COSPLAY
BurgQuest is excited to offer a full cosplay programming track featuring special guests, panels, workshops, and a cosplay contest awarding over $1,000 in cash and prizes. Check out the details and sign up below!
COSPLAY CONTEST
BurgQuest's Cosplay Contest is a craftsmanship based competition for cosplayers of all levels to showcase their skills and handmade cosplays in front of a panel of guest judges and later in the day show off their hard work on stage to the audience. Judges will be looking for craftsmanship, creativity, and inspiration. This contest is open to groups and individuals in the following categories:
NOVICE
Contestant is brand new to cosplay, has never entered a competition before, and/or has won less than two awards. This category is for beginner crafters. Expectations: 50% of the costume made by the contestant.
JOURNEYMAN
Contestant has entered competition and earned no more than two awards in a contest, and shows proficiency in skills (armor, sewing, creative design, etc.) Expectations: 50 - 70% of the costume made by the contestant.
MASTERS
Contestant shows advanced proficiency in costume design and craftsmanship, has earned more than three awards, shows advanced proficiency in skills (armor, sewing, creative design, etc.) Expectations: 80 - 100% of the entire costume made by the contestant.
The contest showcase will take place on Saturday at 5:00 PM on the BurgQuest Main Stage.
Winners taking first place in each of the above categories will be awarded a cash prize and additional rewards!
The full rules for the contest are available here.
Ready to jump in? Register to participate here!
Questions on the contest? Email us!
COSPLAY GUESTS
Meet our 2026 BurgQuest guests! They’ll be on site offering presentations, workshops, and judging the cosplay contest.
CHIARA SCURO
Cosplay Department Head
Chiara Scuro has been making costumes for nearly 20 years. She has been involved in cosplay events across the country as a performance & craftsmanship judge for cosplay contests & masquerades, & as a department head, coordinator, producer & MC/event host for cosplay contests & cosplay fashion shows. Chiara has collaborated with companies like Arda Wigs, We Love Colors, Costume Supercenter, UnicoEye, and Marvel Comics, and has had her work featured on places like Cosmode, Worbla, Otaku USA, Cosplay Glade Magazine, Cosplay Realm Magazine, and Capcom. She & teaches workshops & panels on sewing, worbla & cosplay makeup, & has guested at conventions & events nationally. As an accomplished cosplay event coordinator, Chiara is the cosplay contest dept head for Cosplay World, AfterDark RVA events and BurgQuest, and formerly has ran cosplay contest and fashion show programming for Washington DC's Sakura Matsuri, Katsucon, & Anime Mid Atlantic. She is also on the board of directors, & the head for the narrative & character actor/costuming committee for the Richmond Renaissance Faire, which just held its inaugural year. Through these roles, she remains committed to supporting the local arts and cosplay community, building immersive experiences, and fostering a vibrant and welcoming environment for creative expression. Links - Instagram
GRAVEL ROAD COSPLAY
Gravel Road Cosplay is an award-winning cosplayer with more than a decade of experience specializing in sewing, costume craftsmanship, and competitive cosplay. A Master's Division award competitor and winner, he has appeared as a cosplay guest, craftsmanship judge, and panelist at conventions throughout the United States and Canada.
His work has been recognized by Nickelodeon for his Avatar: The Last Airbender-inspired cosplay and by ScreenRant for his Mystique-inspired tuxedo and genderbent Effie Trinket designs. Passionate about sharing his knowledge, Gravel Road Cosplay regularly presents introductory sewing panels and encourages cosplayers of every skill level to build confidence through craftsmanship.
His approach is rooted in sewing, inclusion, and fostering a welcoming community where everyone—from first-time makers to seasoned competitors—can learn, create, and grow together. Links - Instagram
JINAFIIRE
Jinafiire is a seasoned cosplayer with ten years of experience bringing characters to life through her incredible craftsmanship. With a background in sewing and embroidery, she combines her love for crafting with her passion for cosplay, creating intricate, detail-oriented costumes that have earned her multiple awards. Her minor in fashion design gives her an edge in creating stunning, well-constructed pieces. For Jinafiire, cosplay is more than a hobby—it’s an escape, allowing her to relieve stress and build confidence through embodying her favorite characters.
A lifelong fan of anime and manga, Jinafiire’s love for these art forms fuels her creativity and drives her to continuously improve her craft. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with her family and working on her next cosplay project, always ready to push her skills to the next level. Whether it’s designing elaborate outfits or perfecting small details, Jinafiire’s passion and dedication shine through in everything she creates. Links - Instagram
BASH THE PROP SLAYER
Bash the Prop Slayer has been a weapon and armor craftsman since 2013 when he made a custom set of armor for the Mandalorian Mercenaries, and has been hooked on cosplay ever since. His biggest sources for inspiration are PlayStation 1 era-games like Final Fantasy and Metal Gear Solid, plus the Lord of the Rings, and Star Wars!
He’s also been a practitioner of various martial arts since the age of 9 and loves dazzling a crowd with weapon displays. Links - Instagram / YouTube
COSPLAY PANELS & WORKSHOPS
The 2026 BurgQuest cosplay programming track also includes a lineup of panels on Saturday and Sunday presented by guests and attendees. Topics include upgrading store bought cosplays and props, an introduction to sewing for cosplay, a feedback panel for contest participants, and more! If you have a cosplay panel you’d like to submit for consideration you can do so here. The final schedule of cosplay panels and workshops will be announced closer to the event weekend.