‘You look amazing!’: Meet the cosplayers at 2026 Florida Supercon in Miami Beach

If you’ve ever pondered just how dedicated Florida Supercon fans are, wonder no more: They’re hardcore.

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On Friday, they braved ruthless traffic, sizzling heat, melting body paint, questionable footwear and heavy props, all in the name of cosplaying their favorite characters from video games, anime, manga, comics, TV and movies.

The annual gathering, which runs through Sunday at the Miami Beach Convention Center, drew thousands of fans to the three-day event for panels, games, photo ops, dance parties and autograph signings. But as always, one of the highlights is the cosplayers and the creativity they display.

They transform pool noodles into tentacles. Shape cardboard and styrofoam into swords. Dust off gardening gloves for a higher purpose, or at least just to hear admiring fellow fans shout “You look AMAZING!” with true appreciation.

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The convention floor was packed with the requisite Marvel superheros (Spiderman remains a favorite, tights and all). There were evil fairies with glowing eyes. A pregnant Winnie the Pooh. Marios and Luigis. A “Bridgerton” lady (who confessed to pulling off her shoes under all those skirts because ow). Richard Attenborough’s John Hammond from “Jurassic Park,” riding an inflatable T-Rex. Ghostbusters, after all these years.

One of the most popular costumes on this hot, hot summer day was Monkey D. Luffy from the anime series “One Piece,” mostly because Monkey wears shorts, a vest, a hat and no shirt. It was a good day to be Monkey.

Good and bad guys from the ever-sprawling “Star Wars” universe were also popular, which is fitting, as “Star Wars” star Hayden Christensen appears on a panel Saturday. Best of all, Florida Supercon remains one of the few spots in Miami where you can hear the following sentence, spoken with the utmost passion: “These battle droids are so fire.”

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Here are some of our favorite costumes from the 2026 Florida Supercon.

Florida Supercon

Where: Miami Beach Convention Center, 1901 Convention Center Dr., Miami Beach

When: Through Sunday

Tickets and more information: www.floridasupercon.com