Halo Fest is a place where we celebrate the creativity, skill, and passion of the Halo community, and our contests are where that comes to life.

From building props and crafting armor, to designing multiplayer maps and creating original films, these competitions spotlight the incredible talent across the Halo universe.

Whether you’re competing or cheering from the crowd, contests are a core part of the Halo Fest experience.

Explore four featured contests at Halo Fest 2026:

• Cosplay Contest
• Maker's Contest
• Forge Contest
• Short Film Contest

Each contest has its own rules, eligibility requirements, judging criteria, and submission process. See the high-level overview below, then visit the detailed rules for full information.

Step into the Halo universe and bring your character to life. The Halo Fest Cosplay Contest celebrates craftsmanship, creativity, and performance on stage.

• 1st. Place: $6,000
• 2nd. Place: $3,000
• 3rd. Place: $1,000

• Open to registered Halo Fest attendees
• Participants must be 18+, or have parent/legal guardian consent if they have not reached the age of majority in their place of residence
• Limited to 40 participants
• One entry per person
• Contest takes place live at Halo Fest on December 12–13, 2026
• Contestants must attend in costume and compete onstage
• Simulated props and weapons are allowed only if they comply with event safety rules and are approved onsite; metal blades, live firearms, and flame-producing props are not permitted. See rules for more details.

Cosplay will be judged in multiple rounds across two days, with the top three participants advancing to a final judging round.

Entries are evaluated across the following areas:

• Execution - Quality of construction and finishing
• Creativity - Design choices and originality
• Complexity - Range of techniques and level of difficulty
• Accuracy - Faithfulness to Halo source material

• Cosplay Contest Rules: aka.ms/HF-Cosplay-Rules
• Submission Info: Coming Soon!

The Maker’s Contest celebrates Halo fans who create physical builds inspired by the Halo universe. This contest focuses on craftsmanship, creativity, and process, showcasing how makers bring Halo to life through their work.

• 1st. Place: $3,000
• 2nd. Place: $1,500
• 3rd. Place: $500

• Open to registered Halo Fest attendees
• Participants must be 18+, or have parent/legal guardian consent if they have not reached the age of majority in their place of residence
• Limited to 24 participants
• One entry per person
• Entries must be original, creator-built works based on Halo games, media, or lore
• Entries must be display-ready (not works in progress)
• Maximum size: 6 feet total length
• Entries must be submitted and displayed onsite at Halo Fest
• The same item cannot be entered in both the Maker’s Contest and the Cosplay Contest
• Props must meet event safety requirements (no metal weapons, sharp edges, or hazardous materials. See rules for details)

Entries are evaluated based on:

• Craftsmanship & Build Quality - Construction quality and durability
• Accuracy to Source Material - Faithfulness to Halo references
• Creativity in Execution - Unique design choices and interpretation
• Presentation & Visual Appeal - Overall look and display quality
• Effort & Ingenuity - Skill range and problem-solving in the build

• Maker's Contest Rules: aka.ms/HF-Makers-Rules
• Submission Info: Coming Soon!

The Forge Contest challenges creators to build original 4v4 arena maps inspired by the spaces that define Halo. Hosted in partnership with ForgeHub, this contest is focused on spiritual successors to classic Halo multiplayer maps and campaign environments - not direct remakes.

• 1st. Place: $2,500
• 2nd. Place: $2,000
• 3rd. Place: $1,250
• 4th-10th Place: $500 each
• Community Choice: $750

• Build an original 4v4 arena map in Halo Infinite Forge
• Maps should support standard 4v4 modes and be designed for long-term replayability
• Direct remakes are not allowed
• One map per creator under the primary submission account
• Co-forging is allowed
• Previously created maps are allowed if they have not been featured in matchmaking
• Maps cannot be modified after the submission deadline

Maps are evaluated based on core design principles:

• Flow - How players move naturally through the map
• Gameplay Balance - Fair engagements and competitive integrity
• Map Design & Layout - Structure, routes, and spatial design
• Creativity - Original ideas and unique design choices
• Halo Identity - Visual and thematic alignment with Halo
• Replayability - Long-term play value and engagement

• Contest Opens: Now
• Submission Deadline: August 10, 2026*
• Finalists Announced: September 2026
• Winners Revealed: December 12–13, 2026 during Halo Fest
• *Note: The August 10 submission deadline allows time for review and potential matchmaking integration ahead of Halo Fest.

• Create or log in to your ForgeHub account
• Publish your map on ForgeHub
• Navigate to the contest page
• Submit your map
• Tag your submission with HF2026

Go to ForgeHub Event site for more details and to submit your map!

• forgehub.com/events

Halo Fest Short Film Contest details coming soon!