COSPLAY CONTESTS

Cosplay is not just a costume. It is craft, and at Anime Fiesta it takes center stage.

Our Cosplay Contests bring the most dedicated builders and performers in South Texas to the Main Stage to compete for glory, prizes, and bragging rights.

Screen-accurate armor, jaw-dropping originals, and hours of dedication. Come see who reigns supreme.

Guide to the Cosplay Contests
at Anime Fiesta

Few things capture the heart of a convention like cosplay, and at Anime Fiesta, that creativity takes the spotlight all weekend long! From our Friday and Sunday Cosplay Showcases to Saturday’s premier Cosplay Championship, there are plenty of opportunities to take the Main Stage, compete for prizes, or cheer on your fellow cosplayers. Here’s everything you need to know before you step into the spotlight!

Cosplay Showcases & The Cosplay Championship

Cosplay takes the Main Stage every day at Anime Fiesta! From incredible handmade builds to fan-favorite characters, our cosplay events celebrate the creativity, craftsmanship, and personality of our cosplay community.

Saturday: Cosplay Championship
The Anime Fiesta Cosplay Championship is our premier cosplay competition and marquee cosplay event of the weekend, featuring our largest prize pool, more award categories, and highest level of competition. Bring your best!

Sunday: Cosplay Showcase
Our Cosplay Showcases give cosplayers the chance to take the Main Stage and show off their creations in a fun, welcoming environment. The Cosplay Showcase is not a competition, and prizes are not awarded.

How to Enter

Thinking about entering? A little prep goes a long way. Keep these tips in your back pocket:

  • Saturday: Cosplay Championship
    Contestants must apply online before the deadline of September 10, 2027. Limited spots are available in each division: Masters, Intermediate and Novice.

  • Sunday: Cosplay Showcase
    Stop by our Info Booth on Sunday before the deadline (TBA) to enter the showcase.

Cheering From the Crowd

Not competing? You are still a huge part of the show. The crowd brings the energy that makes every walk unforgettable, so cheer loud for your favorites and celebrate the countless hours these artists pour into their work. It is one of the best ways to experience the heart of the fandom in person.

Ready to Take the Stage?

Whether you are building a costume or grabbing a seat, our cosplay events are where fandom becomes real, one incredible costume at a time. Grab your Anime Fiesta tickets today, check the rules, and get ready for the boldest, brightest stage at the show. We will see you there.

SHOW US YOUR LINEUP!

Put together your cosplay lineup on these templates and tag #AnimeFiesta or mention us in your story for a chance to be featured on our socials!

COSPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP REGISTRATION, PRE-JUDGING & SHOW TIMES

SATURDAY, OCT 2:
THE ANIME FIESTA COSPLAY CHAMPIONSHIP

Check-in: 1:45PM at the Chibi Stage
Pre-Judging: Starts promptly at 2:00PM
Contest Start Time: 4:00PM at the Main Stage

Be sure to read our Prize Eligibility, General Competition Rules, Judging Criteria and Award Information below.

SUNDAY, OCT 3:
COSPLAY SHOWCASE

Registration: 10:30AM-4:30PM at the Info Booth - No late entries!
Contest Start Time: 5:30PM at the Main Stage

A person dressed in a cosplay costume with pink hair, a black and red dress decorated with roses, wearing a red and black face mask and holding a trophy. The background features red curtains, colorful lanterns, and decorative symbols including a crescent moon on the forehead.

CATEGORIES

There's a place for everyone in our Cosplay Championship!

🏆 Masters

🌟 Intermediate

⭐️ Novice

GENERAL PARTICIPATION RULES (ALL COSPLAY EVENTS)

  • Only one costume entry is allowed per contestant.

  • Costumes deemed lewd, obscene or offensive by event staff will not be permitted into the the venue.

  • Some form of footwear is required, bare feet will not be permitted for your safety.

  • Due to time constraints, lighting or audio requests will not be granted to contestants during the contest.

  • Large costumes should allow the wearer freedom to move and navigate ramps. Event staff may not be available to assist you, so if assistance is needed you may have up to two of your own assistants help you across the stage.

  • All contestants must be on time to line up to receive instructions before the contest begins. Late entries are not allowed.

  • Disclaimer: Pictures and video taken by official event photographers and videographers during the event are the property of South Texas Conventions LLC and may be used by South Texas Conventions LLC for advertising and promotion of future events.

COMPETITION RULES, JUDGING CRITERIA & PRIZING

Competition Category Rules

  • Only one costume entry is permitted per participant.

  • Store-bought or commissioned costumes are not eligible for competition awards. These costumes are welcome to participate in the Exhibition category.

  • Competition entries must be at least 70% self-made by the participant.

  • Costumes that have previously won an award at Anime Fiesta or South Texas Comic Con are not eligible to receive awards again.

Competition Category Judging Criteria

Construction (Craftsmanship)

  • Design execution: Overall accuracy and faithfulness to the reference character or design. If it's an original design, how cohesive and intentional the concept is.

  • Seams and stitching: Quality and neatness of seams, topstitching, and finish work (e.g., hems, seam allowance, bias tape).

  • Material choices: Suitability of fabrics, foam, thermoplastics, or other materials used in the costume. Are materials thoughtfully chosen to match the character or purpose?

  • Fit and structure: How well the costume fits and supports the intended silhouette or shape. This includes proportions, tailoring, armor alignment, and stability.

  • Finishing touches: Weathering, trim work, lining, closures, embellishments, or other small details that elevate the overall piece.

Effort

  • Time invested: Estimated hours spent on construction, with an understanding that complexity often requires more time.

Hair Styling and Makeup (if applicable)

  • Wigs: Styling, cutting, color matching, and overall presentation. Are wigs styled to match the character or integrated well into the costume?

  • Makeup: Application, technique, and creativity. Includes beauty, SFX, face paint, contouring, and character accuracy.

  • Integration: How well the hair/makeup support the overall look and character portrayal.

Performance (Stage Presence)

  • Posing and movement: Ability to showcase the costume effectively on stage with confidence and charisma.

  • Character embodiment: Mannerisms, poses or expressions that bring the character to life

  • Crowd engagement: Energy, presence, and how well the contestant connects with the audience during their walk or short performance.

  • Creativity: For performances or skits, originality and execution of the concept.

Competition Category Prizes

  • Best in Show - The Best in Show award is the top prize given each day of the contest. It recognizes the most outstanding cosplay overall, based on a combination of craftsmanship, creativity, and performance. The winner will receive a cash prize, along with a special trophy to commemorate their achievement.

  • Best in Show, First Runner Up - The First Runner-Up prize is awarded to the contestant who comes in just behind Best in Show. This cosplayer demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication, earning them a cash prize and a trophy.

  • Best in Show, Second Runner-Up - The Second Runner-Up prize honors the third-best cosplay performance of the day. This contestant displayed excellent skill and creativity, earning them a cash prize and a trophy.

  • Standout Craftsmanship Award (Saturday Only) - This award is a secondary award to the Best in Show awards, and is presented to a cosplayer whose attention to detail and craftsmanship truly stood out. Whether through intricate sewing, impressive prop work, or outstanding materials, this cosplayer demonstrated exceptional skill in creating their costume. The award comes is a trophy, recognizing their talent in costume-making.

  • Standout Creativity Award (Saturday Only) - This award is a secondary award to the Best in Show awards. This award honors a contestant whose design choices or overall presentation showcases exceptional originality and artistic vision. This cosplayer brings something truly unique to the stage, whether through inventive materials, imaginative character interpretation, or an inspired creative approach.

  • Spirit of Cosplay Award (Saturday Only) - This award is a secondary award to the Best in Show awards. The Spirit of Cosplay Award celebrates a contestant who embodies the heart and soul of cosplay. This person has shown an infectious enthusiasm and passion for the art, encouraging and uplifting others in the cosplay community. Their positive attitude and love for the craft are recognized with a special trophy.

⭐️ HALL OF COSPLAY CHAMPIONS ⭐️

  • A clown with white face paint and red hair, smiling and dressed in a dirty costume, standing behind a woman with glasses, in front of an electronic screen at an event, with a gold seal indicating a first-place win at a cosplay championship.
  • A person dressed as a robot, holding a trophy at South Texas Comic Con 2021. The background features the event's colorful signage and a gold-colored border surrounding the image.
  • A woman dressed as a demon with white hair, red and yellow horns, and a white and red outfit, raising her fist in victory at an event with a large sign in the background and a gold award medal on the right side.
  • People dressed in elaborate costumes pose with a trophy at an anime and cosplay event under a cloudy sky, with trees and a building in the background.
  • A large yellow LEGO-style figure wearing a red helmet with a gray stripe and an 'R' logo, with a smiling face drawn on its yellow face. It is part of a display with balloons in the background and a trophy at its base, possibly celebrating a competition win at an event called Anime Fiesta in 2024.
  • Woman dressed as a princess holding a trophy at a parade, with a clock tower in the background, trees, and a yellow banner with a gold seal that reads 'First Place Winninger County Championship 2023'.