Cosplay as your favourite characters at Comic Con Cape Town

Cosplaying (dressing up as fan favourite characters from across pop culture) is a staple of the Comic Con experience, allowing enthusiasts to express themselves through design, performance, and dedication. To celebrate this, Comic Con Cape Town is hosting a series of competitions to recognise the best cosplayers throughout the weekend and encourage everyone to join the fun.

International stars

Comic Con is inviting cosplay icons from overseas to judge competitions, discuss the art form, and (most importantly) show up in iconic character outfits.

Yaya Han is a Chinese-American model and designer who started cosplaying in 1999, and helped the concept rise from a niche idea to its current status as a geek phenomenon. Being entirely self-taught, she has cosplayed as everything from Chun Li to Jessica Rabbit, with a massive repertoire of outfits and styles. Han has also appeared as a judge at numerous cosplay conventions and on TV shows worldwide, making her a great fit for the convention’s cosplay competitions.

Jaremi Carey, a reality TV star, theatrical performer, and cosplay artist, will also be attending. Carey has worked with pop culture standouts like Pokémon International, Fox TV, and HBO to create cosplay-focused style campaigns. Many will also know him from season four of RuPaul’s Drag Race (as Phi Phi O’Hara), performances in theatre productions such as The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and his gaming streams on Twitch.

Both cosplay stars are featured on the Main Stage throughout the weekend to discuss all things cosplay and pop culture, meet fans, and judge the cosplay competitions held on the convention floor.

Casual cosplay competitions

Twice every day at the Con, there are casual cosplay tournaments, with fans having the opportunity to strut their stuff and show off their outfits on the Main Stage. All levels of cosplay are welcome, from store-bought to handmade, and everyone is encouraged to enter for free on the same day at the Con’s Cosplay Central. Winners get prizes and, of course, bragging rights.

Entrants can use cosplays that are bought, assembled, or rented, as long as they adhere to general convention rules. All cosplayers must register on the day on a first-come, first-served basis, and can compete individually or as a group. Kids have their own competitions, and can be escorted by parents or guardians if necessary. All relevant info can be found on the website.

Official Cape Town Comic Con Cosplay Competition

The Comic Con Cape Town Cosplay Competition is the essential Cape Town cosplay award, featuring only fully handmade outfits by dedicated performers. All 39 entrants are evaluated by local and international judges, who assess details such as intricate needlework, makeup, the ability to create bulky armour and weapons, and overall costume design.

As entries for the official competition are closed, supporters and enthusiasts are encouraged to join for the main event on Sunday, 3 May, on the Main Stage. Here, qualified cosplayers have a final chance to show their work to the crowd, and the judges decide the best cosplayer in the Mother City for 2026.

Cosplay for everyone

Every Comic Con attendee is encouraged to dress up, walk around, and perform as their favourite characters. Cosplay is not just for competitions but also an avenue for self-expression at the Con for those of all ages and skill levels. Fans are welcome to give kudos, speak with their favourite performers, and even pose for photos, should the cosplayer agree.