TGX to Host the First-Ever Tournament of Champions Prelim Down Under
The Game Expo (TGX) is levelling up Australia’s cosplay scene in a major way, announcing that it will host the first-ever Tournament of Champions (TOC) Australian prelim. For the first time, Australian crafters will have the opportunity to compete for a spot at the international finals in Vienna, Austria, representing their country among some of the most talented makers in the world.
What is Tournament of Champions?
The Tournament of Champions is an annual craftsmanship competition held in Vienna, Austria. Now in its third year, the competition celebrates creativity and skill across gaming, anime, and film-inspired builds. Until now, its lineup of participating countries has been exclusively European, making Australia the first non-European nation to join the stage.
“It’s fantastic to see Australia stepping into the spotlight with their first-ever prelims for the Tournament of Champions. For us, hosting the international finals at YuniCon in Vienna/Austria, it’s a real milestone - having more countries involved at this level strengthens the global cosplay community, also expanding the contest past Europe and making it international. It’s not just about competition; it’s about connection, meeting new people, and helping expand the community.”
said Danny McFly, President, Tournament of Champions
Why TGX is Bringing TOC to Australia
The cosplay community in Australia has been growing rapidly, and TGX has been at the forefront of creating spaces for local talent to shine.
“The competitive scene is growing in Australia with more and more passionate crafters wanting to showcase their work on stage. This year’s TGX Cosplay Cup had over 40 applicants, with limited spots available to compete. There is this growing demand for opportunities to compete, so hosting TOC not only allows more folks to compete, but at an international level with one of them representing Australia on the world stage,” said Owldamone, Cosplay Coordinator at The Game Expo.
The addition of TOC expands TGX’s cosplay lineup, offering two competitions, the existing TGX Cosplay Cup and now the TOC prelims, providing even more opportunities for different types of cosplayers to get involved.
What Makes TOC Different
Unlike most competitions that focus primarily on accuracy or specific techniques, TOC challenges participants to be well-rounded artisans. Each contestant is judged across five key categories: needlework, armour, propwork, craftsmanship, and wig & makeup.
This unique approach encourages creators to explore multiple crafting disciplines, resulting in some of the most intricate and multidimensional builds imaginable.
One of the most exciting aspects of the competition is the recognition of wig and makeup artistry as its own category, an area where Australian cosplayers consistently excel through creative styling, face paint, and SFX work.
How to Apply
Applications for TOC Australia will open toward the end of the year, with entrants required to submit a build book detailing their costume progress and techniques.
Beyond the Cosplay
While TOC will undoubtedly be a major draw, TGX remains a gamers’ playground packed with entertainment for everyone. From competitive tournaments in fighting games, PC titles, and tabletop gaming, to creator showdowns in Marvel Rivals and Apex Legends, there’s no shortage of action.
Fans can also explore Indie games, challenge friends at the High Score Arcade, or pick up locally-made merch at the Artist Zone. And with TGX 2026 already in the works, there’s plenty more to look forward to.
“Tournament of Champions at TGX is a great opportunity for our local Aussie talent. Australia has a growing number of incredibly passionate and skilled crafters, and to allow them another opportunity to compete on the world stage is very exciting and well deserved,” said Owldamone.
As TGX continues to grow, one thing is clear: Australia’s cosplay community is ready for the world stage, and now, the world will be watching.
Learn more and book your tickets at thegameexpo.com