KizunaCon Cosplay Contest
Show off your craftsmanship. Take the stage. Celebrate cosplay.
Whether you're entering your first contest or you're an experienced competitive cosplayer, the KizunaCon Cosplay Contest is your chance to showcase what you've created in front of our judges and the KizunaCon community.
Valid KizunaCon admission required to participate.
What the contest is about
The KizunaCon Craftsmanship Contest celebrates the creativity, skill and hard work that goes into bringing a cosplay to life. Contestants attend a short pre-judging session before taking to the KizunaCon stage later that day.
30
Contestant limit
50%+
Handmade requirement
5 min
Pre-judging session
30 seconds
On stage
Beginner
For contestants who have made or heavily altered at least 50% of their costume and meet the final award-history threshold confirmed by the Cosplay Coordinator.
Advanced
For experienced competitors who have made or heavily altered at least 75% of their costume or meet the final award-history threshold confirmed by the Cosplay Coordinator.
Major awards include Best in Show, Best of Category, or 2nd place or higher in a cosplay competition. Final division wording pending confirmation.
Terms & Conditions
Read these before you register — entries that don't meet the requirements can't be judged.
Stage Conduct
The stage is shared with staff, volunteers and other competitors. These rules are strictly enforced.
Family-friendly event — keep performances appropriate for all ages.
Nothing may be thrown or tossed from the stage.
Maximum 30 seconds on stage per entry.
Footwear is required at all times on and off stage.
No glitter, confetti, liquids or smoke effects.
No custom audio tracks and no live microphones.
No flips, stunts, acrobatics or aerial moves.
No materials that may trigger venue alarms or sprinklers.
Respect judges, staff, volunteers and fellow competitors.
Failure to follow stage or safety rules may result in immediate disqualification. Serious conduct or safety violations may also be handled under KizunaCon event policies.
How To Enter
1
Buy Your KizunaCon Ticket
Admission is required to compete.
4
Check In By 12 PM
Find the cosplay desk before noon.
2
Complete Registration Form
Pick your city and submit your entry.
5
Attend Pre-Judging
5 minutes with our craftsmanship judges.
3
Wait For Confirmation
We will email you if you have been selected to compete.
6
Take The Stage
30 seconds in front of the crowd.
Awards & Recognition
Our judges will recognise outstanding craftsmanship, creativity and technical skill across the KizunaCon Craftsmanship Contest. Awards & prizes will be announced soon.
Media Agreement
KizunaCon is a photographed and filmed event. By registering for and participating in the KizunaCon Cosplay Contest, contestants acknowledge that their appearance, likeness and costume may be photographed or recorded during the event and may appear in future KizunaCon promotional, social media and marketing materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still stuck? Reach the cosplay coordinator and we'll sort it out before you cut a single piece of foam.