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 that allows contestants to show off their costumes in a live setting for prizes! Eternal Glory! And Bragging Rights! This Contest is sponsored by Red Moon Cosplay Solutions.
Ryu's Chibi Parade
This contest segment showcases our young up-and-coming Cosplayers who are 12 years of age or younger. Participants pose on stage (with help if needed) and receive a ribbon and a chance to have a photo with Ryu himself!When completing the entry form be sure to select "Ryu's Chibi Parade" where appropriate.
Contest Format
Cosplay Sign Up
1.1 Contestants are encouraged to pre-register electronically for the contest via the online form. Please register online or in-person:
- Cosplay Repair Room (Salon 7) on Friday, August 9 from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm OR
- Salon 13/14 on Saturday, August 10 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.
- If you are pre-registered, please complete final registration on Saturday, August 10 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm at Salon 13/14, 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, August 10, all contestants must arrive at the Main Events room (Hall D) for rehearsal (Time TBA) before the start of the contest. 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 There will be optional pre-judging for Costume Awards in Salon 13/14 on Saturday from 10:00am to 12:30pm. If you'd like to be considered for a costuming award, please come at the time specified. No Costume Judging will occur while contestants are on stage or otherwise.
1.4 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.
1.5 Music (or audio) must be submitted ahead of time either online or in-person during Friday and Saturday registration. We can accept MP3 files only.
1.6 Winners will be selected in the following categories:
- Best in Show (and runner-up)
- Best Costume (and runner-up)
- Best Performance
- Best Group
- Best Armour
- Judge's Pick
- Fan Favourite
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 must 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. 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.
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.
2.9 Contestants under the age of 12 and participants with children under 12 are permitted to have handlers. Other participants may also have handlers, subject to approval by the Cosplay staff.
2.10 Costumes that have won any major award in the past will not be eligible to win prizes but can participate as an exhibition entry. Major awards include but are not limited to:
- Best in Show
- Best in Division
- First Place, Second Place etc.
Permissible awards include:
- Judge's Choice
- Hall Cosplay
How to Register
- 3.1 There are 2 ways to enter the contest:
- 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 July 31, 2024. For more information, refer to the form.
Cosplay Sign Up
- You can also register on-site. Please register at the table outside of Salon 7 on Friday, August 9 from 2:00pm to 6:00pm or at Salon 13/14 on Saturday, August 10 from 10:00am to 12:00pm. Please check in with Cosplay staff on Saturday anytime between 10:00am - 12:00pm at Salon 13/14. If you have any registration questions, please contact Cosplay staff via the following email: cosplay[at]animethon[dot]org.