Feb 22, 2016 2:52 PM PST    Text size: 

SYDNEY, Australia — Sexpo has announced the launch of its inaugural Sexy Cosplay competition, which will be held in Sydney, Australia from May 12-15, 2016.

Incorporated into the overall Sexpo event, Sexpo Cosplay aims to give a home to cosplayers who have previously been unwelcome at other similar events, due to the perceived risqué nature of their outfits.

The competition will consist of four heats of ten competitors, with one winner per heat selected. The winner of each heat will be invited back for the Grand Final, which will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 15 on the Sexpo main stage.

With $2,000 up for grabs, plus an all-expenses paid trip to the next Australian Sexpo, gaming website Kotaku.com.au commented that this is the largest cash prize known to date for an Aussie cosplay competition. Since similar events are geared towards the family-friendly cosplay market, Sexpo aims to capture those cosplayers who like a spicier angle to their cosplay enthusiasm.

“Enthusiasts of all types of cosplay should have a safe and comfortable avenue through which they can explore and promote their passion," said Bentleigh Gibson, Sexpo event manager and the architect behind the competition. "Sexpo is simply providing this channel, and at the same time rewarding those who go that extra mile with their choice of outfit.”

In addition to the competition, Sexpo will create a cosplay-friendly area within the event, specifically for those cosplayers who want to socialize and mingle with other enthusiasts.

“Sexpo recognizes that cosplay is an important cultural element which will only grow in popularity and we want to embrace the cosplay culture, and establish it as a permanent feature in all future Sexpos," Gibson added. "We expect this to develop into an international competition, with our U.K. and South Africa shows already embracing the idea.”

Interested applicants can click here for more information about the competition and how to enter. The next Sexpo will be held from Thursday, May 12 to Sunday, May 15 at the Royal Hall of Industries and Hordern Pavilion, Moore Park. Sexpo anticipates more than 35,000 attendees.