Media Release:

The Australian leg of one of the world’s most renowned cosplay competitions, the Cosplay Central Crown Championships, is officially open for entries!

Hosted as part of Australia’s biggest gaming festival PAX Aus, which takes place from the 10-12 October at the MCEC, the Cosplay Central Crown Championship competition will crown a winner to represent Australia at the final held in London at MCM in May, 2026.

Not only does the winner claim this prestigious cosplaying title, but they also receive money for return flights to London, accommodation, two x badges for MCM London, two x 3-day badges for PAX Aus 2026 and a shiny trophy for the pool room.

This year’s judging line-up brings together the best of local and international cosplay talent. Originally from Scotland, Anaelic brings over 12 years of cosplay experience to the panel. She is renowned for her intricate craftsmanship and dedication to sharing knowledge through tutorials. Anaelic knows this competition well, having represented the UK at the Cosplay Central Crown Championships at C2E2 2025 and being awarded third place. She has also worked with major gaming companies like Riot Games and HoYoverse to bring characters to life.

Joining her on the panel is Australia’s own champion cosplayer, Henchwench, who just won the World Cosplay Central Crown Championships at C2E2 2025. A veteran costume maker with over two decades of expertise in design, armour and prop works, Hench originally embarked on a career in film, television, and stage costume, but made a bold pivot in late 2017. Driven by a desire to combine her deep costume expertise with her lifelong love of video games, she transitioned into full-time video game cosplay. Shortly after, she co-founded Hench & Scrap with Scrap Shop Props, and the duo has since built an impressive portfolio of professional work for major game studios.

And finally, Kayla Jean, a creative force known for her pin-up-inspired cosplay designs. With a strong foundation in fabric work and a love for experimenting with new techniques, she shares her knowledge through engaging short-form tutorials. This judging panel will bring their expertise, passion and keen eye for detail and techniques to this year’s competition and competitors.

The Australian leg of the Cosplay Central Crown Championships will take place on the PAX Aus Main Stage on the afternoon of Sunday, October 12. Applications are now open to eligible entrants and will close at midday AEST on September 21, 2025 .

Further details about the application process can be found here.

And there is more for PAX Aus cosplay fans! Cosplayers can expect three-days of cosplay meet-ups, curated panels and the return of the Cosplay Lounge; host to the repair station, complete with change rooms, makeup stations and cosplay photographers.

PAX Aus takes place on October 10-12 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

For more information, updates and to purchase badges, please visit the official website or follow PAX Aus 2025 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Discord and Tiktok.