in advance. Please read our prop policy here for more details. On-site security will have final call on all props entering the venue.
- Absolutely no flame or pyrotechnical props or costume items are permitted due to fire regulations.