Gaming And Cosplay Fans Unite For AggieCon 53

Aggieland is home to the oldest student-run fan convention in the world, AggieCon, a three-day event hosted by the recognized student organization Cepheid Variable.

The event draws fans of pop culture, anime, comics, sci-fi and more, many of whom attend in costume.

‘Anything Nerdy Or Geeky’

Founded in 1969, AggieCon started as a sci-fi and Star Trek fan convention. Over the years, the event has evolved from sci-fi into the multi-genre convention that it is today. As a fan convention, AggieCon hosts what enthusiasts might see at other cons, such as vendors, special guests, panels and video game tournaments.

A notable past guest of AggieCon is George R.R. Martin, author of the series A Song of Ice and Fire, on which the HBO show Game of Thrones is based. Martin visited AggieCon in the 1970s, and while on campus, toured University Libraries facilities, later selecting A&M’s Cushing Memorial Library and Archives to house his personal collection of memorabilia.

This year’s installment of the convention, “AggieCon 53: A Midsummer Night’s Con,” drew over 500 visitors, featured vendors from all over Texas and highlighted anime voice actors Alex Hom, Bryson Baugus and Drew Breedlove as special guests.

Aside from the vendors and guests, AggieCon’s main attractions are gaming tournaments and a cosplay contest. “Our tournaments are a big draw,” said Emma Tuttle ‘25, AggieCon director. “As far as conventions in Texas go, we’re pretty small but we run a lot of tournaments and we’re known for our intimate vibe.”

The cosplay contest fills the halls with bright colors and elaborate costumes. “What’s so unique about cosplay is seeing what everyone can do with the stuff that they’re given,” said Jade Torres ‘26, assistant director of AggieCon. She explained that most cosplayers make their cosplays by hand and that AggieCon’s contest requires at least 50% of a costume to be handmade.

The event has a hometown feel to it, as Cephid Variable alumni tend to stay involved in the organization after graduating.

“We have a whole chat that’s full of elders,” said Tuttle. “They will offer us motherly or fatherly advice and that’s so special to have.”