Register for Dragon Con 2026 MuscleNerdz Showdown

Ready to sign up and take part in the Muscle Nerd Showdown?

Ready for an adventure?

The Dragon Con Muscle Nerd Showdown 2025 will be held on Thursday, September3rd in Atlanta, GA at Dragon Con.

Pre Judging: 4pm-6pm

Finals & Evening Show:  7pm

Divisions/categories:

  • Men’s Open
  • Women’s Open
  • Partners/Force

Partners category allows 2 people to compete together.  They will present and be judged as a unified pair.  Contestants entering the Partner’s category may now also enter additionally as individuals.


Photos by Gracefirstvideo

Things to know...

Admission

Regular Dragon Con admission for at least the day of September 3rd is required for competition.  Competitors must be 18 years of age by the day of the competition. This year Partners will be able to enter into the individual categories as well


Prejudging

  1. Competitors must complete quarter turn evaluations: Front, Left, Back, Right
  2. Competitors must complete mandatory poses: Front Character relaxed, Front character flexed pose, Favorite muscular character pose (any angle).

Competitors’ cosplays will be judged on accuracy and craftsmanship. Competitors’ physiques will be judged on symmetry, definition and overall mass.

5 Male and 5 female finalists as well as 5 partners will be chosen to compete against each other in the finals and will have to perform a posing routine showcasing their character, their physique, and their cosplay.


Finals

Finalists will perform a 60-90 second routine to music of their choice showcasing their character and physique. If props are part of the cosplay, they must be included in the routine.  Music must be uploaded at registration in standard MP3 format.  We can no longer accept music at the the event.  If you prefer or cannot provide music, we will provide house music to pose to.

Points will be awarded for character portrayal, physique display and originality. One male and one female Winner will be chosen as Mr. and Ms. MuscleNerdz. Partners will be crowned MuscleNerdz Force. Trophies and other prizes will be awarded for each.

For out 10th anniversary, Partners will be able to enter into the individual categories as well, as we will crown an overall Men and Womens Winner in honor of 10yrs! 


Cosplay Guidelines

  1.  Revealing cosplays are encouraged, but minimum coverage standards do still apply. (Men, please cover your privates. Wear a dance belt or compression) Or you can be disqualified. 
  2.  Body painting is allowed only as a supplementary costume element.  It can’t be the entire costume (no matter how great the art is).
  3.  Props may only be manipulated by the contestant.  Outside assistance with props is not permitted.
  4.  Vulgar or offensive costumes and or gestures will be grounds for disqualification.