Craftmanship Competition
Tournament of Champions Qualifier
Gressloek
Calling all cosplay crafters!
Winner qualifies for Tournament of Champions 2026 in Vienna
Once more, we are hosting the international qualifier for Tournament of Champions at MagiCon. This is the first crafting-based competition qualifier in Norway. Cosplay Crafters – get excited!
Tournament of Champions (ToC) is a competition solely based on craftsmanship. There is no performance part – contestants get on stage only to show off their work, and the final score will not be affected by the catwalk.
The ToC finals will take place in Vienna, Austria, TBA October 2026, at Yunicon.
Date: Sunday, June 21
Time: 15:00
Where: Storesal
Application Process
Going forward, MagiCon will update the sign-up process for this competition. The previous first-come, first-served system will be replaced by the following process:
- The application form will open on March 15th 2026 at 6pm CEST, and will remain open for three full days before closing.
- A diverse internal committee will review all applications and select the competitors. The committee will consider factors such as innovation, variation, originality, and well-thought-out concepts.
- All applicants will receive a response 4 days after the form closes. Those who are not chosen will have the option to join a waiting list.
For more details on this process, follow this link.
Additional requirements for the application forms
In the forms you will be asked to provide the usual information, such as names, characters, source material and contact information.
In addition, you will be required to submit the following:
Costume:
• Work in progress images of your costume, and or sketches or mockups completed so far.
• A description of the crafting techniques you plan to use, such as sewing, leatherwork, foamwork or similar methods.
• A list of the materials you intend to use.
• Detailed reference images of the character or characters you are portraying.
Gressloek
About TOC
Tournament Of Champions or TOC is a craftsmanship competition hosted by YuniCon in Vienna. The concept of “Tournament Of Champions” was created by YuniCon right before the pandemic in 2020 and they had their first final in 2023 which was a great success.Their goal is to create a Contest where crafting skills are valued equally, so the most complete costume will be the winner.
Tournament Of Champions is a competition solely based on craftsmanship, there is no performance part – you get on stage only to show off your craft , and the final score will not be affected by the catwalk.
At TOC every costume is judged in 5 Categories: Needlework, Armor, Prop making, Wig & Makeup and Craftsmanship, giving participants the chance to win separate categories, as well as the “Best in Show” award, which will be the highest score.
Rules and Criteria
Competition Rules
Click here to see all rules
1. Participation
- The competition is for solo contestants only.
- Contestants must be citizens or permanent residents of Norway.
- Contestants must be 18 years of age or older.
- There are 12 spots available. Once all spots are filled, remaining applicants will be placed on a waiting list. Waiting list participants must still meet all deadlines for submission of files.
2. Stage Presentation
- Each contestant has a maximum of 1 minute to present their cosplay to the audience and walk the catwalk.
- The stage portion is for audience presentation only and will not affect the judges’ final score.
- The Magicon host will present information about your costume live while you are on stage. Contestants will later provide a PDF file with details about the costume and its construction
- Detail photos of your costume will be shown on the screen behind you during your catwalk.
- Stage ninjas (Magicon staff) may assist by handing a prop or pressing a button from backstage.
- Stage dimensions: 22 m wide front stage, 13 m wide back stage, 11.5 m deep. Doors: 160 cm wide × 202 cm high. Plan props and costume accordingly.
- Stage chart: Oslo Konserthus Store Sal
- Confetti, liquids, fireworks, and crackers are not allowed.
- Weapon/Prop rules must be followed at all times.
NB! Please be aware that we are under the obligation to protect the wooden stage floor at Oslo Konserthus.
Therefore following is prohibited in all stage activities:
- Dragging of props or costume elements that could leave marks.
- Un-padded hard components (on handheld or stage props or costume) making contact with the stage floor on handheld or stage props) making contact with the stage floor
3. Photoshoot
- MagiCon will provide a professional photoshoot with an invited photographer on the competition day.
- The goal is to showcase the details of your costume to the audience and judges.
4. Pre-Judging
- Each contestant will have 5 minutes with the judges to present their work.
- Pre-judging will be conducted in English.
- Judges will also receive pre-delivered material from participants in advance.
5. Costumes
- Costumes must be at least 90% self-made ([link to self-made definition]).
- Only costumes from published or official visual media are allowed. Personal creations and fan art are not allowed.
- Costumes that have previously won a podium placement in competitions may not compete again without significant improvements. Proof of improvement must be sent to [email protected].
- Both the costume and stage presentation must be PG13.
6. Preparation
- On April 5, 2026, contestants will receive a participation form to complete.
- The form must be submitted by June 9, 2026, 23:59.
- The submission must be a single PDF file in English, including the contestant’s name/cosplay name, containing:
- Reference images of the costume
- Work-in-progress (WiP) photos of all parts of the costume and props
- For 3D-printed items, include a screenshot of the print history
- List of materials used
- Approximate work hours invested
- Any other relevant information for the judges
Files not included in this PDF may not be brought to the judging room.
7. Tech Test
There is no Tech Test for this competition.
8. Judges
MagiCon will select an international panel of judges with expertise in multiple disciplines.
9. Winners
- There will be 1st place and runner-up.
- The winner qualifies for the ToC finals in Vienna.
- If the winning cosplayer cannot attend the finals, the runner-up will be offered the opportunity.
10. Tournament of Champions Finals
- Finals will take place in Vienna, Austria, in October 2026, at Yunicon.
- Flights and accommodation are covered by MagiCon. Other costs (food, drinks, extra luggage, transport, etc.) are the responsibility of the participant.
- The finals consist of a 30–60 second walk-on/walk-off.
- Contestants may create a new costume for the finals. Costumes that have previously placed in other contests are not eligible, except audience vote awards.
11. Judging Criteria
The judging is split into multiple categories:
Needlework: Any sewing-related parts of the costume
Armor: Any armor parts of the costume
Wig & Makeup: Wig or hairstyling, face & body makeup/body paint, prosthetics
Craftsmanship: Techniques, precision of work, skillsets, quality
Prop-making: Additional props to enhance the costume, such as (but not limited to) weapons, jewelry, accessories, etc.
Each category will be scored on a scale from 1 to 10 by each judge individually, 1 being the lowest, 10 being the highest.
Self-made note: Exceptions are allowed for items like contact lenses, shoes, wigs, undergarments, prosthetics, and shared equipment (e.g., 3D printers after modeling your own file).
Likeness note: Judges evaluate construction and how the costume achieves likeness to the character. Factors such as gender, height, weight, skin color, etc., are not considered.
Criteria
Criterias for judging:
The judging is split into multiple categories:
- Needlework: Any sewing related parts of the costume
- Armor: Any armor parts of the costume
- Wig&Makeup: Wig- or hairstyling, face&body makeup/body paint, prosthetics
- Craftsmanship: Techniques, precision of work, skillsets, quality
- Propmaking: additional props to enhance the costume, such as (but not limited to) weapons, jewelry, accessories, etc.
Each category will be on a scale from 1 to 10 by each judge individually, 1 being the lowest, 10 being the highest.
Gressloek
Application:
Questions or concerns?
Send us an email on: [email protected]
