COSPLAY CHESS

The Game of Kings!

In true Derpy form, join our chess masters and bring your character to life as a pawn in our game. Or a king. Or a knight. Either way, it’s bound to be a bad game of chess, but a good time for all! We’re looking forward to expanding our chess game (even if our stage is a little small for a full board), and having people join us ahead of time so we can plan a more exciting event in advance.

Want to be a part of the derpyness? Read the rules and apply below.

If you have any questions, please contact our Head of Cosplay using our Help Desk. 

Cosplay Chess Applications for 2025 are now closed. We hope you’ll apply in 2026!

Cosplay Chess Submission Guidelines

  • DerpyCon Cosplay Chess applications will be accepted through October 1, 2025 at 11:59:59pm EDT.

 

  • To join the DerpyCon Cosplay Chess game, you must be registered as an attendee of DerpyCon 2025.
  • Check-in for the DerpyCon Cosplay Chess will be held Friday early afternoon of the convention. Failure to check-in will result in a disqualification of the entry and the slot being opened up to another waitlisted entry. Check-in time and location will be made available online once the DerpyCon 2025 Schedule is set. The Chess Game will be scheduled for Sunday morning.
  • All choreography must be PG-13 or lower. Please refrain from cursing or nudity on stage – we are family friendly!
  • Participants under 13 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
  • Smoke, pyrotechnics, glitter, or other special effects that will leave a mess behind are prohibited. Nothing can be thrown into the audience and any item that comes on stage must be brought off the stage at the end of the game.
  • Participant’s costumes must allow freedom of movement. DerpyCon Cosplay Staff will be unable to assist entrants with their costumes. Performers must be able to navigate stairs and move around the stage unassisted.
  • Any participant who does not follow the rules of the DerpyCon Cosplay Chess, misses the line-up times, or does not follow the instructions of cosplay staff during the event, may be disallowed from participating at the discretion of the Head of Cosplay.
  • Only DerpyCon Cosplay Chess participants and their parents/legal guardians will be allowed in the Back Stage Area.