PRESS PLAY CON 2026
Where America's Cosplay & Gaming Begin
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Press Play Con 2026 "Quest for Respect"
What is Press Play Con 2026: Quest for Respect?
Press Play Con 2026 is the ultimate community-driven celebration in Guam, bringing together everything anime, gaming, cosplay, and pop culture! Centered around this year's theme, “Quest for Respect,” the convention is all about leveling up together—building an inclusive space where creators, gamers, and fans from all walks of life can connect, express themselves, and earn their place in the community.
Get ready for an action-packed lineup featuring hype cosplay contests, competitive gaming tournaments, interactive displays, epic art exhibits, live performances, and hands-on workshops. This year the convention will introduce three new components; PC gaming hosted by "Radical PC," mobile FPS hosted by "Nexus Marianas Esports League," and TCG. Press Play Con 2026 isn't just an event—it’s a platform for the next generation of creators to drop in, show off their talents, make new friends, and stand out.
Led by MAD Studio Productions and 3 Blind Mice Productions, Press Play Con 2026 is evolving into Guam’s premier pop culture destination. It’s more than just fandom—it’s about opening doors, building confidence, and creating a supportive space where everyone gets a turn in the spotlight.
What are Our Goals?
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Build Respect & Inclusivity: Connect young fans, gamers, and creators in a positive space where everyone is welcomed, valued, and respected.
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Level Up Local Talent: Give rising cosplayers, digital artists, competitive gamers, and performers the spotlight to show off their skills and reach new audiences.
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Inspire Next-Gen Creativity: Encourage youth to explore modern creative outlets—from digital art and costume design to esports and content creation.
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Unite the Community: Create a safe, high-energy space where friends, families, and youth groups can hang out, compete, and celebrate together.
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Launch New Opportunities: Open pathways for young creatives to network, collaborate, and kickstart future careers in the creative industry.
How does It Benefit Guam?
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Youth & Community: Gives the younger generation a safe, positive outlet to connect, showcase their passions, and practice sportsmanship and respect.
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Family: Offers a fun, welcoming space where parents and kids can bond over gaming, creative costumes, art, and entertainment.
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Local Economy: Drives excitement, foot traffic, and support for local vendors, sponsors, small businesses, and youth creators.
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Creative Growth: Inspires local youth to dive into modern creative fields like graphic design, streaming, event production, and game design.
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Regional Spotlight: Puts Guam on the map as an up-and-coming hub for youth culture, gaming, and pop culture events across the Pacific.
PRESS PLAY CON 2026
Where America's Cosplay & Gaming Begin
OCTOBER 17 MICRONESIA MALL 10AM-8PM
The
Venue
WHERE AMERICA'S ANIME & GAMING BEGINS
Press Play Con 2026 cosplay registration opens August 8 through September 30. A $35 registration fee applies to competitive cosplayers who wish to compete for cash prizes and receive exclusive recognition during the event.
Casual participants who want to dress up, join cosplay games, and enjoy the experience are welcome to participate free of charge.
Vendor Applications will open on August 16 through September 25. Stay tuned for more updates!
Click any of the files below that you are interested in:
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Official Cosplay Registration Form
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Casual Cosplay Registration
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Display Exhibition Agreement
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Artist Application Form
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Vendor Application Form (Coming Soon)
Visit Us On
Gamers Royale
Welcome to Gamers Royale, the electrifying hub where competitive spirit meets pure fun! This area is dedicated to all things video games—whether you’re a casual player looking to enjoy a few friendly matches or a hardcore competitor hungry for victory.
Inside Gamers Royale, attendees will find:
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Tournament Stage: Watch or participate in exciting competitions featuring popular titles across genres—from fast-paced fighting games to team-based shooters and battle royales. Brackets and leaderboards will keep the action intense, with winners earning prizes and recognition.
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Free Play Stations: Not everything is about competition—grab a controller and dive into classic favorites or the latest releases with friends. Perfect for quick matches, relaxed gaming, or introducing newcomers to the fun.
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Team Battles & Party Games: Laughter and camaraderie take center stage here with group-friendly games. Whether it’s a rhythm challenge, racing showdown, or a quirky multiplayer party game, everyone can jump in and play.
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Streaming & Highlights: Some matches and special showcases will be broadcast on screens for the crowd, creating an esports-like atmosphere where the energy builds with every round.
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Casual Meets Competitive: Gamers Royale isn’t only about who’s the best—it’s about celebrating gaming culture. From beginners learning the ropes to veterans showcasing their skills, this area ensures that everyone feels welcome to join in.
PARTNERSHIP DESCRIPTION
Marianas Esports League + Latte Esports League for Gamers Royale
The Marianas Esports League and Latte Esports League are collaborating to host Gamers Royale, a competitive, high-energy gaming tournament at Press Play Con.
This partnership combines the strengths of both organizations:
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The Marianas Esports League boasts an extensive regional reach, operational expertise, and a strong local player base in Guam and the Marianas Islands.
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Latte Esports League contributes event organization expertise, streaming infrastructure, and digital engagement across broader online communities.
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Together, they will:
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Design and host multiple tournament brackets featuring popular esports games, ensuring that both console and PC gaming are represented.
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Provide qualification pathways before Press Play Con so local talents can earn seeds or invites to the Gamers Royale main stage.
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Offer robust online streaming and commentary, leveraging Latte Esports’s production resources to showcase matches live to global audiences.
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Secure sponsorships and prizes through joint outreach, enabling competitors to reap greater rewards and visibility.
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Foster community involvement with side‐events, meetups, and workshops to benefit both hardcore gamers and newcomers—e.g., coaching, mental resilience in gaming, skill-building sessions.
This partnership aims to enhance the competitive integrity and visibility of Gamers Royale, attract a broader audience, and provide more opportunities for gamers in the Marianas and beyond to shine.
Click on their logos to learn more about their league and tournaments for the event.
AVATAR ARENA (COSPLAY)
The main event of Press Play! Con is the cosplay contest. It has four categories: solo, couple/dynamic duo, fan favorite, and best overall, hosted by Ed Suarez. The convention hopes to attract international asian cosplayers as well. Cosplayers will perform a 1-minute catwalk and portrayal of their character, followed by a 15-second or 30-second "Lip Dub" Challenge, where they attempt to reenact a scene from a game or anime of their character by imitating their movement and lip-syncing. Not part of the contest, we have talent showcasing for cosplayers who want to perform (such as acting, singing, dancing, or any other talent that corresponds to their character), for a total of 1 minute and 30 seconds. Below are the winners of the categories for this year's contest.
The Importance of Cosplaying and Mental Health Awareness & Suicide Prevention
Cosplay is more than just dressing up as your favorite character — it’s a form of self-expression, creativity, and connection. For many people, cosplay becomes a powerful means of enhancing mental well-being and building a supportive community that can literally save lives.
1. Cosplay as Self-Expression and Healing
Many individuals who struggle with mental health challenges — such as anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem — find confidence through cosplay.
Becoming a character allows them to express sides of themselves they might hide in daily life. It can serve as a safe outlet for emotions, creativity, and self-discovery.
When someone puts on a costume, they’re not escaping reality — they’re embracing the strength and hope that character represents.
“When I cosplay, I feel brave — like I can be the hero I look up to.”
2. Building a Supportive Community
Cosplay events, conventions, and online fandoms bring together people with shared interests, creating a sense of belonging.
For those who often feel isolated, being part of this community offers acceptance, friendship, and understanding — all of which are essential for good mental health.
Through these connections, people are more likely to open up, seek help, or offer support to others going through difficult times.
3. Breaking Stigma Around Mental Health
When cosplayers and event communities speak openly about mental health, they help normalize conversations about depression, anxiety, and suicide prevention.
By integrating mental health awareness into fandom spaces, we send a clear message:
“It’s okay not to be okay — and you are not alone.”
4. “It’s Never Game Over” – A Message of Hope
This theme perfectly ties gaming and cosplay culture with the idea of resilience.
In games, when you lose a life, you restart, learn, and try again — just like in life.
Through this metaphor, cosplay and gaming communities can remind everyone that no matter how hard life gets, there’s always another chance — another level.
Every hero has fallen before they rise again.
Every player has hit ‘continue.’
It’s never game over.
5. Inspiring Others to Seek Help
By utilizing beloved characters, performances, and storytelling, cosplay events can convey mental health messages in a relatable manner.
Panels, campaigns, and themed events make it easier for people to absorb important information about resources, hotlines, and coping strategies — while still celebrating creativity and fun.
In summary:
Cosplay connects imagination with empathy, and community with compassion.
By merging it with mental health awareness and suicide prevention, we empower people to express, heal, and remind each other that:
You matter. You’re part of this story.
And no — it’s never game over.
About the Venue:
The Micronesia Mall has been the central hub for family and friends to enjoy leisure, entertainment, and food. For years, the mall has grown its popularity and became internationally known as a Guam landmark for tourists.
The event is divided into four areas (See Map):
CENTER COURT
Avatar Arena: Cosplay Contest/Performances/Trivia/Dancing
CONCOURSE 1
Round Table: TCG/Dungeons & Dragons/Chess/Workshops
CONCOURSE 2
Gamers Royale: Marianas eSports League/Latte eSports League/F1 Racing
Trial
CONCOURSE 3
Artisan Hall: Art Exhibit/Vendors
Partners & Sponsors
Here are this year 2025, partners and sponsors for our event. Thank you all for committing and making this event happen.
(NOTE: More sponsors will be added.)
PARTNERS
SPONSORS
MAIN SPONSORS
Contact Us
For further inquires about the event feel free to contact us at 1(671)-727-1324, fill out the contact/message box on the side.
You may also visit our social media and leave a message.
