Cosplay Competition

ANIMEKON 2026 COSPLAY COMPETITION RULES

 IMPORTANT: Rules & Regulations HAVE CHANGED. Read carefully before signing up!

Eligibility & Sign-up

• Participants must be 16 years or older
• Participants under 18 must have parental/guardian consent
• Crown of the Caribbean is open to competitors from across the Caribbean, including Barbados
• National Cosplay Award is open to Barbadian citizens only

COMPETITION STRUCTURE

All competitors will compete on the same stage.

Crown of the Caribbean

Awarded to the competitor demonstrating the highest level of detail, craftsmanship, and overall execution

National Cosplay Award

Awarded to the top Barbadian competitor

Second Prize

Awarded to a standout competitor in performance and/or craftsmanship

Third Prize

Awarded to a standout competitor in performance and/or craftsmanship

CRAFTSMANSHIP REQUIREMENTS

• Costumes must be at least 70% handmade
• Purchased items may be used but must not exceed 30% of the build
• 3D printing is allowed, but the process must be documented
• If a costume is made by another individual: The creator must be present during pre-judging

BUILD BOOK REQUIREMENT

All competitors must present a build book documenting their process.

Submission options:

• Digital (PDF submitted by August 20th)
• Physical copy presented during pre-judging

Build book must include:

• Progress photos
• Materials used
• Construction process
• 3D printing workflow (if applicable)

⚠️ Failure to present a build book will result in point deductions

Build Book (Example)

Build Book Template (Please Download)

CHARACTER REFERENCES

High-resolution reference images must be submitted by August 14th.
These will be used for on-screen display during the event

PERFORMANCE RULES

Maximum performance time: 2 minutes
Audio must be submitted in advance to: info@animekonexpo.com

Stage Rules:

• Props are allowed
• Stage combat is allowed
• ❌ No fire
• ❌ No liquids or messy substances

EVENT SCHEDULE & REQUIREMENTS

Participants must be present for:

• Pre-judging (6:00 PM)
• Official photoshoot (immediately after pre-judging)
• Main stage competition (8:00 PM)

Each competitor will have approximately 3 minutes with the judges before proceeding to their photoshoot.

⚠️ Late arrivals may be disqualified

JUDGING CRITERIA

• Craftsmanship – 70%
• Accuracy – 15%
• Performance – 10%
• Stage Presence – 5%

PRIZE CONDITIONS

Some prizes (e.g. staycation) are location-based
Prize substitutions are at AnimeKon’s discretion

CODE OF CONDUCT

Costumes must provide minimum 50% body coverage
❌ No offensive or inappropriate content
❌ No harassment or disruptive behavior

Failure to comply may result in disqualification

MEDIA CONSENT

By entering the competition, participants agree that:

• Photos and videos may be used for promotion, marketing, and future AnimeKon materials

FINAL NOTE

AnimeKon reserves the right to interpret and enforce all rules to ensure fairness and quality of competition.

Think you have what it takes to be an AnimeKon Cosplay Champion? Sign up now and claim your place in cosplay history!

Register