SUPERSTAR ANIME COSPLAY CONTEST RULES

The rules on this page are subject to change, if you are interested in participating, please check the cosplay section of the website often to ensure you are aware of any updated/added/changed rules.

Be advised that signing up for any cosplay contest is an affirmation that you agree to adhere to the rules presented on the Superstar Anime website as well as any decisions made by cosplay staff prior to, or during, Superstar Anime.

All cosplay events/panels have the potential to be photographed/filmed/recorded in some fashion. These recordings may be used in future galleries or promotions. Signing up for, and/or attending, any cosplay event is done with the understanding that recording could occur at any time and permission is tacitly given for the participant’s likeness to be used.

You must be a registered Superstar Anime attendee in order to compete. Each member of your group must have a wristband, badge, or other form of attendee membership.
All costumes must cover “swimsuit areas” – no nudity. Body-paint costumes are not eligible for competition.
Store bought cosplays are eligible for display, but not to win.

All contestants need to arrive to the stage at contest time to enter. There are no pre-entries into the contest. No exceptions.

The contest is open to characters from published works; movies, TV shows, comic books, cartoons, video games and card games. Update: Original Characters are now allowed to compete as well.

Superstar Anime adheres to the “PG‐13 rule” when it comes to language and hand gestures on stage. Violation of this rule will cause you to be disqualified from the competition. Be respectful of the crowd and other competitors at all times.
During the contest enter and exit the stage at the designated points only. Costumes must be handled by the contestant or by handler(s) the contestant brings to help. Handlers are required to be registered attendees of the convention, and Superstar Anime cannot provide on-stage assistants.

Contestants are not allowed to throw anything off the stage, nor use projectiles or use anything on stage that will leave a mess. This includes (but is not limited to) liquids, glitter and confetti.
No pyrotechnics, fire, explosive devices, live animals or similar special effects can be used during the competition; this includes smoke/smog machines and flash powder. Anyone who violates this rule may be disqualified from the competition and be asked to leave the convention area depending on the severity of the incursion.
All prop weapons must conform to the Superstar Anime prop policies, including being checked. Fake or made-up prop weaponry (for example, made of wood, foam, bondo, resin, plaster, cardboard, etc) are permitted if they are safe and not dangerous to the other con-goers around you. Metal weaponry is strictly prohibited. All prop weapons will be checked before entry. If it can do actual harm, you will be required to remove it from the premises.
Children (age 15 and below, see Children’s Cosplay Competition for more details) who need a parent to accompany them on stage will need to compete in the Children’s Costume Competition instead of the main stage Costume Contest. However, parent/child teams are allowed to compete in the main stage competition together.

JUDGES

JUDGING TIME AND LOCATION

JUDGING WILL BE HELD AT THE MAIN STAGE IN THE EXHIBIT HALL

The Cosplay Contest will be held Saturday at 3:30pm-4:30pm.
There will be a brief intermission while the judges deliberate and choose a winner.

Winners announced at 5pm Saturday.

COSPLAY DANCE-OFF

SHOW OFF YOUR DANCE MOVES IN FRONT OF THE MAIN STAGE FOR A CHANCE TO WIN PRIZES WHILE THE JUDGE’S CHOOSE THIS YEAR’S COSPLAY CHAMPIONS.

SAT 4:30 PM

PRIZES

$200 Cash will be awarded to the first place winner in each category along with some adorable plushies.

$100 Cash will be awarded to the runner up winner.