Cosplay is taking centre stage at this year’s rAge (really Awesome gaming expo), with six showstopping competitions and a calendar packed with activities that celebrate the bold, the beautiful, and the bizarre.
rAge has supported and promoted Cosplay before it became a household word in South Africa, and this year is serving up an epic cosplay experience for first-timers to seasoned cosplayers, from behind-the-lens creatives to pint-sized Padawans.
Hosted by GES, this year’s cosplay lineup is a love letter to the craft, showcasing talent, transformation, and tech-inspired flair in all its forms.
“At GES we stand by the moto Cosplay is for Everyone, and we want to reflect this in the diverse number of competitions this year allowing everyone to take part in the hobby and be part of the community,” says Jade Beyes, Head of Cosplay at GES.
Cosplay Competitions at rAge 2025
The GES rAge Annual Cosplay Competition is now in its 11th year and is an iconic competition honouring craftsmanship, dedication, and creativity. With a legacy of incredible builds and jaw-dropping performances, it remains a cornerstone of the rAge cosplay scene.
The Lip Sync Cosplay Competition sees a performance-only, no craftsmanship judging. Just attitude, movement, and character embodiment through the magic of lip-sync. This competition brings an energetic, theatrical flavour to the cosplay stage.
The Masquerade Cosplay Parade celebrates all cosplay forms — handmade, commissioned, store-bought, or thrifted. An inclusive showcase where everyone is welcome to shine regardless of skill level or budget.
A Padawan Cosplay Competition sees a special space for the next generation of cosplay stars. Kids can bring their favourite characters to life in this feel-good, future-focused feature.
The Cosplay Photography Competition is a tribute to the talented photographers who help immortalise the magic. This competition includes three divisions, offering a platform to showcase vision, style, and technical finesse.
And finally, an On-Site Photography Cosplay Challenge is an adrenaline-fuelled challenge where photographers are given 10 minutes to shoot a cosplayer and just 2 hours to edit and submit. Skill meets speed in this pulse-racing new format.
This year, the photography competitions also draw inspiration from the globally renowned #CosplayWorldCon, giving local artists a taste of international standards while encouraging boundary-pushing experimentation.
The cosplay programme at rAge 2025 isn’t just about prizes and applause. It’s a thriving ecosystem and a vibrant celebration of fandom, creativity, and connection. For more information on how to enter the cosplay competitions go here.
All Roads Lead to Fourways Mall
With rAge 2025 debuting at the newly unveiled Level 8 venue at Fourways Mall, cosplayers and photographers alike can look forward to a backdrop that blends accessibility with ambience. The mall’s dynamic revamp, packed with food courts, shopping, lifestyle zones, and entertainment hubs, means there’s always a great setting to shoot in, or to simply chill and reset between contests.
Event Details
- Dates: 5–7 December 2025
- Venue: Fourways Mall, Level 8
- Website: www.rageexpo.co.za
