By Salva Montella
Looking for a local cosplay event? Look no further. The Long Island Tropic Con (LITC) Cosplay Championship is back—and this year, it’s leveling up in a big way.
With an expanded prize pool, upgraded judging standards, and a strong focus on inclusivity and safety, the championship is positioning itself as a must-attend event for both veteran creators and enthusiastic newcomers. Long Island Tropic Con is taking place from August 16-17, 2025 at the Hyatt Regency Long Island in Hauppauge.
Held as part of the fan-favorite Tropic Con, this year’s cosplay competition promises more opportunities for participants at every skill level. From first-time fabricators to professional costume artists, the revamped format aims to celebrate the full spectrum of cosplay creativity.
“We’ve raised the overall standard of the competition to better accommodate and recognize more experienced cosplayers,” said Patrick Madden, President and Event Director of Long Island Tropic Con. “But we’ve also made sure there’s a place for everyone—whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been crafting for years.”
The judging panel this year features a lineup of experts in the cosplay community, with experts in wig styling, 3D printing, foam smithing, and more bringing their knowledge to the table. Fair, skilled judging is a major focus, ensuring that creativity and craftsmanship are rewarded across the board.
In addition to the competition upgrades, LITC has invested in major improvements to its official website, where the complete cosplay contest rules are now available year-round. This allows participants to plan and perfect their costumes well in advance, elevating the level of artistry seen at the event.
And it’s not just about the costumes. With newly implemented anti-harassment and anti-bullying policies, the convention is emphasizing a safe, welcoming space for all fans. “Cosplay is for everyone,” said Madden. “And we want every attendee to feel that.”
Looking ahead, Tropic Con has even bigger dreams: introducing live performances and eventually launching Long Island’s first full-scale Cosplay Masquerade.
Whether you’re stepping into the spotlight or cheering from the sidelines, the LITC Cosplay Championship promises a show worth remembering. Come dressed to impress—or just come ready to be amazed.
Cosplay Contest Details: What You Need to Know Before You Compete
This year’s Cosplay Championship at Long Island Tropic Con isn’t just leveling up in production value—it’s making a clear statement about the kind of community it wants to foster. Alongside expanded prizes and tighter judging standards, organizers have introduced some of stronger anti-bullying and conduct policies.
As outlined in the official contest rules: “Any and all displays of Poor Sportsmanship will not be tolerated, be it online or in person. This includes but is not limited to bullying, harassing, slandering, attacking, or otherwise questioning the integrity of other competitors, judges, or LITC staff.” Participants found in violation may be disqualified, banned from future events, and stripped of any awards.
While the focus is on inclusion, the standards are also higher. The contest is open to individual entrants aged 16 and up who present costumes that are “at least 80% handmade by the entrant.” All costumes must be based on existing pop culture characters from comics, games, film, anime, or manga. Original characters are not permitted.
Tropic Con is also taking a hard line on digital tools. “LITC does not support the usage of generative AI,” the rules state. “Using AI for reference images, designs, patterns, etc. is not permitted and will result in disqualification. NO EXCEPTIONS.”
Online registration runs from March 17 through July 17, 2025. Entrants must submit a reference image, two progress photos, and a short description of their design and construction process. Costumes must be at least 50 percent complete at the time of application, and only one entry per person will be accepted—even if up to three are submitted. Group entries are not allowed.
All contestants must attend a scheduled judging session and appear in costume. Judging places the most weight on technical execution and construction (70 percent), while the remaining 30 percent focuses on overall design, accuracy, and ambition. Stage presence is not officially scored, though it may influence a judge’s impression of the costume’s functionality.
To ensure accessibility for all competitors, the event will take place on a 16-by-12-foot stage with ramp access. Music will be provided by the LITC staff.
Skill-based divisions are in place to support fair competition at every level:
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Novice is for newcomers with little or no award history.
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Journeyman is for those with some competition experience.
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Master is reserved for entrants with significant award histories.
As for prizes, they range from $50 to $500 within divisions, with top winners receiving Tropic Con 2026 weekend passes. The Best in Show winner takes home $1,000, a championship trophy, and free access to all El Churro Entertainment events throughout 2026.
Register for the 2025 Long Island Tropic Con Cosplay Championship here.
Salva Montella is a reporter with The SBU Media Group, part of Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism Working Newsroom program for students and local media.
