Cosplay and rAge go way, way back. Though times have changed a bit, it used to be that Johannesburg’s annual Really Awesome Gaming Expo was thee place for South Africa’s cosplayers to congregate. Calendar shifts and rival pop culture events have changed things, but rAge remains a highlight on the local cosplay calendar, and its cosplay competition, organised by GES, is considered one of the best ways for newcomers to gain confidence and competitive experience.
Congratulations to the 2024 rAge Cosplay Competition winners, and all the talented participants in general:
- Best Wig – Bumblebeebeki
- Best Prop – Coolcaplee
- Best Makeup – Moosechester Cxsplay
- Green Leaf Award – Juniko Shonin
- Judges’ Favourite – Sir Lord Fluffy
- rAge Fan Favourite – Artycosplaygirl
- Armor First Place – Zazi
- Needlework First Place – Artycosplaygirl
- Best In Show – Artaxer Cosplay
In addition to the photos above, you can watch online full recordings of the 2024 Cosplay Competition and Saturday’s casual Cosplay Masquerade.
As one final comment on this year’s Sunday afternoon championship, it did feel like the segment could have spent more time spotlighting the cosplayers and their craftmanship instead of punting sponsors and dishing out on-the-spot prizes. While sponsors are important, focusing on them too much detracts from the hard work of the cosplayers and pads the stage finals.
Anyway, let’s return to celebrating more of the striking cosplay spotted on the rAge floor over the expo’s 30 November – 1 December weekend. As a side note, you can read our opinion piece on rAge 2024 as a whole, here.
