Cosplay - Sekaicon

Cosplaying at Sekaicon 2026

We welcome all Cosplayers to Sekaicon 2026 and can't wait to see all the amazing costumes, makeup, wigs, styling, fur, props and more! Before you arrive at Sekaicon 2026, please take a moment to check out our clothing, costume and cosplay policies below so we can make Sekaicon an amazing experience for all who attend.

Once you've checked those out, check out our cosplay lineup template and tell the world who (or what) you'll be cosplaying at Sekaicon!

Clothing, Costume and Cosplay Policies

Come see us at Cosplay Repair in the Exhibitor Hall!

Hours TBA

Masquerade Contest

The Masquerade is comprised of skit performances, craftsmanship presentation, and a non-competitive showcase. Costumes will be judged based on accuracy, construction skill, and overall presentation. Skits will be judged on audience engagement, stage presence, and overall presentation. You can also model your costume in front of an audience by entering as an exhibition walk-on.

- - - The Masquerade is held on Saturday in the Main Events Hall. Competitors are required to report 30 min early for staging and prep. Handlers are permitted to accompany, but no spectators will be admitted prior to the event.
    - For 2026, a maximum of 25 craftsmanship, 15 skits, and 15 exhibition entries will be accepted. An announcement will be made if we close online signups early due to capacity.

Entrants can compete in both performance and craftsmanship if desired. Categories will be judged separately.

Cosplay Judges

Check this page for updates!

Competition Rules

Revised August 5th, 2026

General Masquerade Rules

Entrants must be registered attendees of Sekaicon.
Costumes or skits that have won a major award at other events are ineligible to win another award at the same rank.
Costumes from all media sources are permitted, so long as a design reference can be provided. This includes anime, games, comic books/manga/manhwa/manhua, music artists, etc.
Fanart alternative designs for established media, such as NoFlutter or Hannah Alexander, etc, are permitted. Specific reference image(s) must be provided. Original characters regardless of media are not permitted.
Skits must be suitable for a general audience (“PG-13” or milder), and groups may not exceed 8 people.
Electronic flashes are permitted only if okayed by Masquerade staff. An announcement will be made to attendees at the start of your skit.
Modifications to designs for personal comfort or accessibility will not factor into your score.
A preview of the judging rubrics is available here

General Cosplay Rules

Costumes must comply with the Sekai Guild Clothing and Costume Policies and all entrants are subject to general Sekaicon policies and rules.
- - - Shoes must be worn in public areas of the convention for your own safety.
    - Realistic weapon props and live steels are not permitted in the convention area, but may be utilized during performances. They must be reviewed and peace bonded by Public Safety prior to the Masquerade.
    - Props should be carried and posed with in a way that does not inconvenience or risk injury to other attendees.
    - Props exceeding 72” in length will not be allowed in the convention area, per the policy above, but are welcome in the Masquerade. If they are part of your performance or costume, they must be stored properly except during judging and the event.
    - Costumes that obscure your vision or that extend more than 36” from the body will require a handler. This person must accompany you during judging and the event.

SIGN UPS

Sign ups will open Monday, August 24 30th at 6PM EST.

CRAFTSMANSHIP

CRAFTSMANSHIP JUDGING

Saturday 10:30AM—1:30PM

Please check this page for updates.

All entries will undergo a closed interview with the judges. This time will be for you to explain your process, details, etc and allow the judges to look over your costume up close.

- - - Costumes CANNOT be judged for craftsmanship if they were primarily store-bought or commissioned. If modeling someone else's work, the person who constructed the costume will be considered the entrant and they must be present.
    - You must provide a reference for your costume. (We prefer paper references that we can keep.) The judges are not familiar with every series or video game. References are needed to check accuracy.
    - Build books are encouraged, but not required. This is a reference guide to be left with the judges that includes reference images, your progress, and any details you wish to showcase that may not be visible during judging.
    - Entrants will only have 5 minutes per judging session (up to 10 minutes for larger groups).
    - The judges will ask you questions about your costume. Be prepared to answer truthfully and accurately.
    - You DO NOT have to be in character while being judged.
    - Please arrive for your judging appointment a few minutes early. If you miss your appointment we will likely not be able to reschedule.
    - Remember to try your best, be courteous, and have fun!

SKILL LEVEL CATEGORIES:

- - - Novice: Cosplayers with no prior awards, minimum of 40% self-made
    - Advanced: Cosplayers with 1-5 awards, minimum of 70% self-made
    - Youth: Cosplayers age 12 and under
    - Exhibition: walk on only with no judging

PERFORMANCE

SKIT REHEARSAL

Saturday 9:30AM—10:30PM