NOTE: You may need to create a Submittable account to complete this form (this is different from your Twitch account).

Calling all cosplayers! Dust off your sewing machines, fire up those heat guns, and get ready to compete in Twitch’s upcoming Cosplay Contest. We are excited to announce that not only will this year’s contest be virtual -- meaning you can participate from the comfort of your own living room -- we are also accepting entries for cosplayers from multiple countries! Join the best cosplayers on Twitch and stream your process to compete for a chance to win the $8,000 grand prize. The contest will also feature $2,000 prizes for each of the category winners: Needlework, Armor, FX, and Larger Than Life, plus a community’s choice "Fan Favorite" winner who will also receive $2,000.

Guidelines

If you think you’ve got what it takes to compete with the best cosplayers on Twitch, submit here! There are just a few things you need to do to be eligible:

Stream your creation process on Twitch for a minimum of eight (8) hours Include videos and images of the completed (or nearly completed) cosplay; see example of what we are looking for here . NOTE: Your images and video MUST be properly lit and easy to view your costume and the details as these will be used for judging. Use the “Cosplay” tag when streaming and include “Twitch 2020 Cosplay Contest Entry” in the title of your broadcast

If you have already started a cosplay you would like to enter into the contest, you may still be eligible to participate, as long as (1) you broadcast a minimum of 8 hours of the process during the contest period, (2) the submitted cosplay has not placed or won in any other cosplay or costume contest, and (3) the costume was made within the period between November 14, 2019 and November 14, 2020.

Contest submissions begin September 14, 2020 at 8:00am PT and end October 9, 2020 at 11:59pm PT. Entrants must be 18+ and located in the US, Canada, EEA, Switzerland, or UK. Other restrictions apply. See full Official Rules for additional details.

Please read the full rules before submitting to the contest.

Selection Process

The Twitch Cosplay Contest selection committee will begin accepting submissions on September 14, 2020. Submissions will close on October 9, 2020. You will be notified of the status of your submission no later than October 16, 2020.

If you are selected as a finalist, we will follow up with more detailed information.

FAQs

When can I submit my entry? What are the key dates?

Submissions will be open starting on September 14, 2020. You can find the full list of key dates below:

Contest period: September 14, 2020 - November 14, 2020

September 14, 2020 - November 14, 2020 Submissions open: September 14, 2020, 8:00am PT

September 14, 2020, 8:00am PT Submissions close: October 9, 2020, 11:59pm PT

October 9, 2020, 11:59pm PT Announce finalists: October 16, 2020

October 16, 2020 Finale: November 14, 2020

As a Twitch Partner or Affiliate, can I participate? What if I’ve never streamed before?

Absolutely to all of the above! As long as you meet the minimum streaming and eligibility requirements and follow the rules, you can participate.

What are the categories?

There are four categories: Larger than life, Needlework, Armor, and FX.

What if I have already started working on the cosplay?

If you have already started a cosplay you would like to enter into the contest, as long as you broadcast a minimum of 8 hours of the process during the contest period, the submitted cosplay has not placed or won in any other cosplay or costume contest, and the costume was made within the period between November 14, 2019 and November 14, 2020, you will be eligible to participate.

What should my video focus on? What should be shown in the photos?

The video should show the act of creating the cosplay and the photos should focus on what the final piece will look like when worn. Please include multiple pictures, showing multiple angles of the final piece. Do not submit photoshopped images! Photoshopped images will NOT be considered during judging. See example video here .

Why do we have to broadcast our cosplay streams on Twitch?

The broadcast is archived forever. This ensures that you’ve streamed the fabrication of part or all of your costume on Twitch and you have hit the 8 hour minimum requirement.

Are groups allowed to enter the competition? Can there be more than one person in the same costume?

If there are multiple people and multiple costumes, you can submit these as separate entries but not as one entry. If there are multiple people in one costume, ie Larger than Life made with multiple people, you can submit one entry from one person. If the cosplay wins, the person who submitted the entry will receive the winnings.

Do I have to have the full cosplay completed by October 9, 2020 or can I work on it afterwards?

To be eligible, you have to have a costume complete or nearly complete, enough to give the judges an idea of the finished costume. You can finish and add details after submitting your entry.

How are the finalists chosen? How does the pre-judging work?

The finalists are chosen by an internal team of Twitch employees who are craftspeople, cosplayers, and makers who have an understanding of the craftsmanship that goes into making a cosplay costume.

Pre-judging will take place virtually by a panel of cosplayers, prop makers, craftspeople, and enthusiasts who will determine the final category winners as well as the Grand Prize Winner.

The Fan Favorite winner will be chosen by a public vote during the Finale using a Twitch extension for the audience watching to vote.

Is the prize money taxable?

Yes. All prizes are subject to tax reporting and payment requirements. Each winner is solely responsible for reporting and paying all applicable taxes related to the prizes.

My question isn’t answered! Where can I ask something else or for more clarification?