From its 2022 debut, Wreckcon at Georgia Tech has become a popular destination for Cosplayers all around Georgia.
On Saturday, Feb. 22nd, Wreckcon at Georgia Tech’s exhibition center hosted hundreds of cosplayers for an afternoon of creativity and anime culture. The single-day convention, with a focus on cosplay, anime, and gaming, attracted a large crowd of fervent college students across the state to participate in a highly anticipated Cosplay Competition.
Cosplay is an integral part of the culture of Wreckcon, and allows an outlet for both veteran and first-time cosplayers to express themselves freely, spurring creativity.
Richard Bouie, a Wreckcon volunteer, discussed the importance of community in cosplay, saying, “The thing that got me cosplay is just the people, the community.”
“I was just cosplaying casually before, but once I got around to doing meet-up stuff, getting to know the people in my community, it feels more special, it feels more cooler,” he continued.
The Cosplay Showcase, a highlight of the convention, featured skilled performers from all over the state of Georgia who presented their acting skills on stage in front of a crowd of around 100 other fellow cosplayers to be judged.
Best 1st place Cosplayer this year, Kayden Dua, said he was elated after taking the top prize.
“I always feel really good coming on stage, but I did not think I was gonna win. There’s so many talented cosplayers that were competing, and I’ve never won a cosplay contest before, so this is just an insane thing,” Dua said.
Cosplayers Kale Moore and Wyatt Arnett, two Newnan residents who took 2nd place in the Cosplay Showcase, shared their experience and gave some advice for beginners.
Wyatt, who was nervous before the competition, talked of their thrill of performing on stage, with, “I was very nervous but it was very fun to perform, and I really enjoyed it.”
Kale Moore recommended for potential cosplayers to have fun when getting started, and enjoy the experience of cosplaying freely without judgement.
“I think the most important thing, especially when you’re getting started, is to have fun. Cosplay not whoever’s the most popular, but whoever’s going to make you happy,” Moore advised.Wyatt also offered a humorous suggestion, “Have a girlfriend who’s really good at making costumes for you,” He quipped.
Abigail Emerson, the Emcee of the event and an alumni of Georgia Tech, gave suggestions to competitors or casual cosplayers who want to perform in cosplay competitions.
“Don’t be afraid of it,” She said. “I think there’s a lot of times where people are afraid because it seems like so much of a big hobby. You’ve got the wig, you’ve got the props, you’ve got the actual costume, the LEDs, there’s so much that you can get into, but don’t be afraid to start small.”Besides its small and humble beginnings at Georgia Tech, Wreckcon is growing as a premiere cosplay location, allowing fans to bring a diverse range of fandoms together in order to build a space where all can enjoy the art of cosplay, meet new friends, and share their love of pop culture in an welcoming environment.
