COSPLAY CONTEST

PARTICIPATION CONDITIONS – INDIVIDUAL CONTEST

Per event: Saturday (possibly Sunday as well), time tbc.

• 15–20 participants per day
• Showcase on stage: max. 2 minutes

Showcase: Convince the jury and the audience with your cosplay. Present your character within the given time and show us your interpretation. This can range from a short performance to epic posing.

The organizer reserves the right to exclude cosplayers from the GFCC Cosplay Contest without explanation.

RULES

• Costumes from comics, video games, anime/manga, TV series, movies, and cartoons are allowed.
• Genderbend is allowed.
• Crossover is allowed (characters from different series in one performance).
• Allowed weapons on stage: wood, plastic, thermoplastic materials, foam, LARP weapons.
• Setup time for props: max. 1 minute.
• Two microphones will be available.
• Stage helpers (“Stage Ninjas”) may assist, max. two, dressed entirely in black.
• Metal weapons are not allowed.
• Live animals are not permitted on stage.
• Fire and fog machines are prohibited.
• No objects may be thrown into the audience.
• The jury may not be included in the performance.
• Sexual, racist, offensive, or obscene gestures and actions are prohibited.
• Glorification of violence and depiction of extreme violence is not allowed.
• Leaving items on stage (including liquids, plush toys, candy, etc.) is not allowed.
• Each cosplayer is responsible for removing their props and items from the stage after their performance.

 

REGISTRATION

Applications must be submitted in full via email to service@weloveconventions.com

• Full personal details of the cosplayer.
• Information on which event and day you wish to participate.
• Statement of which cosplay you will present, including a cosplay photo.
• For each character, submit a reference showing as much of the outfit as possible.
• Illustrations, artworks, or screenshots are allowed as references (original characters/OCs are allowed if a full-color full-body illustration exists).
• Music (if needed for the performance) in mp3 format.
• The registration deadline including all required documents is until October 31st, 2025.
• Notification of acceptance will be sent at least two weeks before the event.

Depending on capacity, we will of course be happy to announce you and your participation on social media.

JUDGING

Judging consists of costume evaluation and performance evaluation.
The winner will receive a prize. Judging and the decision on the winner is carried out either by a specialized jury appointed by the organizer or by the audience. The winner must be present at the award ceremony, which takes place immediately after the contest.

PREJUDGING / COSTUME EVALUATION (approx. 1–1.5 hours)

Each contestant has up to 2 minutes in a separate costume evaluation session before the stage performance to present the details of their costume to the jury.

Evaluation Criteria:

Craftsmanship

• Which fabrics and materials were chosen? Do they fit the character concept?
• Are the materials neat and well-crafted? No loose threads? Clean finishing inside? Dents in armor? Visible hairnets?

 

Resemblance

• How closely does the costume resemble the reference?
• Costume proportions? Makeup and wig? Colors correct?
• Does the cosplayer convey the overall look of the character?

 

Difficulty

• How detailed is the costume? Simple or highly detailed?
• Were different techniques used?
• Were new techniques developed?

 

Role Play / Character Portrayal

• Can the cosplayer convey the character’s traits on stage?
• Are the character’s emotions visible in the performance?
• Does the cosplayer appear confident and convincing?

 

Quality, Originality, Creativity, and Entertainment

• General quality of the performance? Timing correct? Lip-sync accurate? Harmony of performers? Music fitting? Sound effects?
• Is the performance creative or boring? Are there unusual elements?
• Is it entertaining? Fun to watch? Would the audience want to see it again?
• Audience reaction.

PRIZES

• Exciting prizes will be awarded on-site.
• This is generally an INDIVIDUAL CONTEST. In exceptional cases where multiple participants perform together, the prize must be shared among the winners; there is no entitlement to multiple prizes per participant.

 

COSPLAY CATWALK

If you want to present your cosplay on the main stage but don’t feel ready for the contest, the Cosplay Catwalk is perfect for you!

• Show your cosplay on the main stage in a relaxed way, without preparing a complicated performance.
• Fame, applause, and great prizes await.
• Registration: send a photo and brief description to exhibitors@weloveconventions.com
• Depending on capacity, we’ll also announce your participation on social media.
• Spontaneous appearances are welcome! Just come by on the day and register on-site.

Further information will follow.

Email for cosplay questions: service@weloveconventions.com