Tampa Bay Comic Convention 2024 was incredible!

September 3, 2024

Here comes our popular Best Cosplay We See! competition- this time from Tampa Bay Comic Convention 2024. Below you’ll see the 16 contestants, meet the judges, and learn about the criteria. Judging is currently underway. The 5 winners will include the Top 3, and 2 Honorable Mention.

The competition selects standout cosplayers directly from the convention halls. Participants are judged post-event by a panel of top cosplayers. Winners are awarded trophies and free tickets to other conventions (and the adoration of fans!)

Best Cosplay We See! is brought to you by Florida Comic Cons and Florida Cosplay Digital Magazine. Learn more about the competition like judging criteria, prizes, and the upcoming conventions we’ll be at searching for talented cosplayers. We want this to be an opportunity for cosplayers to gain recognition and build confidence without the pressure of performing on stage. We especially welcome introverts to join and showcase their amazing work!

We were at Tampa Bay Comic Convention on Sunday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., and here’s what we saw (in no order):

best cosplay we see! tampa bay comic con 2024

The following are the contestants (in no order). And ty to the cosplayers who allowed us to snap and chat!

The judging for the “Best Cosplay We See!” competition focuses on capturing the joy of cosplay, the awe of costumes, and the spirit of the best hobby in the universe. Best Cosplay We See! is not a craftsmanship contest, which would be impossible to judge from one photo and brief video. The Best Cosplay We See! approach allows us to celebrate the passion and effort put into the characters, recognizing those who truly bring their personas to life.

Thanks to the sponsors that are providing free weekend passes to their conventions as prizes to the winners! Support them by joining in the fan-fun at their events. Anime St. Pete, Spooky Empire, Holiday Cosplay Tampa Bay.

judges

Meet the talent judging the talent! All 3 are award-winning cosplayers who are known nationally. Introducing judges Avera Cosplay, The Star Cos, and I Am Kitty Cosplay.

the star cos

At only 19-years-old, The Star Cos is a TikTok sensation with more than 1 million followers. Drawing inspiration from drag and high fashion, her cosplays boast originality and a fresh take on classic personas.

avera cosplay

Avera Cosplay is one of the nation’s top cosplayers, having recently finished in the top 4 in a major U.S. competition as well as having won major awards from big cons like DragonCon, Megacon, and Tampa Bay Comic Convention.

i am kitty cosplay

I am Kitty Cosplay is known for her expertise in prop and armor construction, as well as her impressive makeup/SFX skills. She brings a unique and sexy twist to a wide range of characters, especially from anime and Pokémon.

blog sponsored by

anime st pete 2024

Join us for the 3rd annual Anime St. Pete, a celebration of anime & gaming, and the cosplay it inspires! Anime St. Pete is September 28-29 at the historic Coliseum in beautiful downtown St. Pete. Big-name voice actors, free gaming, exceptional cosplay, and many main events to entertain await you at Anime St. Pete 2024 (and your taste buds will adore the food trucks, dessert vendors, and Boba tea truck). Tickets are affordable and parking is free. Learn more below.

Need help finding cons in Florida?

Florida Comic Cons has the Con Calendar, a curated calendar of comic, anime, horror, and other pop-culture conventions to keep you, the fandom, informed and apprised (you’re welcome). Quit wasting time with internet searches that take too long and still leave you asking questions. The Con Calendar’s event listings include all the con info like ticket prices and links, and lots more!