COSPLAY Contest RULES AND Policies

SPONSORED BY:

Requirements:

- Only Nishi Fest attendees with a badge may take part in the contest.

- Contestants 16 years of age or under will need a permission slip signed by a parent or legal guardian.

- All applicants MUST show up to the cosplay area to check in and pre-judging. If you do not check in you will be disqualified. Cosplay Judging area will be Sunday, April 21, 2024 at 1:00PM - 4:00PM in the CORRAL ROOM. (MAP)

- All applicants MUST show up at to designated location and time for cosplay contest line up. Cosplay Judging area will be Sunday, April 21, 2024 at 1:00PM - 4:00PM in the CORRAL ROOM. (MAP)

- Registration is permitted both online and on-site at the event.

- This contest has pre-judging though on-stage presence may also be a consideration so make sure to bring your A game to the stage! You may be asked questions on-stage, so be ready to share any facts or details you may have about your costume!

Rules:

- Cosplay can be from any genre (anime, video games, movies, etc.), but must be family friendly

- Each cosplay must be at least 70% made by the entrant or, if entering as a group, by at least someone in the group.

- Props are permitted provided they comply with Nishi Fest cosplay policy.

- Costumes must be self-contained. No live animals, substances that could damage or soil, pyrotechnics, projectiles, or illegal weapons. Props are ok.

- Applicants cannot enter with a cosplay that has won at another event.

Categories:

Novice - This category is for new cosplayers who have not received an award at a costume contest.

Journeyman - This category is for more seasoned cosplayers or who have received awards at a costume contest (novice, craftsmanship, prop, group, judge's awards or similar)

Masters - This category is for all cosplayers who display a professional level of craftsmanship, veteran cosplayers, and those who have won major awards at a costume contest (Journeyman or Best In Show)

*Please note that it is at the discretion of the judges to move your category up, if they believe your cosplay best fits a higher category.*

Awards:

Contestants can only be awarded once per category

  • Best In Show/Grand Prize - Bernette b79 Yaya Han Edition Sewing Machine (valued at $2,499), $250 Arda Wigs gift card, & $500 cash prize

  • Masters - $100 Arda Wigs gift card, $250 cash prize

  • Journeyman - $100 Arda Wigs gift card, $100 cash prize

  • Novice - $50 Arda Wigs gift card, $100 cash prize

Additional Policies:

Nishi Fest is a family friendly event. These rules apply to everyone in the venue that is a part of the events. There may be minor exceptions for cosplay contests, but you must have the contest coordinator’s approval. For additional questions, email cosplay@nishifest.com.

DRESS CODE policy: 

See FULL COSPLAY & DRESS CODE RULES here: https://www.nishifest.com/cosplay-rules

HAVE QUESTIONS? EMAIL COSPLAY@NISHIFEST.COM