Cosplay Contest

***Please check back, this information is subject to change***

One of the biggest highlights of Animethon is the Cosplay Contest, a live event which allows contestants to show off their costumes in a live setting for prizes! Eternal Glory! And Bragging Rights! This event, we are sponsored by Vivid Vision Studios for the grand prize!

Contest Format

• 1.1 Contestants are encouraged to pre-register electronically for the contest via the online form. Please register online, we may allow limited sign-up in-person early on Saturday only if there are places available. Remember to check in with staff in person on Saturday 15th from 10:30 am - 2:00 pm, so we can be sure you are still participating! If you do not check-in by this time, you will not be permitted to participate and your spot may be given to someone else.
• 1.2 On Saturday, January 15th, all contestants must arrive in the Main Events Salon 8 & 9 (Bottom floor Meeting Level) at 5:00 pm, approximately 30 minutes before the start of the contest (show starts at 5:30 pm).  This event takes a lot of preparation work and we require contestants to be on hand for instructions. Failure to arrive at the specified time will disqualify entrants.
• 1.3 The Cosplay Contest will last approximately an hour, with an additional 10 mins for judges’ deliberations and award presentation. After the judges have finished deliberating, the winners will be announced. Contestants must be on hand to accept awards.
• 1.4 Skit Music (or audio) must be submitted ahead of time either online or in-person during Friday check-in. We can accept MP3 files only. No music submissions will be accepted for walk-on entries, upbeat music will be provided.
• 1.5 Masks must be worn at all times, even during the contest performance period. We have introduced a new winning category to show off your creative masks.
• 1.6 Winners will be selected in the following categories:
  • Best in Show
  • Best Costume
  • Best Performance
  • Best Mask

Rules and Regulations

• 2.1 Costumes and props must be suitable and appropriate for all ages. Costumes and props should adhere to general Animethon Rules and Regulations including the Weapons and Props Policy. Questions about props or costumes may be answered, and exceptions may be made, by the Cosplay Coordinator or Head of Security depending on circumstance.
• 2.2 Skits should adhere to a family-friendly rating.  No profanity, nudity, stunts [which may be considered dangerous], or overly-violent content. No exceptions will be made on this point, so if you are concerned about your content, please ask beforehand.  Any violations of this rule will result in disqualification and possible removal from further contests at ASAPA events.
• 2.3 Only handmade costumes are eligible for Costume awards. Costumes created with the help of friends or family are accepted, however, more than 50% of the costume has to be made by the contestant. Prefabricated costumes will be allowed as long as it has been substantially altered by the contestant (at least 80%).
• 2.4 Contestants can enter the contest individually or as part of a group. However, your costumes will be judged individually for Costume Awards.
• 2.5 There is a 2-minute time limit for all performances. If the performance goes over the time limit, the contestant will be disqualified. Exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis.
• 2.6 Music is optional for skits. If you have a music track please submit it as part of your online pre-registration. Alternatively, you can provide a copy of the mp3 on a USB stick during in-person registration. The music must be in mp3 format and must be on a USB stick. No other format of music will be accepted. If you are doing a walk-on, generic music will be played. No live instrument(s) or music will be permitted.
• 2.7 Devices such as flash bombs, any kind of pyrotechnic device, or any type of device that causes staining or a large scattering of objects are prohibited. Scattering of some objects is allowed, but the cleaning up of said objects will cut into your running time of no more than 2 minutes. Using fire and liquids on stage is prohibited. Smoke-related special effects are prohibited.
• 2.8 Permission is granted to Animethon to use any photographs/video taken as future promotional material for future events and dealings. Secondary Media coverage may be present at the event. All media captured by Secondary Media will be under their rules and regulations of fair media usage and not that of Animethon’s.

How to Register

• 3.1 There are 2 ways to enter the contest:
  • 3.1.1 Pre-register via the website using the Cosplay Sign-Up Form. The form will ask you for basic information such as your name, contact information, the character and show you are performing, as well as a summary of your skit. Online registration ends on the 12th of January. For more information, refer to the form.
    Cosplay sign up
  • 3.1.2 You can also register on-site if places are available. If you need to register in person please come to in the Cosplay Room EARLY on Saturday, 15th January.
  • 3.1.3 Please check-in on Saturday, 15th January 10:30 am to 2:00 pm in the CosplayRoom.

If you have any questions regarding registration, please contact Cosplay staff via the following email: cosplay[at]animethon[dot]org.