Welcome to the official Cosplay Contest info section for Anime San Diego . Whether you're a first-time cosplayer or a seasoned pro, this is your chance to shine on stage, showcase your hard work, and compete for amazing prizes.

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The contest is free to enter and open to all attendees. Participants will be placed into divisions based on skill and experience level. The cosplay contest will be held on Saturday September 5th at 6pm on the main stage. 

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COSPLAY CONTEST CATEGORIES

GRAND PRIZE: $500 (craftsmanship only)

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We recognize a variety of talent levels and build styles! Prizes will be awarded in the following categories:

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CRAFTSMANSHIP CATEGORIES

• Best in Show (Overall Winner)—$500 + Trophy + Immediate entry into the Legend of cosplay Championship. 

• Best in Master—$250 + Trophy + Immediate entry into the Legend of cosplay Championship.

• Best Journeyman—$200 + Trophy

• Best in Novice—$150 + Trophy 

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PRESENTATION/SHOWMANSHIP CATEGORIES 

• Best Duo/ Group

• Best Performance (Audience Choice or Walk-on Energy)

• Best Closet/DIY

• Judge's Choice (4)

 

Craftsmanship only:

• Costumes must be 70% handmade by the entrant(s)

• Entrants must attend the pre-judging day of the contest. 

• Stage display/stage walk-on required (60-70 seconds)  

• CRAFTMANSHIP BEST IN SHOW AND MASTER WINNERS WILL BE SELECTED TO ENTER THE LEGENDS OF COSPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP THAT WILL TAKE PLACE  AT ANIME PASADENA. 

• LEGENDS OF COSPLAY INFORMATION CLICK HERE

 

Showmanship only:

• Costumes do not have to be handmade

• Entrants do not need to attend pre-judging

• Stage display/stage walk-on required (60-70 seconds). (prizes are available for Showmanship winners.) 

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CONTEST REQUIREMENTS

Registration: All participants must register (before the event). Sign up is on a First-come, first-served basis. Online registration is available and you can also register at the Legends of Cosplay Booth.
 

Check-in Time: All registered contestants must check in before the start of the contest at the designated cosplay area. Location will be announced on the Anime San Diego Instagram page. 

Prejudging is required for the craftsmanship categories. Times will be assigned after the registration deadline has passed. 

Original Work: At least 70% of the cosplay must be crafted or altered by the contestant to be eligible for craftsmanship awards. Build books are REQUIRED.
 

Time Limit: Stage walk-ons must not exceed 1 minute. 

 

JUDGING PROCESS

Judging will take place in two phases:

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Pre-Judging (Craftsmanship Judging)

Prejudging will take place before the contest. Judges will score participants based on sewing, foam building, 3D printing, detailing, and overall craftsmanship.
 

On-Stage Judging

This takes place during the live show:

Judges will evaluate stage presence, character accuracy, and overall impact. All contestants will be part of the on-stage judging. Winners will be announced on stage immediately after deliberations. 

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 WEAPONS POLICY

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For everyone’s safety, all cosplay weapons must comply with the following:

• Peace-bonding is mandatory and will be checked at the weapons check station.

• No real weapons are allowed. This includes functional firearms, live steel, or sharpened metal blades.
   

• Props must be made of safe materials, such as EVA foam, Worbla, or lightweight plastic.
   

• Guns must have an orange safety tip and must not be capable of firing any projectiles.
   

• Oversized props must not impede movement in hallways or pose a risk to attendees.
   

Violation of these policies may result in disqualification. 

 

COSPLAY POLICY

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We welcome all cosplayers but require everyone to follow these basic guidelines:

• All cosplayers must have an Anime San Diego  badge to enter and participate in the contest. 

• Cosplays must be family-friendly. No nudity or extremely revealing costumes. This is a PG-13 convention.
   

• Shoes must be worn at all times.
   

• Respect is required. Harassment, body-shaming, or inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated.
   

• You must be able to move safely through the convention. Avoid large wings or spikes that can harm others in crowded spaces.
   

• No liquids, glitter bombs, smoke effects, or open flames are allowed on stage or in costume.

• Sandbagging is not allowed. If your cosplay has already won Best in Show or Best in Division at any other major event, you can not re-enter that cosplay at Anime San Diego. 

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 RULES & GUIDELINES

• One entry per person or group.

 

• All contestants must be 17 or older to enter the adult cosplay competition. For the kids' cosplay competition, you can check the kids can cosplay booth for more information.
   

• Groups must designate one representative for communication and check-in.
   

• No prerecorded music or audio is needed since this will be a walk-on. 
   

• No lewd gestures or offensive content.
   

• All contestants must follow staff instructions and respect time limits (1 min on stage).
   

•  No jumping off the stage for safety purposes.

• Judges’ decisions are final.

 💬 QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions, please contact the Cosplay Department at contests@animefire.com