PAX Aus 2024 was a resounding success for Australian gaming culture. Gaming conventions have hit a brick wall in the past few years; E3 is no longer a thing, and gaming giants like PlayStation and Nintendo resort to revealing their newest games under their dedicated events. This is not the end of the world, but their lack of involvement could have produced a heavy blow to significant gaming events. PAX Aus 2024, however, was not lacking at all this year. The convention was a celebratory moment for gamers, and it reminded people that gaming has no intention of bowing down. One of the best aspects of the convention was that fans and creators shared their passion for gaming through cosplay, which is today's topic.
Cosplay competitions are taken very seriously, and people's efforts to create the most creative costumes based on characters in popular culture are incredible. This year’s Australian leg of the Cosplay Central Crown Championships was held at PAX, and the contest showcased the best cosplayers in the country. The bar was raised high, and the creative use of different materials was there to see. The creators used leather, rubber, metal, 3D printing, foam, fishing wire, even ice cream scoops and pool noodles. The competition ran at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre in front of a packed crowd, and a winner was crowned.
Congratulations, Claire McCutcheon, aka Hench Wench, for winning with her incredible Halsin from Baldur’s Gate 3 outfit. You thoroughly deserved the award. Her victory was made more special because it was her birthday. When she was announced the winner, the crowd sang her ‘Happy Birthday’ to cap off her win.
Also, congratulations to Danielle Debs on their brilliant Micah-10 from Destiny 2 outfit. Their outfit utilised intricate 3D printing, and the effort was simply sensational.
The judging panel this year consisted of Kirilee, last year’s champion. Her winning outfit was Toph Beifong from Avatar: The Last Airbender. The judging panel also featured Cosplay World Champion, Major Sam, and the current Cosplay Champion of India, Sameer Bundela.
The national competition winner will represent Australia at the global Cosplay Championships in Chicago next year. In addition to his entry, the winner is also crowned $3,000, complementary tickets and accomodation for this year’s PAX, and a trophy and medal to mark their win.
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