1. Nomination categories

Participants must carefully select their nomination category based on the following criteria. All our categories are open to participants from outside Estonia as well. Below, you will find descriptions of each category for this year:

1.1. Craftsmanship (Solo): 

• The Craftsmanship (Solo) category focuses on the artistry and craftsmanship involved in creating a participant’s costume. Sewing, prop making, armor crafting,  makeup all these elements will be judged accordingly. Key qualities for these elements are attention to detail, skill and mastery. 
• 80% of the final score goes for costume construction and character accuracy;  20% – on-stage performance.
• Only 1 person is allowed to perform on stage for this category.
• Performance duration of 60 seconds to 90 seconds.
• Participants must create their costume to be eligible for this category. Purchased or commissioned items should be mentioned to the judges. Basic items such as gloves, footwear, underwear and wigs can be store-bought.
• Participants must attend a prejudging session with our panel of judges. 
  • You will be given a set amount of time to do a verbal presentation of your costume.
  • During this session, showcase the intricate details and craftsmanship of your costume. 
  • Be prepared to discuss your construction process with the judges.
  • Answer judges’ questions on how the pieces were made; what techniques you used to create them; and what type of materials you used for your costume.
  • You are allowed to bring your progress book prejudging showcasing your progress (Not mandatory).
  • If you fail to appear at a specified time for prejudging your costume will not receive any points for costume construction.
• Prizes will be awarded to the top participants, including recognition for Craftsmanship Solo Performance.

1.2. Performance (Solo): 

• The Cosplay Performance (Solo) category is dedicated to individual participants who want to shine on stage. This category provides a platform for solo performers to showcase their unique skills and portray their characters with passion and creativity. Whether it’s a dramatic monologue, a comedic act, or a choreographed routine, participants can bring their favorite characters to life as solo performers.
• Only 1 participant for the Performance (Solo) category.
• Performance duration of 60 seconds to 90 seconds.
• 80% from the final score is allocated for your on-stage performance. This score will be based on creativity, stage presence, character portrayal, and audience engagement.
• A smaller portion, 20%, of participants’ score is allocated for costume. While costume quality is important, the primary focus in this category is on your performance.
• Participants who have made or significantly modified their costumes (<50% redone) are required to attend a judging session with our panel of judges. 
  • During this session, showcase the intricate details of your costume.
  • Judges may ask additional questions in regards to costume details: how were the costumes made; what techniques were used; what materials were used in costume creation.
  • If you fail to appear at a specified time for prejudging your costume will not receive any points for costume construction.
• Participants with store-bought costumes are not required to attend the prejudging session. Their final score will be based solely on their on-stage performance. (80% performance score)
• Prizes will be awarded to the top participants, including recognition for Performance (Solo).

1.3. Performance (Group)

• Cosplay groups can participate in this category to create captivating group performances. Participants are encouraged to gather their fellow cosplayers and bring their characters to life as a team, whether it involves a themed skit or a synchronized performance.
• For Performance (Group), the group must consist of a minimum of 2 participants and a maximum of 8 participants.
• Performance duration of 90 seconds to 150 seconds.
• 80% from the final score is allocated for your on-stage performance. This score will be based on creativity, stage presence, character portrayal, and audience engagement.
• Dances are allowed if they fit the character narrative.  
• A smaller portion, 20%, of participants’ score is allocated for costume. While costume quality is important, the primary focus in this category is on your performance.
• Participants who have made or significantly modified their costumes (<50% redone) are required to attend a judging session with our panel of experts. During this session, showcase the intricate details of your costume and discuss your performance plans.
  • During this session, showcase the intricate details of your costume.
  • Judges may ask additional question in regards to costume details
  • How were the costumes made; what techniques were used; what materials were used in costume creation.
  • If you fail to appear at a specified time for prejudging your costumes will not receive any points for costume construction.
• Participants with store-bought costumes are not required to attend the judging session. If even one person in a group has purchased their costume, the entire group will not go through pre-judging. Their final score will be based solely on their on-stage performance. (80% performance score)
• Prizes will be awarded to the top performers, including recognition for Performance (Group).

1.4. Masquerade

• A beginner-friendly competition for participants who don’t wish to compete in the main competition but want to showcase their costumes on stage.
• You can go on stage alone or with a group of up to 8 people.
• You will have 15 seconds on stage to showcase your costume, keep it short and sweet.
• This category is exclusively available on Day 2 (Sunday) of the event.
• Music for the masquerade will be chosen by cosplay organizers on the day of the event.
• Registration for masquerade is open on both event days at the ticket desk.

2. Costume rules & judging criteria

• Judges are not allowed to disclose details about the judging process or outcomes. We maintain a respectful environment, and any attempts at bribery will not be effective here.
• Pre-judging order and time will be predetermined before the convention, and a contestant list will be provided to all participants. Contestants must be prepared and available 15 minutes before their scheduled turn. It is essential for participants to adhere to the pre-judging order, as evaluations will take place strictly according to the assigned order and time.
• If you miss your prejudging spot without letting us know at least 2 hours before your prejudging session, your costume will not be eligible for costume construction points in the final score. You will be evaluated solely by your performance.
• Participants can cosplay characters from both official commercial sources (Comic books, Manga, Anime, Cartoons, Movies, TV-shows, Musicals, Video Games, Books) and original works (fan art and original characters).To participate, you are required to provide a reference picture for your cosplay featuring a complete design. 
• The judging criteria consist of three main parts: accuracy, craftsmanship, performance:

1. Accuracy: This category evaluates how the costume and character portrayal match the source material. Judges will consider factors such as costume details or its size, colors, material textures and adherence to the original design.
2. Craftsmanship: Craftsmanship focuses on the quality and skill demonstrated in creating the costume. Judges will closely examine the construction techniques, wig-styling, materials choice, and the overall level of craftsmanship. Participants are encouraged to showcase their sewing, prop making, armor crafting, makeup, and other relevant skills. 
3. Performance: Performance criteria evaluate participant’s on-stage presentation. Judges will evaluate participant’s stage presence, charisma, character portrayal, creativity, and audience engagement. Whether participants are performing a skit, a monologue, or a choreographed routine, participants’ ability to bring the character to life on stage. 

• Cosplayers personal characteristics such as race, gender, medical conditions, age, weight, gender identity or any other personal quality will not be evaluated in any way or form.
• If your costume has a revealing design, such as a very short skirt, it is mandatory to wear opaque tights, leggings, or shorts underneath. Additionally, for costumes with side- and underboob exposure, you must wear a sports top or a bra for coverage. Costumes with an open back are permitted. Characters who are barefoot must use flip flops.
• In addition to main awards, there are going to be special prizes such as the Audience Choice prize, Original Character prize, the Judges Favorites and sponsor prizes.

3. Stage rules

• Liquids, live fire, and reactive chemicals are not allowed. Small battery-driven smoke machines can be allowed, but must be approved by festival staff before the competition.
• The performance area must remain clean, and any materials used must be easily removable within 30 seconds after the performance. The use of glitter, confetti, or flour is strictly prohibited.
  • Using any of the prohibited materials described above will result in disqualification.
• Performances must adhere to a standard of respect and decency. The use of obscenities, profanities, gestures encouraging violence, and pornography is strictly prohibited. Performances that go against cultural and/or social norms will not be permitted on stage. Please ensure that your performances are ethical and maintain an aesthetic and respectful tone.
• The prop can be placed anywhere on the stage and it is possible to test it during rehearsals.
  • Props can not damage the stage or be of any danger to other participants or audience.

• Audio for your performance must be pre-recorded. Live performances are not possible.

• Audio file should be MP3 Format. (not less than 128kbps, 44kGz)
• Make sure that the audio is edited and customized for your performance, the audio will stop when the allowed time of performance is over.
• As organizers, we reserve the right to limit the total number of performances to ensure a smooth event. In cases where the number of submissions significantly exceeds this limit, we may consider using the information provided in your submissions, such as work-in-progress photos and videos, to select participants for the stage. However, we prioritize inclusivity and aim to allow cosplayers of all experience levels to participate, and we will only implement this option as a last resort.

4. Prop rules

• It is forbidden to carry real weapons. (metal swords with sharpened edges, knives, pepper sprays, guns, stunt guns, etc.)
• It is permitted to bring imitation weapons, non-functioning bows, throwing weapons made out of soft material.
• Realistic-looking weapons, including fantasy weapons, may be permitted for on-stage performances, but they cannot be carried in the venue’s public areas as part of your costume. The approval for the use of props/weapons will be determined by the cosplay stage crew
• Throwing objects off stage into the audience or towards the judges is strictly prohibited.

5. Organizational Matters Related to Performances

• Participants are allowed to go on stage for their performance through a maximum of two applications: one for Solo Craftsmanship/Performance category and one for Group Performance category.
• All questions regarding music, lighting and equipment during the performance must be clarified during the rehearsal. Changes during the competition will not be made, so attending rehearsals is strongly recommended. Rehearsal schedules and other organizational details will be provided after passing the selection for the competition.
• Participants must be backstage no later than three acts before their performance to notify the organizers of their presence in advance. After this, participants should not leave the backstage area until their performance is over.
• In each category, participants must choose a MAIN CONTACT NUMBER and provide their contact phone number as the primary one. This is necessary for timely communication with participants if their performance starts earlier or if they are not present at the appointed time, as indicated above. If participants are not backstage at the appointed time and do not answer calls from the organizing committee, their performance will be rescheduled to the end of the block. This rule applies to all participants, including Solos and Groups. Participants in the “Solo” category must specify themselves as the main contact.
• We also ask you to inform the organizers in a timely manner if you are unable to make it to the event and your allocated performance time before the start of the competition block. After the start of the competition block that you are in, the organizer has the right not to answer your calls and messages due to the busy schedule.
• Please take these rules seriously. If a participant does not show up backstage at the appointed time, does not notify the organizers, and does not respond to their calls, they will be disqualified, and there will be no ticket refunds.

6 . Tickets

• Participants in stage competitions, including the Solo Craftsmanship and Solo/Group Performance categories, are eligible for a special discount on a 2-day event ticket. 
• If a participant wishes to have an assistant, the assistant can also purchase a 2-day ticket with the discount too.
• Ticket and discounts information will be sent to participants after they have been accepted to the competition.

7. On-site registration

• All participants must arrive at the designated registration time, which will be provided in the email after your application is accepted. Lateness may result in exclusion from the list of performers or rescheduling to another day. Registration time will be provided to participants who have passed the selection one week before the event.
• Before proceeding to the backstage area, all participants must complete their registration at the cosplay registration desk, where they will receive their badges.
• If, for any reason, you are unable to participate, please inform us promptly by contacting us at cosplay@animefest.eu.

8. Backstage Behavior

• Participants must maintain order backstage and in the dressing rooms.
• Every performer and group, regardless of the group’s size, can bring one registered in advance assistant to the backstage area.
• Respectful behavior towards staff and other Cosplayers and KPOP competition participants is mandatory.
• Changing clothes and leaving personal belongings is only allowed in specially designated dressing rooms for Cosplay participants. It is not allowed to leave items in KPOP dressing rooms or other areas not intended for this purpose (main hall, lobby, stairs, street, etc.).

9. Responsibility for personal belongings

• The organizers are not responsible for any lost items. We kindly ask participants to take good care of their valuables and not leave them unattended.

10. Procedure after the completion of the first and second day of the festival

• At the end of the first day of the event, participants have the right to leave their belongings in the dressing rooms overnight, but please note that the event is not responsible for the safety of your belongings, so it is recommended not to leave valuable items. After the completion of the second day of the event, participants are obligated to retrieve all their belongings from the dressing rooms.
• All participants must promptly vacate the premises after the conclusion of the event on the first and second day.

Note: The organizers reserve the right to make changes to the rules and regulations of the competition to ensure fair judging, maintain order, and ensure the safety of all participants.