The highest level of cosplay competition in the country, the Cosplay Central Crown Championships, has just taken place at PAX Aus 2024 and after careful deliberation by the judging panel a winner has been crowned.

In front of a packed main theatre Claire McCutcheon aka Hench Wench (https://www.instagram.com/henchandscrap/) with her Halsin from Baldur’s Gate 3 was crowned the overall winner. A moment made extra special as it was Hench Wench’s birthday and, after she was announced as the winner, the whole audience sang her ‘Happy Birthday.’

The runner-up was @whereisdanielle with her brilliant Micah-10 from Destiny 2 with its intricate 3D printing.

This year’s judging panel featured @kirileecosplay, last year’s Crown Championship winner, who took out the crown last year with her Toph Beifong from Avatar: The Last Airbender cosplay (designed by @_sunsetdragon), Cosplay World Champion 2016, @mrsmajorsam and the current Cosplay Champion of India, @sameertikkamasala.

The standard was particularly high this year with leather, rubber and metal work, lots of 3D printing, foam, fishing wire and even an ice cream scoop and pool noodles used to create an incredible sword.

The winner of the national competition goes on to compete in the global Cosplay Championships that take place in Chicago at C2E2 in 2025, where they will represent Australia. They also won $3000, tickets and accommodation for PAX Aus 2024, a trophy and medal and ultimate cosplaying glory.

The Australian leg of the Cosplay Central Crown Championships celebrates some of the best and most creative craftsmanship that the nation has to offer.  There is no cosplay competition quite as prestigious as this.

Photos Credit: Maria Boyadgis and Kiko Villasenor