Get ready to bring your favorite fighting game characters to life at Evo 2025’s Cosplay Festival and Contest! Whether you’re a seasoned cosplay veteran or just stepping into the ring for the first time, we welcome all skill levels to celebrate creativity, craftsmanship, and fighting game fandom.
SIGN UP FOR THE EVO 2025 COSPLAY CONTEST HERE
Schedule & Locations
Judging Sessions — Evo Cosplay Judging Room (2F - ROOM No. TBA Later)
Friday, August 1
Session 1: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Session 2: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Saturday, August 2
- Session 3: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Finalists Announced: 4:50 PM
Top 8 Showcase: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM on the Evo Community Stage
Please note that this year the judging process will take place in a separate meeting room on the second floor of the convention center (a short walk away from the Evo convention center floor). More details will be shared as we get closer to the event.
Cosplay Gatherings
Official Cosplay gatherings will be listed here during the show date
Prizes
🥇 Winner: Flight & hotel for a future international Evo event
🎖️ Top 8 Finalists: Evo 2025 Medals and Community Stage presentation opportunity
New to 2025, we will also have other prizes and support from other partners and the game publishers to award the cosplay community. Stay tuned for more details as we get closer to the event.
Contest Rules
- Your character must appear in a fighting game (versions from fighting games only)
- Be ready with a reference image and, if possible, progress photos.
- Individual entries only (no group judging).
- There is no specific percentage of the costume that must be handmade to be eligible for competition, but handmade costumes will be favored for placement and prizing consideration.
- Accessibility matters: Masks, mobility aids, and assistants are all allowed.
- Family-friendly attire is required per Las Vegas regulations.
Meet the Judges
Linda Le – @VampyBitMe
With over two decades in the cosplay world and appearances at Evo and Evo Japan, Vampy is a beloved figure in the community. Known for her positive energy and dedication to the craft, she’s here to uplift cosplayers of all backgrounds.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/VampyBitme
Instagram: https://instagram.com/vampybitme
Twitch: https://twitch.tv/vampybitme
Alex Kerns – @MonolithCostume
Alex is a foam-armor focused cosplayer from Michigan. He is an accredited cosplay judge, appearing at many conventions such as DokiDoCon, GalaxyCon Richmond and many others. He has also been a featured cosplay creator for many brands, including HoYoverse and Hypergryph. Known for his exceptional foam-work and over the top builds, he hopes to educate and inspire other up and coming cosplayers with his complex technical skills and prove you really can make anything!
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MonolithCostume
Instagram: https://instagram.com/monolith_costumes
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5LmobSk0x0aY66oeB53FPw
Kaho Shibuya – @Shibukaho
Born and raised in Tokyo, Kaho Shibuya is a globally multi-talented personality. Appearing as a regular on big YouTube channels to be a cultural bridge between Japan and the rest of the world, she was invited to 8 international conventions in 9 months last year.
Kaho has been a Crunchyroll Anime Awards judge since 2021. As a former newspaper reporter, she has published books in both Japanese and English. You can also find her in “Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii” as a 3D and live-action character Kaho.
As a break from her busy work schedule, Kaho loves to stream on Twitch almost daily to enjoy playing retro games, just chatting, doing house chores then even falling asleep sometimes, because she finds the community incredibly comfy.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/shibukaho
Instagram: https://instagram.com/shibukaho
Twitch: https://twitch.tv/shibuya_kaho
Saki Amaha / 天羽 咲 – @amh_cos
Additionally we are pleased to welcome the Evo Japan 2025 cosplay contest winner Saki Amaha to Evo 2025 in Las Vegas. She won the competition in Tokyo with her amazing display of Manon from Street Fighter 6. She will be interviewed during the finals on Day 2 of the event. Please look forward to it!
Cosplay for All
Cosplay at Evo is about celebrating your favorite characters with creativity and passion. We proudly support inclusivity — cosplay whomever you love, regardless of gender, size, background, or identity. Let your character shine! See you at Evo 2025 — where cosplay and fighting games collide!
