Games Ground - Berlin Gaming Festival

Back for 2026 - now with two categories

Cosplay Contest

During our Public Days the epic Cosplay Contest returns to the stage, and this year, we're doing something new! Ready to show off your hard work to our amazing jury and audience? Same contest. Same stage. Same spotlight. For everyone!

Show: Sat, 7 Nov - 15:00Relic Stage, Alte Münze Berlin
Pre-judging: Sat, 7 Nov - 12:00Lichthof, next to the cosplay wardrobe and workshop area
Prizes: 7 prize categoriesPrizes to be announced closer to the event!

Two categories

The classic

Origins

The classic craft competition, celebrating craftsmanship and creativity. Handmade. Creative. On stage.

New for 2026

Extravaganza

Celebrating cosplayers whose appearance differs from the character they're bringing to life. Whether it's height, body type, gender, age, or even a character so non-human it defies the human form entirely - there's a place for you on this stage.

Every cosplayer, every character - same stage, same spotlight.

During sign-up you'll be asked whether you'd like to enter the main contest, the Extravaganza category, or both.

Pre-judging

A chance for our jury to appreciate your cosplay up close and get to know you a little before you take the stage. Participants will be seen individually.

Judging criteria

The jury will be looking for handmade, well-constructed costumes that show care and creativity. Store-bought or heavily pre-made outfits are warmly welcome for participation, but they will not be eligible to win. To compete, the majority of your cosplay should reflect your own work.

Stage performance

Each participant will have 30 seconds to 1 minute on stage. You can submit your preferred background music (fitting your time frame) to cosplay@gamesground.de. Please include your name with the file.

After your performance, there will be a short interview with the jury to talk about your cosplay and creative process.

Prize categories

Best in Show: Origins
Best in Show: Extravaganza
Best Needlework
Best Foamsmithing
Best Make-Up
Best Wig/Hairstyle
Best Props

Prizes will be announced closer to the event!

Workshops | 7-8 Nov | No registration needed

Crafting Com Workshops

Creativity brings people together, and @crafting_com_ is bringing that spirit to GG26! Cosplayers, makers and curious minds can meet, share skills and discover new techniques in their hands-on workshops.

3D Printing
Make-up
Sewing
Wig Styling
Foam Work

No pressure, no barriers: just creativity and a community ready to help you bring your ideas to life. Perfect if you're working on a build for the Cosplay Contest!

Where: Lichthof, Alte MünzeFind the Crafting Com booth
When: Sat 7 & Sun 8 NovBoth Public Days
How to join: Just drop byStop by their booth, join a workshop and get crafting!

Follow Crafting Com

Cosplay crafting at a Crafting Com workshop

7-8 November · both Public Days

Cosplay Ticket

Everything you need to know about attending Games Ground in cosplay: ticket info, what qualifies, and guidelines to help your day run smoothly.

€20 Cosplay Weekend Ticket - includes access to the festival throughout both public days. Every cosplay ticket goes directly towards supporting the cosplay area, the contest, and the team behind it all. THANK YOU for being part of that.

How to qualify for the GG Cosplay Ticket

Full costumes based on characters from games, anime, films, comics, manga and related media.
Detailed builds, handmade creations and creative interpretations are all encouraged.
Simply arrive in costume (or use our changing rooms at the venue), check in at the cosplay desk and enjoy GG26!
Please take a moment to read our full cosplay guidelines.

Get your cosplay ticket

Sunday, 8 Nov · open to all cosplayers

Cosplay Catwalk

The Cosplay Stage opens up for everyone at Games Ground who comes in cosplay! Whether you crafted every detail yourself or put together a look inspired by your favourite character, we just want to see you and your cosplay on stage.

Hosted by @sakide._ and @remcosplay

Check-in: From 11:00Cosplay Area in the Lichthof
Meet your hosts: 15:00Relic Stage, please be on time
Showtime: Sun, 8 Nov · 15:30Catwalk starts on the Relic Stage

You'll have 30–60 seconds on stage to show off your costume, character or creation.
Wardrobes are available on site for changing and storing your costume.
Spots are limited, so don't wait too long! Please read our cosplay guidelines and awareness policy before the event.

Registered but can't make it? Let us know at cosplay@gamesground.de so someone else can take your spot.

Guidelines & Safe Space

At Games Ground we want to create an environment that feels safe and pleasant for all visitors. Before preparing your costume, please take a look at our Cosplay Guidelines to make sure everything runs smoothly on-site. Beyond this, we focus on awareness and mutual respect.

Cosplay Guidelines Awareness Policy

Extras & support

Need a place to change or store your cosplay gear? We've got you covered with designated wardrobes on-site for all cosplayers.
Our team and volunteers will be around if you need assistance - don't hesitate to ask.
We are continuously learning and committed to building a safe, inclusive, and respectful space for everyone.

Bring your creation to the Cosplay Contest!

COSPLAY TICKET

COSPLAY CATWALK