Convention organizer ReedPOP is partnering with the social network Wikia to launch the C2E2 Crown Championships of Cosplay, described as "the biggest and most prestigious costume contest in the United States."

Debuting in April at the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo, the competition will bring together veterans and amateurs alike in a battle for more than $10,000 in cash and prizes.

“With some of the amazing costumes we’ve seen at our other shows, we thought it would make for a great showdown between the best of the best in cosplay,” Lance Fensterman, Global Vice President of ReedPOP, said in a statement. “We’re thrilled to have teamed up with Wikia for the C2E2 Crown Championships of Cosplay to truly celebrate pop culture and the creativity of its fans.”

The inaugural event will feature a panel of celebrity judges that includes Ashley Eckstein (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Her Universe fashion line), Yaya Han (Heroes of Cosplay) and Nan Cibula-Jenkins (costume designer and head of costume design at The Theatre School at DePaul University).

Online registration for the competition begins today. Complete rules can be found here.