Cosplay Contest

OneAnime Cosplay Contest

We’ve made significant changes from previous years, so be sure to read the rules carefully.

The biggest change this year is in the category type and awarding. Craftsmanship judging has been removed – all participants will be judged based on stage presentation and overall entertainment value.

To simplify routines and accommodate the new judging style, the number of participants is limited to 25. You may sign up on site on Saturday, October 19, 2025, if space permits; otherwise, you may be placed on standby. Please email your application if the online form fails to submit.

If you have any questions, thoughts, or concerns, please reach out via email to the volunteer heading the Cosplay Contest at oneanime@mellocapital.com.

Cosplay Contest Signup Form

2025 Rules
  1. OneAnime is a family-friendly convention. Performances must maintain a PG rating and cannot contain nudity, profanity, or sexually explicit content. Costumes must adhere to OneAnime’s rules regarding coverage. Body make-up is not a substitute for garments – “naked” is not acceptable. However, if you are wearing body make-up on your hands, arms, or face, please be sure to seal it properly to prevent accidental smudges.
  2. Weapons and props must comply with OneAnime’s security guidelines regarding safety and visibility.
  3. Costume, set, and prop sizes must not exceed 7.5' high × 6' wide × 3' deep. Hoop skirts and other collapsible items are exceptions. Please confirm with the Cosplay Director if you have any questions.
  4. Costumes that have previously won major awards at OneAnime or any other convention (e.g., “Best in Class,” “Best in Show,” or “Best Overall”) should not be submitted. Submitting such costumes is considered “sandbagging” and goes against the spirit of fair competition.
  5. Walk-on entries are limited to 45 seconds. Skits may be up to 3 minutes (shorter durations are acceptable). The time limit for set-up and take-down of props, backdrops, and stage pieces is 1 minute with no exceptions. Please submit your audio as an MP3 file attached to the Tech Needs form emailed to you as part of your welcome package. Skits must also include a script with stage directions; if a skit has no spoken dialogue, include a brief description of the actions on stage.
  6. Audio must be received by 11:59 p.m. on October 12, 2025. If you do not provide an audio file, background music will be selected by the contest director – because silence is boring. You must attach the audio file in MP3 format; links to YouTube, Dropbox, or Google Drive are not acceptable.
  7. The maximum group entry size is 8 people.
  8. If you require assistance with getting on/off stage, need the use of a microphone, or if your performance requires “stage ninjas”, please notify us in advance.
  9. The Cosplay Contest now requires costume progress photos as “proof of life”. We require two photos of each costume, due by 11:59 p.m. on October 14, 2025. Please email these photos to oneanime@mellocapital.com. Failure to submit these photos will result in forfeiture of your spot.
  10. All entrants must check in at the Cosplay Desk located in the Atrium Hallway near the Repair Station between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Friday, or between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on Saturday. Additionally, entrants must attend a mandatory check-in meeting on Saturday, October 19, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Failure to check in or attend will result in disqualification. (Under 18 entrants must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.)
  11. For your safety, no running, skating, jumping off the stage, or using materials that cannot be easily removed is allowed. This includes, but is not limited to, confetti, rose petals, glitter, liquids, pyrotechnics, or compressed air cannons. If you are unsure, please contact us in advance. Unauthorized use will result in automatic disqualification.
  12. You must be registered for OneAnime to enter the contest. Most sign-ups will be online, so please ensure you (and your group, if applicable) are registered. You will need your badge at check-in. Online sign-ups must be submitted by Monday, October 14, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. If you miss the deadline, limited at-con entries may be available on Saturday, October 19, 2025, on a first-come, first-served basis. Audio for at-con entries must be provided on a flash drive in pre-edited MP3 format; do not bring CDs or use video files or links.
  13. Please arrive at the designated judging location at least 5 minutes before your assigned time to check in. Entrants aged 17 or younger must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
  14. PLEASE NOTE: If you are a OneAnime Staff Member or Volunteer, or if you are entering as “Craftsmanship Only” (and do not wish to appear on stage), you must have your Craftsmanship Judging on the evening of Friday, October 18, 2025, unless it conflicts with your staff duties. Any such conflict must be reported to the Cosplay Contest Director BEFORE October 4, 2025.
  15. A cosplayer may only be part of a single entry — no exceptions. You cannot enter as both a solo performer and also be part of a group entry, nor can you enter a model for craftsmanship while also entering yourself in a performance. Please allow others the opportunity to participate.
Cosplay Contest FAQs

What is the Cosplay Contest? It is a competition where participants showcase their costume creativity and stage presence.

How will entries be judged? Entries will be judged based on overall stage presentation and entertainment value.

What are the entry limits? Each cosplayer may only be part of one entry. Group entries are limited to 8 participants.

What is required for entry? In addition to your costume, you must submit two progress photos as “proof of life” by the deadline.

When is the contest? The contest will be held during OneAnime Halloween 2025 at the Davis Convention Center.