Attendees Get Into Play Mode in Costume Contest

Participants made the virtual world real during Wednesday night’s costume contest, where attendees flaunted their fashions to their peers once again in a live venue at Payroll Congress in Orlando, Fla. Winners were chosen in five categories: Step Through the Screen, Candy Crushing It, Retro Arcade Flashback, Power Up Pizazz, and Multiplayer Madness.

First-place recipients of this year’s costume contest were the following:

Step Through the Screen—Bring an iconic video game character to life by recreating their look.

Winner: Sydney Paquin as "Edelgard."

Candy Crushing It—There’s nothing sweeter than hitting a high score! For this costume, take inspiration from Candy Crush confections or other mobile games like Among Us or Words with Friends!

Winner: Susie MacMillan as "Zombie Starr."

Retro Arcade Flashback—Pay homage to the neon-soaked days of retro arcades with a classic ’80s look or take inspiration from one of the original arcade games like Pac-Man or Tetris!

Winner: Jessica Pappis and crew as "Payroll Baddies."

Power Up Pizazz—Recreate an existing power up item, like the Mario Super Mushroom, or get creative and design your own! Your unique power up could be fantastical, futuristic, and high-tech, or even payroll-inspired!

Winner: Sara Nielson as "Paycheck Princess."

Multiplayer Madness—Get your friends together and coordinate costumes for any of the categories above.

Winners: Caitlin Shea, etc., as "Tetris Train."

Thank you everyone for getting your game on with creative flair.