🏆 Winners Announcement
After a day packed with incredible builds, creative spins, and cosplayers who poured their heart into every stitch and detail, our judges narrowed it down to two shining standouts. While every cosplayer we saw made Sugoi Expo brighter (and way more stylish than Dr. Eggman could ever dream), these winners truly embodied what Best Cosplay We See! is all about! passion, presence, and pure fandom magic.
bcws! at Sugio Expo Convention 2025
The following are the contestants (in no order).
Thank to the cosplayers who allowed us to snap and chat!
Contestants!
Contestants Reel
meet the judges
Meet the talent judging the Sugio Expo! Yoshi.Cosplay, yir_alexandrite, and Paladin Printworks. Award-winning cosplayers with expertise that includes foam work, lighting, master sewing, 3D printing, props and accessories!
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, St.Pete Comic Con.
🥇 Winner: St.Lute as Plushie Adam! From Hazbin Hotel!
Taking home the Winner title is St.Lute, as Adam, a cosplay that made us stop in our tracks and say, “Yep, I wanna give that a hug!” The craftsmanship was impeccable, but what pushed it over the edge was the beautiful hand stitching St. Lute did, and only in 2 weeks time! From the unique stuffed animal take on the costume to the character’s attitude (and custom homemade hoop skirt!) shining through, this was cosplay artistry in full force. It wasn’t just accurate, it was a work of love and dedication!
🌟 Judge’s Choice: Hoyuzheng as Princess Mononoke!
The Judge’s Choice award goes to Hoyuzheng as Princess Mononoke, a cosplay that may not have had the same scale as some others, but radiated the heart of the wolf, or maybe that was the attention to detail! Creativity, and spirit blended here with amazing foam work and details that really shined. From the detail of a frayed him, to the the mix of paints on the custom paint job, this award celebrates the kind of cosplay that reminds us why we love this community. Because cosplay is for everyone, whether you’re rocking intricate armor, cleverly fabricated helmet wigs, or something entirely your own. Hoyuzheng reminded us that taking it back to our roots and the pure joy of foam and fabric done with care can be as beautiful as nature.
