UwU Con 2025: The best cosplay we saw at the Mesa geek event

Local cosplayers at UwU Con 2025 came dressed to impress as the convention settled into its new home at Mesa Convention Center. The annual geek event may have changed venues, but the costuming energy stayed was just as colorful, chaotic and creative as ever.

One of the biggest highlights of UwU Con cosplay this year were folks inspired by “KPop Demon Hunters.” Outfits inspired by this year’s hit Netflix animated musical were everywhere at UwU Con 2025. Dozens of fans embodied Huntrix, the film’s all-female pop trio, or the rival Saja Boys. It was due in part to a few voice actors from the film, including SungWon Cho, appearing at the con.

UwU Con focuses on anime, comics and gaming, so local cosplayers naturally brought icons from each nerd-friendly pursuit to life. Valley husband-and-wife duo Husky Hubby Cosplay nailed it as a fantastic version of Edward Elric and his armor-clad older brother Alphonse from the classic anime “Fullmetal Alchemist.”

Meanwhile, Ronin Kasai, our Best of Phoenix pick for top cosplayer, impressed other UwU Con attendees with his game-inspired costume. The Valley resident created an intricate version of the Destined One from 2024’s “Black Myth: Wukong,” including the character’s staff.

There were also costumes inspired by lesser-known characters. Chandler resident Will Henderson, for instance, came as the mysterious Q from the fighting game “Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike.”

We also encountered cosplay inspired by games like “Deltarune,” animated shows like “Arcane: League of Legends” and even Swedish death metal band Ghost.

Many of UwU Con’s best costumes were seen at the cosplay showcase on Oct. 18. Unlike the masquerade-style format at other local geek events, hosts Jinx and ThermoCosplay from podcast channel CosTalkLive gave contestants time to discuss their costuming efforts. It was a change of pace that was more than welcome.

Here’s a look back at the most memorable UwU Con cosplay we encountered at this year’s event in Mesa.