FAN EXPO Chicago 2025 was here from August 15-17 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. Saturday night featured the The Wind City Qualifier. This was the Chicago portion of the Master of Cosplay contest. Eight Cities feature qualifier rounds and the winners of those round proceed on to the final Master of Cosplay competition.
I had the honor of attending the contest and taking some photos. This contest highlighted a diverse group of talented cosplayers, across a wide genre. Cosplays were judged on both craftsmanship and presentation. Earlier in the day each contestant had a few minutes to show the judges their skills and this was the walk on contest.
Our past FAN EXPO CHICAGO cosplay coverage can be found here: 2022, 2023, 2024
Or Wizard World 2017-2021 Here
The contest itself was good, but prior to that was a little chaos as the competitors were lined up with their respective handlers. There was two major problems with the contest itself. There was no green room for the contestants to prepare themselves and there was no water except what the competitors had brought themselves. We were were told there was a fountain down the hall, but I don’t think anyone ever found it.
The rest of our cosplay coverage for FAN EXPO CHICAGO 2025
Friday Pt. 1, Pt. 2, Pt. 3
Saturday Pt.1, Pt. 2, Pt. 3, Costume Contest
Sunday Pt. 1, Pt. 2, Pt.3, Red Carpet
Here are my photos from the Red Carpet. Congratulations to the winner Samurai Darth Maul by PerlerTricks. As always, let me know which one is you and I will tag it.
Judges and MC
Winners
The Contest
Show Hours:
Friday 4 PM – 9 PM*
Saturday 10 AM – 7 PM
Sunday 10 AM – 5 PM
There is a special Preview on Friday at 2 PM for VIP, Ultimate, and 3-Day pass holders who purchase in advance.
FAN EXPO Chicago is located at
Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
5555 N River Rd.
Rosemont, IL 60018
For more information about the location, directions and parking click here.
ABOUT FAN EXPO
FAN EXPO Chicago is the ultimate go-to event for sci-fi, horror, anime, and gaming event in Chicago that attracts hundreds of thousands of people to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.
FAN EXPO Chicago offers exciting family-friendly attractions, events, and world-renowned Celebrities! The show, which started as Chicago Comic Con in 1972 and became Wizard World Chicago in 1998, has featured celebrities and creators like Stan Lee, Michael J. Fox, John Travolta, Carrie Fisher, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, WWE® Superstar John Cena®, David Boreanaz and many more headliners.
Everyone is a fan of something, and FAN EXPO Chicago is a place to celebrate all things pop culture. Get an autograph or a photo with your favorite guest then get the inside scoop about your favorite movies and TV shows at our celebrity panels! Watch professional comic artists battle it out in our popular Sketch Duels, learn from our “How To” workshops, and take photos with your favorite costumed characters! It’s also a great place to buy a unique gift (or treat yourself!) with a huge show floor for shopping madness.
FAN EXPO HQ is the largest comic con producer in the world. Collectively, it hosts over one million fans annually at FAN EXPO Canada, MEGACON Orlando, FAN EXPO Denver, CALGARY EXPO, FAN EXPO Chicago, FAN EXPO Dallas, FAN EXPO Boston, FAN EXPO Philadelphia, EDMONTON EXPO, FAN EXPO San Francisco, Toronto Comicon, FAN EXPO Cleveland, FAN EXPO New Orleans, FAN EXPO Portland, FAN EXPO Vancouver, and Dallas FAN FESTIVAL. The latest schedule of events is available here, along with up-to-date ticket information. Discover. Celebrate. Belong.
To see what cosplay conventions are coming up
be sure to check out our Cosplay Convention List!
