The Cosplay Competition is undoubtedly the biggest event held at AICon. There are six categories that almost all competitors can be eligible for

  • Best Beginner
  • Best Constructed
  • Best in Theme
  • Best Overall
  • Best skit
  • Fan Favourite.

What is Cosplay?

Cosplay is short for ‘Costume Roleplay’ and is the name given to an activity started by Japanese subcultures where people dress up, and behave like fictional characters from Anime, Manga, Games, comics, graphic novels or sometimes movies. Cosplay usually involved dressing up as an animated character but this isn’t an exclusive requirement.

This trend has spread to the western world following the spread of Anime and Manga and is the Main Event of most Anime conventions. Because of this spread, costumes for many popular characters can be purchased from many places online. So if you think this event is for you, you are still able to enter even if you aren’t confident with a sewing machine!

Categories explained:

  • Best beginner
    This category is only for competitors who has never competed in a cosplay competition, this includes competitions at other conventions, not just within AICon.
  • Best Technical
    This category is for the best cosplay that a competitor has made themselves and not purchased. If someone is modelling a cosplay that another person has done this must be indicated in their registration form if they wish to be eligible for the best technical category.
  • Best Skit
    This is for the best performance in cosplay on stage with a group or singular.
  • Best in Theme
    This year AICon’s theme is ‘Crime’, this category is for all competitors, beginners, hand constructed and purchased costumes are all eligible for this category as long as their cosplay is in theme and they can explain how with the MC.
  • Best Overall
    This category is for simply the best costume and will be judged on the costume and characterisation.
  • Fan Favourite
    Fan favourite is the only category which on the day registration competitors are eligible for. Having said that, all competitors, both pre-registered and on the day registrations are eligible. This category is based solely on audience opinion and will be judged by a show of applause.Rules

General Rules:

  • No competitor can win more than one (1) category.
  • No competitor who has previously competed in ANY cosplay competition may be entered in the Beginner category.
  • Entrants may have a second party model their cosplay but this must be clearly indicated when they register and if they do win any category the prize belongs to the entrant, not the model.
  • Skits can be no longer than 3 minutes.
  • AIcon Committee members are allowed to enter the cosplay competition but are not eligible for any prizes.
    If the judges see fit, they may be given an honourable mention.
  • All competitors must be willing to speak about their costume and character in front of judges and accept further questions from the judges.
  • We cannot guarantee a position in the competition to persons who register on the day.