The annual San Diego Comic-Con Masquerade is a testament to the boundless creativity and dedication of the global cosplay community. Year after year, the legendary Ballroom 20 becomes the stage for a spectacular showcase of craftsmanship and performance that captivates audiences.This year’s competition was no exception, featuring an astonishing array of costumes from a diverse range of genres and media. Contestants competed for a variety of prestigious prizes, including the coveted Best in Show and top honors in categories like Best Craftsmanship and Best Re-creation. In addition to unique custom trophies, many of the winners received a four-day badge for San Diego Comic-Con 2026. The competition also highlighted several special awards from esteemed industry organizations like the Art Directors Guild and The Costumer’s Guild West, which recognized exceptional talent with cash prizes and other unique opportunities.Congratulations to all the participants for sharing their incredible work, and a massive round of applause to the winners for their well-deserved recognition! With the lights now dimmed and the stage cleared, we’re thrilled to present the full list of winners who truly defined the spirit of the 2025 San Diego Comic-Con Masquerade.
Check out all the participants in the 2025 San Diego Comic-Con Masquerade
Trophy Winners
Trophy winners receive free a 4-Day Badge for San Diego Comic-Con 2026.
Best Young Fan
The Lost and Forgotten Clown – Kai Andaya
Best Young Fan – Runner up
Marie Antoinette and Her Lady in Waiting – Colette and Honorine Ragueneau
Most Beautiful
2021 Movie Cruella – Kathrine Strube
Best Meme
Nyancat – Megan and Taylor of Fernside Dragons
Best in Show
The Wiz
Best Re-Creation
Final Fantasy – Vinnytwist
Runner Up – Best Re-Creation
Atreus from God of War Ragnarok – Commander Vampire
Best Original Design
Elizabethan Xenomorph Queen – Tearfully Morbid Cosplay
Best Workmanship
Berserker Armor – Mark Reinus
Runner Up – Best Workmanship
King of the Golden Hall – Gregory Price
Judges Choice
Bumblebee The Next Show – Maksym Dokeisimko
Most Humorous
A Tale of Two Step-sisters Petticoat Pandemonium
Industry Prizes
Frank & Son Collectible Show
$1000 cash prize for the entry they deem to be the audience’s favorite
Nyancat – Megan and Taylor of Fernside Dragons
Costumer’s Guild West (CGW)
To the entry selected as having the most promise, Southern California’s costuming fandom group presents a one-year membership to CGW and a full scholarship with a hotel stay to Costume College®. Costume College will be held the last weekend in July at the Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel.
Prince Stolas – Mr. Lonely
SDCC Alan Campbell Award – $500 for the best Re-creation of a Comic Book Character
A special award is given in memory of a long-time Committee and Board member, Alan Campbell, who passed away and is sorely missed. Alan was a great fan of the Masquerade, at times generously donating his own prize. The winner is deemed Best Re-Creation of a Comics or Related Media Character or Characters, as selected by one of the guest judges.
Berserker Armor – Mark Reinus
Comickaze Comics & Pop Culture Store
Presenting an award for what they deem the Best In-Character Performance, with a generous prize of a limited-edition special collectible statuette, an Amazon gift card of $300, and a $200 Comickaze store gift card.
The Wiz
The Art Directors Guild, IATSE Local 800
The Art Directors Guild Cosplay Award for Best Visual Media Design
The entry whose design best interprets a character or concept from a television show or motion picture.
Goblins Don’t Do What They’re Told – The Last Unicorn
The Art Directors Guild Cosplay Award for Original Concept Design
Presented to the entry most exemplifying a wholly original concept
Elizabethan Xenomorph Queen – Tearfully Morbid Cosplay
The Costume Designers Guild IATSE Local 892
The Costume Designers Guild (IATSE Local 892) returns this year to honor standout craftsmanship with their signature CDG trophy and a $500 gift card to International Silks and Woolens. Representing costume designers, assistants, and illustrators across film, TV, and new media, the Guild continues to spotlight the artistry behind every iconic look.
2021 Movie Cruella – Kathrine Strubee
Oksana Shore Award for Excellence in Craftsmanship
The Oksana Shore Award for Excellence in Craftsmanship returns this year in honor of the late Oksana Shore—an extraordinary tailor, pattern maker, and beloved force in the costume world. Created by costume designer Jennifer May Nickel, the award celebrates Oksana’s legacy of precision, artistry, and heart. A proud IATSE Local 479 member, her work on projects like Gotham Knights, Legacies, Loki, Stranger Things, and WandaVision continues to inspire cosplayers worldwide. More than her impressive resume, Oksana was known for her generosity and quiet efforts to support her community—including her family in Ukraine. This award recognizes the entry that best reflects her mastery of construction and design, and comes with generous support from sponsoring partners.
Atreus from God of War Ragnarok – Commander Vampire
Feeding San Diego
Feeding San Diego, the region’s largest hunger relief and food rescue organization, returns with its Most Heroic Young Fan Costume award—recognizing one young fan under 18 whose look channels true heroism through courage, creativity, compassion, or a commitment to helping others. The winner will receive a Hunger Action Heroes Unite! Classroom Hero Kit (valued at $350), plus $100 in cash. Inspired by Feeding San Diego’s original comic book and curriculum, the award helps eliminate the stigma around asking for help—because even superheroes need support sometimes.
Glinda The Good – Maria Ali
Freshest Hero Award
Embodies swagger and strength of a Hero
Bumblebee The Next Show – Maksym Dokeisimko
Stay tuned for more coverage of San Diego Comic-Con as well as all our coverage of all things fandom at The Con Togs
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