C2E2
April 11 - 13, 2025
McCormick Place

Cosplay Central is the ultimate destination for cosplay enthusiasts of all levels.

Whether you're a seasoned cosplayer or just starting out, discover a range of interactive workshops tailored to enhance your skills and connect with like-minded individuals. Our cosplay changing rooms provide convenience for transforming into your favorite characters and returning to your everyday attire, ensuring everyone can enjoy the cosplay experience.

Where? On the Show Floor near Side Quest! 

When? Cosplay Central is open Friday – Saturday 10 AM – 7 PM, Sunday 10 AM – 5 PM. Cosplay Workshop hours are located in the schedule below! 

Cosplay Admin Desk

Your friendly neighborhood Cosplay Admin booth will be located within Cosplay Central. Come on by if you have any questions about the Cosplay Central Crown Championships, Cosplay Central Costume Showcase, or C2E2 Talent Show. Please refer to our hours to know when you can catch us.  

Cosplay Admin Desk Hours

Friday  

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM  
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM  

Saturday  

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM  

Sunday  

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM   

Cosplay Central Crown Championships

The Cosplay Central Crown Championships is back for 2025! The winner of the C2E2 Qualifier will move forward into the USA Final for a chance at glory in the Crown Championships Global Final.

Craftsmanship is at the heart of the championship so expect to see some incredible creations on the stage.  All the entries will have their costume construction inspected by our judges before they take to stage and show off their creations.  

Make sure to head to the Main Stage on Saturday to see which of the incredible entries will claim victory and receive a cash prize and a chance to compete in the US finals where they will compete against winners selected at Florida Supercon, NYCC and ECCC in the USA National Final. One of these four incredible cosplayers will triumph to compete against cosplayers from all over the world, all trying to claim the title of Crown Champion of Cosplay in the Global Final.

Applications open 9:00AM EST January 06, 2025  to 11:59PM EST February 26, 2025.
Applicants will be notified no later than March 3, 2025 regarding their acceptance into the competition. If you have any questions you may direct them to [email protected].

Applications to take part in the contest are now closed. Applications to take part in the contest are now closed. Want to watch the action unfold? Head to the Main Stage to watch the show at 7:30 PM on Saturday. We’ll also be broadcasting to Room S403-AB so more people can watch this year.

Cosplay Showcase

The Cosplay Showcase is where fans and cosplayers can showcase their craftsmanship in style. Taking place on Sunday, this event is open to all cosplayers and is an opportunity for fans of all levels to strut their stuff on the main stage.

Register at the Cosplay Central administration desk during the show. There are prizes (for over 18s only) but cosplayers are free to take part just for fun if they do not wish to be judged. Family Groups and Juniors (13-17) are also welcome to take part just for fun with any costume.

Meet Your Cosplay Judges

Cosplay Judges Costume Exhibition

Cosplay Central is proud to present a special exhibit of three incredible costumes created by our guest judges. Visit the display in Cosplay Central to admire their craftsmanship and learn about how they created these stunning costumes. Check the Judges profiles to find out about meet and greet opportunities.

Workshops at C2E2!

This year at C2E2, we are proud to offer a range of free hands-on cosplay and crafting workshops. Led by experienced and award-winning cosplayers, these sessions will guide you through crafting techniques. These interactive workshops offer expert instruction and practical experience with materials provided. To participate in most of these workshops you must sign up and reserve your spot. Make sure to check the title and description of each workshop to see if sign-up is required. Space is limited and spots fill up quickly, so be sure to secure your spot early!   

Get Crafty with These Partners: 

Perler Tricks Representing Worbla

C2E2 is excited to team up with PerlerTricks to bring hands-on cosplay workshops to Cosplay Central. Whether you are a seasoned maker or new to costuming, check out  our instructor-led, make-and-take workshops. Workshops are free to attendees, but are limited to 20 students per session. Be sure to register early to secure your spot!  

Sponsored by

Hoku Props

Step into a world where imagination meets reality. At Hoku Props, every idea undergoes a transformative journey, evolving from a mere concept to a tangible masterpiece. Our projects page offers a window into this process, showcasing the dedication, craftsmanship, and innovation we pour into each creation. https://hokuprops.com/projects/  

Robin Careless 

Robin Careless is a Toronto-based Costumer, Prop maker, and a founding member of Builders Anonymous, an FX Costume and Prop building company. Having been building costumes and props for over 15 years, Robin has worked on projects as What We Do in the Shadows, Titans, The Boys, SEE, Star Trek Discovery, and Suicide Squad to name a few, as well as the upcoming series Robyn Hood, from Director X.   

In addition to his costume and props work, Robin writes and directs, with his most recent short film "Escape: A Ghost Story" continuing to do well in film festivals around the world. And this past November saw the release of Light & Shadow which is Robin's first video game, which he designed and produced, and which is available on Steam. 

Ask A Professional – Cosplay Consultations! 

Have you ever found yourself struggling when building a cosplay piece? Find yourself stuck on an intricate element that you're not sure how to tackle? You've come to the right place.  

Robin Careless is here to help give advice, suggestions, and mentorship in one on one sessions to help bring your cosplay builds to the next level.  

** Please note Robin will be doing these sessions at his booth in Cosplay Central at scheduled times so check the app and website for his “Ask a Pro” sessions and come by his booth during the scheduled times!        

How do I participate in free workshops?  

Yes, all workshops provided by Perler Tricks and Hoku Props require you to sign up in advance. Generally if you see “(Sign-up Required)” in the title of the workshop on our app and website that means you have to sign-up in advance to participate. All of our workshops are free for fans and the price of the workshop is included in your ticket. 

You will find the link to sign-up for each workshop in it’s description when you click on the title.  
If you decide to forfeit your registration, please contact [email protected]

If you have signed up for a workshop, and received a confirmation email, please arrive 10 minutes prior to your scheduled workshop. Please bring your sign-up confirmation email on your mobile device (or printed) 

If the panel has no sign-up, it is recommended to show up 30 minutes prior. We will start queuing for the next workshop 30 minutes prior. 

Depending on the workshop, workshops typically will reach a capacity of around 20-70 people. Some workshops require more 1-1 learning or have more involved materials. Inquire with the instructor about where you can learn more if capacity fills. 

For questions about sign-ups and how to participate in workshops, please contact [email protected] with C2E2 Workshops in the subject line. 

Who will be in Cosplay Central?

Panels and Workshops Schedule