Cosplay

Craftsmanship / Performance / Exhibition

Get ready for the Masquerade, the main cosplay event of the con! Contestants can participate in one of three categories: Performance, Craftsmanship, or Exhibition. Within these categories, competitors are placed into skill divisions (Novice, Journeyman, or Master) based on their experience level, ensuring fair judging for all. The Performance Category will light up the stage with skits of every style, from comedy, drama, dance, and more, while being judged live by our expert panel.

After the performances, the spotlight shifts to the Cosplay Fashion Show Walk! Here, Craftsmanship entrants (who have already been prejudged) and walk-ons/exhibition participants take the stage to show off their amazing costumes. Each contestant will have three poses on stage for the perfect photo ops.

To wrap up the night, don’t miss the award ceremony, where winners will be crowned for both Performance and Craftsmanship. It’s one of the most exciting highlights of the weekend—you won’t want to miss it!

What Are Divisions?
Think of divisions as “levels” in the cosplay competition—they keep things fair and fun by matching you with others of similar experience. Whether you’re brand new, a rising star, or a seasoned pro, there’s a spot for you!

Skill Divisions

Novice Category
This category is for those who are new to making their own costumes or performing on stage, with little to no competition experience.

• Entrants may have won no more than one major award at a convention of similar size or larger.
• “Major awards” include titles such as Best Overall or Best in Class.
• At your discretion, smaller recognitions such as 2nd/3rd place finishes, Honorable Mentions, or Judges’ Awards do not need to be considered when deciding your division.

Journeyman Category
This category is for those with more experience in creating costumes or performing.

• Entrants may have won no more than two major awards at a convention of similar size or larger.
• “Major awards” include titles such as Best Overall or Best in Class.
• As with Novice, placed awards or Honorable Mentions do not necessarily need to count toward this total.

Master Category
This category is for advanced cosplayers or performers with extensive experience.

• Entrants must have won three or more major awards at a convention of similar size or larger.
• “Major awards” include titles such as Best Overall or Best in Class.
• Placed awards (2nd or 3rd place), Honorable Mentions, or Judges’ Awards may be excluded at your discretion.

Note: The Cosplay Staff reserves the right to move a competitor up into a higher division if their experience and past achievements warrant it. Competitors will not be moved down to a lower division.

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Sportsmanship in Cosplay Events
Cosplay is meant to be a celebration of creativity, community, and fun. Like any competition, some participants will win awards while others may not, but good sportsmanship is expected from everyone. At Banzaicon, unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated. Offensive behavior, including but not limited to racism, sexism, ageism, homophobia, fatphobia, hate speech, doxxing, or sandbagging, may result in disqualification, loss of awards or prizes, or removal from the convention or cosplay contests at the discretion of staff. If you witness or experience such behavior from contestants, staff, or judges, please report it to event staff immediately.

Feedback Sessions
Our judges will be available to provide constructive feedback on judged events, giving contestants the chance to learn, grow, and celebrate their progress. This is a supportive space to ask questions, gain valuable insights, and hear tips for future competitions. We encourage everyone to join with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Feedback is meant to help you shine even brighter next time!

AI-Generated Images, Video,  and Audio
Ichibancon does not support the usage of AI-generated music, video, and images. Usage of these things for any of our cosplay contests is not permitted, and usage of said things will result in being disqualified.

Craftsmanship Entries

Important: Signing up places you in the queue; it does not guarantee entry. All submissions are recorded, and acceptance emails will be sent closer to the convention date. Waitlisted emails will also go out at that time. If someone drops or does not check in by the appointed time, we will contact waitlisted participants.

• If you receive an acceptance email, you will have four weeks to confirm your participation. If we do not hear from you within that time, your spot will be forfeited, and we will invite the next person from the waitlist.

Eligibility & Handmade Requirements

• Your costume must be at least 70% handmade by you.
• Store-bought costumes are not permitted.
• Modifications count toward the 70% only if the item is altered by 50% or more from its original state.
• Any assistance from others must total below 30% of the build.
• Accessibility notes: Disability aids do not count against entrants.
• The maker of the costume must be present and enter their own work. You may wear it yourself or have a model wear it.
• Costumes may not be presented on a mannequin.
• Competitors may not enter a cosplay that has previously won a major “Best Of” award (e.g., Best in Show, Best Overall, or Best in Division). Cosplays that have earned a 2nd or 3rd place award may be re-entered only if they have been modified by at least 30%, with documentation or proof of those modifications provided at the time of judging.
• Group Entries: Groups are welcome! Please submit one entry per group. Group division placement will be determined by the highest-level member of the group. For example, if a Journeyman and a Master enter together, the group will be judged at the Master Division level.
  • Note: If, during judging, your cosplay does not meet the 70% handmade requirement, you will be removed from the Craftsmanship Category. However, you will be offered the opportunity to participate in the Exhibition Category instead. Participation is optional, and you may decline if you prefer.

Accepted Sources
We welcome many sources, judged by skill division (Novice, Journeyman, Master):

• Published source material
• Original designs/fan art (your work or another artist’s, with permission)
• Mash-ups or original takes on existing characters

Reference Materials (Pre-Judging)

• You must provide reference images at your pre-judging appointment.
• Printed/physical references are preferred (photos, sketches, etc.).
• Missing references will result in a point deduction.
• Group Entries: If entering as a group, you must provide reference materials for all characters included in the entry. This ensures the judges can fairly assess each aspect of the group’s craftsmanship.

Build Books: A build book is optional for Novice entries but required for Journeyman and Master levels. Unlike reference photos, which show what the costume should look like, a build book documents how you created it. This may include progress photos, notes on materials, construction methods, and techniques used. Build books in full color are preferred, as they provide the clearest details for judges. A well-organized build book highlights your craftsmanship process and the effort behind your costume. Groups may submit a single combined build book for the entire entry if they choose.

Convention Cosplay Rules (Must Follow)

• Costumes must be public-appropriate; this is a family-friendly event.
• No hateful, offensive, or provocative symbols, designs, or text.
• Be mindful of your surroundings, especially with large or bulky builds and props.
• If you need assistance or accommodation, please inform staff; any staff member can help.
• Be polite and courteous to all attendees and staff.

Conduct & Online Behavior

• Entrants who are rude, hostile, harass, or stalk cosplay staff, judges, or other cosplayers will be removed from the lineup and may be disqualified from future events.
• This standard extends to online interactions before and after the event.

Attendance & Communication

• No-Show / No-Contact = Disqualification.
• You will receive all necessary event details and contact methods.
• Please respect your fellow contestants and staff by arriving on time for pre-judging, mandatory greenroom, and rehearsals.
• Failure to appear without prior communication may result in removal from the lineup or disqualification.

Judging

• Assessments are at the full discretion of the judging panel in accordance with these rules.
• Judges reserve the right to disqualify entries that do not meet requirements.

Performance Entries

Important: Signing up places you in the queue; it does not guarantee entry. All submissions are recorded, and acceptance emails will be sent closer to the convention date. Waitlisted emails will also go out at that time. If someone drops or does not check in by the appointed time, we will contact waitlisted participants.

• If you receive an acceptance email, you will have four weeks to confirm your participation. If we do not hear from you within that time, your spot will be forfeited, and we will invite the next person from the waitlist

Performance Guidelines

• Performances must be 1–3 minutes long.
• Costumes are not judged in this category; you are welcome to perform in any cosplay (store-bought or handmade).
• Your performance must be set and rehearsed; improvised acts are not permitted.
• Popular formats include dance, skits, and singing, but you are welcome to bring your creativity!
• What goes on stage with you must also come off with you.
  • No glitter, confetti, or similar items are allowed.
  • Props and items left off to the side must be collected immediately after your performance.
• Audio/Video Requirements: All audio and video files must be submitted two weeks prior to the contest. However, adjustments or updates may still be made during Saturday's rehearsal. After rehearsal ends, no further changes will be allowed.
• Competitors may not enter a performance that has previously won a major “Best Of” award (e.g., Best in Show, Best Overall, or Best in Division).

Rules & Conduct

• All performances must follow the convention’s cosplay rules:
• Costumes must be appropriate for public wear; this is a family-friendly event.
• No hateful, offensive, or provocative symbols, designs, text, or audio may be included.
• Be mindful of your surroundings, especially when using large or bulky props.
• Entrants must remain polite and respectful at all times.
  • Harassment, hostility, stalking, or inappropriate behavior toward cosplay staff, judges, or other contestants will result in removal from the event lineup and possible disqualification from future contests.
  • This standard of conduct also extends to online interactions before and after the event.

Attendance & Communication

• No-Show / No-Contact = Disqualification.
• You will receive full event details and staff contact information. Please use these if any issues arise.
• Respect your fellow contestants and staff by arriving on time for Mandatory rehearsals and green-room seating.
• Failure to show up without prior communication may result in removal from the lineup or disqualification.

Judging

• All performances are judged live during the Cosplay Contest.
• Assessment of entries is at the full discretion of the judging panel, who reserves the right to disqualify entries not in compliance with the rules above.

Exhibition / Walk-On Entries

The Exhibition (also called Walk-On) category is a non-competitive portion of the Masquerade. It is designed for cosplayers who want to show off their costumes on stage without being judged. This is a great option for store-bought cosplays, new cosplayers, or anyone who simply wants the fun of walking the stage!

Guidelines

• Time on Stage: Each walk-on will be given up to 30 seconds on stage. This includes walking across, striking up to three poses, and exiting.
• No Judging: Exhibition entries are not judged for awards. This category is purely for fun and the celebration of cosplay.
• Costume Types:
  • Store-bought, commissioned, thrifted, or handmade costumes are all welcome in this category.
  • Costumes must still follow the convention’s cosplay rules (see below).
• Poses: Each contestant may strike up to three poses for photos. Please keep poses safe and family-friendly.
• Props: Props are allowed, but remember that what goes on stage must also come off.
  • No glitter, confetti, liquids, or messy props.
  • Oversized props should be manageable and safe.
• Audio: Walk-on entries will use the house background music provided by the convention. Custom audio is not accepted for this category.

Rules & Conduct

• Costumes must be appropriate for public wear; this is a family-friendly event.
• No hateful, offensive, or provocative symbols, designs, text, or audio may be included.
• Be polite and respectful to fellow contestants, staff, and judges. Harassment or rude behavior may result in removal from the event lineup and disqualification from future contests.
• Online behavior is also included; harassment before or after the event will not be tolerated.

Attendance & Communication

• No-Show / No-Contact = Removal.
• Entrants must check in at the scheduled times provided in acceptance emails. Failure to appear without prior communication may result in removal from the lineup.
• Please respect staff instructions and appear on time for any mandatory meetings or green-room seating.

Questions?
Not sure if your costume qualifies? Email us at conventioncosplay@gmail.com.

^{Acceptance emails will begin being sent out 01/16/2026
Sign ups Close on 02/20/2026}