As eSports makes its return to the Showroom this Saturday, Nov. 18, Talking Stick Resort will introduce a new, exciting component to the event, a Cosplay costume contest. Sponsored by Red Bull, the E/AZ Cosplay Contest will offer $2,500 in prizes for participants wearing the best costumes.

 “Cosplay and eSports go hand-in-hand so this contest is a natural fit for our event,” said Ramon Martinez, director of public relations for Talking Stick Resort. “The rich characters in the games offer an innate opportunity for creativity. It will be fun to see what contestants come up with.”

 Prejudging for the contest will begin at approximately 10 a.m. to noon on Nov.18, prior to an intermission of the eSports tournament. Participants will be evaluated on their overall aesthetic and craftsmanship of their costume and judges are looking for the most creative, colorful and fun representations. Winners will be announced at around 2 p.m. depending on tournament play.

 Six costumes will take home prizes including a $1,250 Visa gift card for first place. Prize amounts for each of the finalists are as follows:

1st Place Overall: $1,250 Visa gift card and a custom trophy

2nd Place Overall: $750 Visa gift card

3rd Place Overall: $350 Visa gift card

In addition to the top three spots, judges will award three participants with a “Judges’ Favorite” prize, a $50 Visa gift card. Guest judges from the Cosplay community will evaluate costumes and distribute prizes for the contest. The event is open to the public and Cosplayers can sign up online at http://battleseries.gg/eaz-cosplay-signup/.

 E/AZ Cosplay Contest is a part of Talking Stick Resort’s latest eSport’s competition. Play in the tournament will begin at 9 a.m. with matches scheduled throughout the day. Participants will vie for cash prizes playing Super Smash Bros. 4 and Super Smash Bros. Melee.

 To register for Talking Stick Resort’s eSports Arizona: Showdown in the Desert event, visit http://smash.gg/tournament/esports-arizona-talking-stick-resort . Registration fees range based on competition selection. Must be 18 or older to participate.