Pax Aus is introducing Cosplay Land in 2026, serving as a brand new space dedicated to supporting and celebrating various cosplay communities, who gather at events like these.
It will be located on the mezzanine level near the Clarendon Street entrance of MCEC and accessible via both stairs and lift over the course of the weekend during Pax Aus 2026.
It will also feature a dedicated theatre complete with various panels, practical amenities including a repair station for quick fixes to costumes, along with change rooms.
In addition to this, PAX Aus will again be hosting the Cosplay Central Crown Championship this year, its fifth as one of most popular cosplay competitions in the region.
The Championship aims to highlight and celebrate the passion, craftsmanship, creativity and performance that goes into growing and maintaining Australia’s cosplay community.
The Cosplay Central Crown Championship will ultimately crown an overall winner, along with a runner-up. The winner will then get the chance to represent Australia at the Cosplay Central Crown Championship Global Final at MCM London Comic Con in 2027, with exact dates yet to be announced.
This year’s competition will be judged by an internationally renowned panel of cosplay and creative industry experts.
Joining the panel is Cinderys, a Paris-based professional cosplayer and concept/3D artist, known for her award-winning work and collaborations with Blizzard, Capcom and Bungie.
Local Sydney-based professional cosplayer and FX makeup artist Soylent Cosplay, will also be joining, celebrated for her incredible work and collaborations with various leading gaming companies including BioWare, Blizzard ANZ and PlayStation ANZ.
Finally, Spicythaidesign, a globally recognised cosplayer and costumer at the incredible Wētā Workshop in New Zealand rounds out the panel, with various works across multiple film productions including Thor: Ragnarok, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and Avatar: The Way of Water.
PAX Aus 2026 will be held from October 9-11, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).
