Triad Anime Con

We’re excited to welcome an incredible panel of cosplay judges to this year’s event, each bringing their unique strengths, styles, and years of experience to the table. From award-winning craftsmanship to sustainable builds, needlework, prop-making, foam-smithing, 3D modeling, and more, these creators are passionate about their craft and about uplifting the cosplay community.

Whether you’re entering the contest or just love seeing cosplay excellence up close, you’ll be in great hands. Learn more about each of our judges and their cosplay journeys here:

     

The photoshoot schedule for Triad Anime Con 2026 is now live! Visit the link below to view the schedule and available photoshoots or submit your own.

DJ Speedycake stands out among North American DJs with his remarkable mix of international Happy Hardcore styles. He’s known for his distinctive sound, which is a fusion of J-Core beats straight from Japan’s rave scene and Otaku culture. By blending the upbeat tunes of classic rave music with anisong, DJ Speedycake electrifies audiences with adrenaline-pumping remixes of their favorite Japanese tracks. His rise to fame began with the original Caramelldansen remix, where he has popularized high-speed music and Anime dance, releasing on Exit Tunes and spawning a culture of meme videos on Nicovideo and YouTube.

     

As a versatile wordsmith and experimental electronic producer in Atlanta, Georgia, None Like Joshua has been dabbling through a diverse set of music genres and topics to rap about since 2009. The level of fame that he’s garnered with over 200 million Youtube views has stemmed from rapping about his favorite video game, anime, TV shows, and movies intertwined with heavy electronic music.

His music has traveled from Zelda to Star Wars, Goku to Naruto over dubstep, trap, metal and other dynamic genres. NLJ’s lyrics and high energy is always complemented with music that inspires and hypes every listener as he makes a name for himself with the support and collaborations from talented EDM producers, musical youtubers, and, of course, the hundreds of thousands of gamers, anime fans, and rap lovers who have shared one of his songs and dubbed him the world’s fastest anime rapper.

     

Vincent creates characters and card games that transform how players experience gaming and storytelling.

His studio, Vindicated, is for players who #critdifferent—home to a unique, evolving universe where every story and game connects.

Vincent studied art before turning his focus toward game design and worldbuilding. Raised on JRPGs and TCGs, his father even hired a pro to help him master card games at a young age.

In 2025, Vindicated won the Gamer’s Choice Award at SEGE by popular vote. He’s also collaborated with 2K Games on a Borderlands event at PAX East and partnered with premier gaming groups, including Hunters Entertainment (Outbreak: Undead, Kids on Bikes).

Through Vindicated, he’s published many games, including Spellslingers, Otherworlds, and Ghoullotine.

Stop by and say hello! He’ll probably talk your ear off about Final Fantasy and slightly underrated anime.

The Manly Battleships® are a group of fun-loving guys and gals that have formed the greatest programming group on the east coast convention circuit. Veteran panelists combine their powers with a circle of long time con-goers, otaku, and deviants to form the new titan at the front of the con scene. The Fleet’s arsenal offers a lot of a lot, and a little of everything! From the “stay fun” academic to over-the-top panels; high quality times are to be had under the Fleet’s banner. No matter your pleasure, there’s a Manly Battleships® event that’s right for you!

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Time is running out to lock in your Triad Anime Con badge at a discount! From panels and cosplay to the rave and artist alley, this is your chance to experience a full weekend of fun for less. Use code “triad15″ when registering to save 15% on your badge purchase.

Don’t delay, this code expires on February 27th, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST. Get your badge today and join us for an unforgettable weekend at Triad Anime Con!

     

Dust off your band tees, lace up your Vans, and get ready to relive the soundtrack of a generation at Emo Night. This late-night party brings together emo, pop-punk, and metalcore anthems for a high-energy throwback experience that hits all the right notes.

Sing along, dance it out, and embrace the nostalgia as Likely Vain takes you back to the days of stacked playlists and unforgettable live shows (minus the early morning outdoor lines). Whether you’re here for the memories or the music, Emo Night is all about community, catharsis, and screaming every lyric at the top of your lungs.

     

Likely Vain is a brother and sister DJ duo based in Raleigh, NC. Formed in 2023 they set out to provide high energy shows and bring the best vibes everywhere they go. With a vibrant mix of Bass house to Dubstep there is something for everyone at a Likely Vain show!

     

Paradox Panels is a group of weirdos from North Carolina who host panels up and down the East Coast. Paradox has been presenting quality panels on anime, kpop, adult content, and more since 2018.