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It's been a fantastic day two of C2E2 2026, but for so many of the costumed attendees of McCormick Place this year, the con hadn't even begun until 7:30 PM tonight. That's because that was the exact moment the Cosplay Central Crown Championship Regional Qualifier and US Finals began at Chicago's premiere pop culture destination, as you might very well know if you were livestreaming the event along with us at home.

Now, though, the competition is over; the Cosplay Central US champion has been crowned, and we have the results as to who will represent the Chicago reason for the Global Finals in London later this year. Before we tell you that, though, we should let you know that this year's event was judged by Laughing Rat, Searin Cosplay, and Sean Sharp, all of whom are cosplay champions in their own right.

And now, without further ado, here are your winners of the Cosplay Central Crown Championship Regional Qualifier and US Finals from C2E2 2026:

For each cosplay category:

• Armor: DCWBuilds
• Needlework: Mew Sakura
• FX: Undead Toasty

C2E2's Best in Show:

• In 3rd place: Rogue Heart
• In 2nd place: Tierza89
• In 1st place: Sazura

And the US National Champion:

• Prince of Snark

Congrats to all the winners, and best of luck to Sazura as they go on to compete for the global Cosplay Championship Crown!

Popverse's favorite convention, C2E2, is back and we've got all you need to know ahead of time:

• No excuses: Watch the C2E2 Main Stage panels in our free livestream
• Where to find Popverse at C2E2!
• The C2E2 Artist Alley booths you gotta visit
• The must-see C2E2 2026 panels
• The C2E2 Booths we're looking forward to most