May 15 – 17, 2026
- May 15 – 17, 2026
cosplay
Your Cosplay. Your Fandom. Your Moment.
Cosplay is for everyone, and DreamHack is the perfect place to show it off. Come and cosplay as your favourite character, join the competition, snap some pics, or just have fun with your friends. All fandoms and skill levels are welcome — the cosplay scene here is growing, and you’ll fit right in.
ACTIVITIES
From stage moments to off-stage experiences, DreamHack Atlanta’s cosplay programme puts cosplayers in the spotlight. Whether you’re walking the catwalk, competing, snapping photos, or hanging out with the community, there’s always something happening — with even more to be revealed soon.
Cosplay Championship
The DreamHack Cosplay Championship celebrates creativity and craftsmanship across all skill levels. Compete in front of a live audience, showcase your hard work on stage, and be judged across multiple tiers including Youth, Novice, Artisan, and Expert.
Photo Opportunities
DreamHack is packed with photo ops made for cosplayers. Strike a pose, show off your build, grab shots with friends, or create content for socials — there’s no shortage of visually epic spots across the festival.
Cosplay Lounge
Take a breather in the Cosplay Lounge — a dedicated space for cosplayers and their handlers to relax, recharge, and reset. Whether you need a quiet moment, a place to sit, or time to adjust your costume, this is your go-to chill zone during the festival.
Walk-Up Catwalk
No pre-registration required — just show up and shine. Walk-Up Catwalk Competitions are open to all cosplayers who want a moment on stage to show off their cosplay, strike a pose, and get some crowd love in a fun, low-pressure format.
Repair Station
Need a quick fix? The Repair Station is here to help with common cosplay emergencies throughout the day. From loose seams to last-minute touch-ups, it’s the perfect pit stop to keep your cosplay looking its best while you’re on the show floor.
Community Tables
Connect with cosplay groups, clubs, and community organisations at dedicated tables in the cosplay area. It’s a welcoming space to meet fellow cosplayers, discover local communities, and be part of the wider cosplay scene.
Cosplay Guests
Meet featured cosplay guests up close in the cosplay area. Stop by to discover new creators, chat about their builds and fandoms, grab photos, and celebrate the creativity that brings cosplay to life.
Community Meetups
COSPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP
There’s a competition tier for every level of cosplay experience, from first-time competitors to seasoned champions, with a total $6,000 prize pool up for grabs. Take a look below to find the tier that best fits your experience and build style.
APRENDIZ
Ideal for first-time competitors and emerging makers ready to take the stage.
Novice Prize Pool: $1,200
ARTESANO
For experienced cosplayers with previous championship placements looking to take their craft further.
Artisan Prize Pool: $2,000
Experto
The highest tier for top-level cosplayers showcasing advanced skills and exceptional builds.
Expert Prize Pool: $2,800
Best in Show
Awarded to the cosplay that stands out above all others, Best in Show recognises exceptional craftsmanship, creativity, and stage presence. The winner will earn an all-expenses-paid trip to compete in the Expert category at DreamHack Atlanta, representing the very best of the DreamHack cosplay community on an international stage.