Blizzard is gearing up for BlizzCon 2026’s Community Night, set for September 12 at the Anaheim Convention Center. The event puts the spotlight on fan creativity, with upgraded contests for cosplay, art, short films, and talent. Winners will snag cash, BlizzCon passes, and a moment in the main stage limelight. The finals are set to take place at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, United States.
What’s new for 2026?
Based on player feedback, Blizzard is making changes to the contest structure. The Talent Contest is back, and judging panels are expanding to up to five experts per category. Judges will include cosplayers, prop makers, performers, and possibly Blizzard developers. Full judging criteria and the final lineup will be revealed closer to the event.
Contest breakdown: How to join and what you can win
- Cosplay Contest: Submit a new, unpublished costume you designed and built yourself. Categories include Master Crafter (crafting mastery), Colossal Creation (giant builds), Epic FX (special effects), and Dynamic Duo (Blizzard character pairs). Category winners each get $2,000 USD and a future BlizzCon pass. The Best in Show winner pockets an extra $4,000 USD.
- Cosplay Exhibition: Not competing? You can still showcase your original costume on-site for the community.
- Art Contest: Submit original Blizzard-inspired art in any medium-sketch, painting, sculpture, digital, and more. Prizes: $4,000 USD (1st), $2,000 USD (2nd), $1,000 USD (3rd), plus BlizzCon passes for each winner.
- Short Film Contest: Create a new digital short (max 3 minutes) inspired by Blizzard’s worlds. Prizes match the art contest: $4,000/$2,000/$1,000 USD and BlizzCon passes.
- Talent Contest: Record a performance (music, dance, variety acts, etc.) up to 2 minutes, solo or group (max five people). Selected acts perform live on stage. Prizes: cash and BlizzCon passes.
All entries must be submitted via the official form by May 15, 2026. Cosplay Contest entrants need to show 80% completion by August 1, 2026. Full rules and eligibility details are on the official BlizzCon site.
Why it matters for gamers
Community Night is a rare chance for fans to go from spectator to star. These contests are open to anyone with the skills and passion to create. Cash prizes are real-$4,000 for top spots-and winners get passes to future BlizzCons, which are otherwise tough (and pricey) to score.
The expanded judging panels mean more expertise and fairness. The return of the Talent Contest opens the stage to musicians, dancers, and variety acts, not just cosplayers and artists. If you’ve ever wanted to show off your Blizzard fandom in a big way, this is your shot.
The bottom line
- Submissions for all contests close May 15, 2026.
- Winners get cash, BlizzCon passes, and main stage glory.
- Expanded judging panels aim for more fairness and expertise.
- Talent Contest is back-so bring your best performance.
Whether you’re building armor, painting, filming, or performing, BlizzCon 2026’s Community Night is your chance to level up and get noticed. Check the official rules, get your entry in, and start crafting your legend.