IS THAT... CROCHET? E.C. Resident Places Second In Halo Championship Cosplay Contest
a true-to-life recreation of the video game's protagonist has landed James Adam's creation in a museum exhibit dedicated to the gaming series
For Eau Claire resident James Adams, the ultimate defense against “the Covenant” isn't the tactile agility of a super-soldier — it's yarn. The dedicated Halo fan and crocheter combined his two passions, taking second place at the Halo Championship Series cosplay competition for a Master Chief suit he crafted entirely by hand.
The Halo video game series centers on a futuristic conflict between humanity and a hierocratic alien faction called the Covenant. Players primarily assume the role of the super-soldier, “Master Chief,” among other characters along the way.
Adams' passion for the video game — which he has played since its release in 2001 — has continued into his later life. The game's compelling storytelling and themes of defending humanity against dangers and mysteries have continued to resonate deeply with him, he said.
“I played it then as a young child and was immediately hooked — as all kids are with superheroes,” Adams said.
Amidst his enduring love for the video game, he has naturally taken on additional creative pursuits into adulthood — one of these being crochet.
”
I THINK WE CALCULATED MORE THAN 300 HOURS OF CROCHET (THAT) WENT INTO THE SUIT.
It was an incredible journey. ... My wife and I added up the little labels of yarn used and it came out under 16 skeins – or in general terms – right around four miles of yarn.
JAMES ADAMS
CREATOR OF CROCHET SUIT
Adams began crocheting during the winter months, inspired by his neighbor who had also taken up the creative practice. He quickly “got hooked” (all jokes intended) and was welcomed into the Chippewa Valley's crochet community.
He quickly began crafting complex figures with others' help and online tutorials, he said.
Concurrently, Adams got involved in regional cosplay competitions — sparked by his son's interest — where he met fellow Halo fans dressed as notable characters.
As the annual Halo Championship Series (HCS) in Seattle, Wash. neared, these same friends and fans challenged him to construct a completely original suit of armor for the contest — made entirely of crochet.
Adam’s choice of character for the crochet cosplay was of the utmost importance, noting the material of yarn was at-times unconventional. He decided on a recognizable super-soldier from the game — the Master Chief — to ensure the character was easily identified.
“There is (not a) more recognizable character than the main protagonist,” Adams added.
Over seven months, Adams meticulously hand-crafted the Master Chief's “Spartan” armor for the convention. Every element was made to emulate the character’s recognizable traits — including the military-inspired green-and-gold color palette, modular armor pieces designed to highlight the under-suit and the character's protective helmet.
“I think we calculated more than 300 hours of crochet (that) went into the suit,” Adams said. “It was an incredible journey. ... My wife and I added up the little labels of yarn used and it came out under 16 skeins — or in general terms — right around four miles of yarn.”
Ultimately, Adams was surprised to be selected as a finalist at the championship series — let alone receiving the second place designation at the convention.
“I did not expect the fan fare that it received,” Adams shared. “It’s all just been a whirlwind; I was just a guy, trying out a new hobby of crochet and it all took off from there.”
Adam's unique craftsmanship earned his crochet regalia a spot on display at the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle, located within a dedicated section for the Halo series. He looks forward to eventually bringing his family to the exhibition and celebrate the world-shaping influence of pop culture and the creative arts.
To learn more about the 2025 Halo Championship Series and see what other cosplay regalia received recognition alongside James Adams, visit the Halo series webpage online, halowaypoint.com.
