Telkom VS Gaming Launches Next Gen Squad Cosplay Competition at Comic Con Africa 2026 With R30,000 in Cash Prizes
Cosplayers can bring the Next Gen Squad to life and compete for their share of R30,000 at Comic Con Africa 2026.
Telkom VS Gaming Invites Cosplayers to Join the Next Gen Squad at Comic Con Africa 2026
Comic Con Africa 2026 continues to raise the stakes for South African pop culture fans, and this time Telkom VS Gaming is giving cosplayers a chance to take centre stage.
The Next Gen Squad Cosplay Competition will take place on Saturday, 26 September 2026 at the Comic Con Africa Main Stage, offering participants the opportunity to showcase their creativity, embody their favourite Next Gen Squad character, and compete for a share of R30,000 in cash prizes.
Whether you’re a seasoned cosplay veteran or stepping onto the stage for the first time, this competition promises to be one of the standout cosplay moments of Comic Con Africa 2026.
What Is the Next Gen Squad Cosplay Competition?
The Next Gen Squad represents Telkom VS Gaming’s energetic cast of characters designed to connect with South Africa’s next generation of gamers and creators.
Participants are challenged to bring one of four characters to life:
Meet the Next Gen Squad
S-Tech
The tech-savvy innovator of the squad, known for embracing the latest technology and gaming trends.
Vibey Val
Bringing energy, personality and confidence, Vibey Val is all about expression and creativity.
Mobile Mo
The mobile gaming specialist who is always connected and ready for action.
Lucky Lou
A fan-favourite character with a unique style and adventurous personality.
Cosplayers are encouraged to interpret the characters creatively while remaining true to their visual identity and personality.
R30,000 Cash Prize Pool Up for Grabs
The competition offers a substantial prize pool for the top three contestants:
Prize Breakdown
🥇 First Place: R12,500
🥈 Second Place: R10,000
🥉 Third Place: R7,500
Judges will assess participants based on:
- Costume quality and craftsmanship
- Character interpretation
- Creativity
- Stage presence
- Presentation
- Overall impact
How to Enter the Telkom VS Gaming Cosplay Competition
Entry is free for all eligible Comic Con Africa attendees.
Entry Requirements
- Must be 13 years or older
- Must possess a valid Comic Con Africa ticket for Saturday, 26 September 2026
- Must register before the closing date
- Must cosplay as one of the official Next Gen Squad characters
Registration Deadline
Registration closes at:
Friday, 25 September 2026 at 18:00
Spaces are limited, and early registration is strongly recommended.
Ready to join the squad? Register
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfo5MyYZzutAN9bqJymzT76unrWihgoKV6mBIyOasW7HtpIBw/viewform?pli=1
Why This Competition Matters
Cosplay has become one of the biggest attractions at Comic Con Africa, with thousands of fans dedicating months to designing, building and perfecting their costumes.
The Next Gen Squad Cosplay Competition provides another exciting platform for South African creators to showcase their talent, engage with the gaming community and gain recognition on one of the country’s biggest pop culture stages.
As gaming, content creation and cosplay continue to grow in South Africa, initiatives such as this help spotlight the creativity and passion that exist within local fandom communities.
Comic Con Africa 2026 Continues to Expand Its Gaming and Cosplay Offerings
Comic Con Africa has become Africa’s premier celebration of gaming, technology, comics, anime, cosplay and pop culture.
Returning to the Johannesburg Expo Centre from 24 to 27 September 2026, the event will feature:
- International celebrity guests
- Gaming tournaments
- Esports competitions
- Anime and manga experiences
- Trading card games
- Tabletop gaming
- Interactive activations
- Merchandise and collectibles
- KidsCon attractions
- Cosplay showcases and competitions
The addition of the Telkom VS Gaming Next Gen Squad Cosplay Competition further strengthens Comic Con Africa’s commitment to celebrating creativity, gaming culture and fan expression.
Event Information
Telkom VS Gaming Next Gen Squad Cosplay Competition
Date: Saturday, 26 September 2026
Venue: Comic Con Africa Main Stage
Location: Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec
Prize Pool: R30,000
Registration Deadline: 25 September 2026 at 18:00
Entry Requirement: Valid Comic Con Africa Saturday ticket
About Comic Con Africa
Comic Con Africa is Africa’s largest pop culture and gaming festival, bringing together fans of comics, gaming, anime, cosplay, film, television, collectibles and technology for four unforgettable days of entertainment.
The event offers autograph sessions, celebrity appearances, esports tournaments, interactive experiences, cosplay competitions, shopping opportunities and family-friendly attractions, making it one of South Africa’s most anticipated annual events.
DK Expressions Verdict
The Telkom VS Gaming Next Gen Squad Cosplay Competition is shaping up to be one of the must-watch cosplay events at Comic Con Africa 2026. With R30,000 in cash prizes, a major stage, and the opportunity to showcase South African cosplay talent in front of thousands of fans, competitors have every reason to start planning their costumes now.
If you’re heading to Comic Con Africa this September, this is your chance to step into character and become part of the Next Gen Squad.
