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

Cosplaying at Sekaicon 2026? Let us know your cos-plans on social media using our official cosplay lineup template!

Download Cosplay Lineup

Come see us at Cosplay Repair in the Exhibitor Hall!

Hours TBA

Cosplay Judges

MC: AKAKIOGA

Akakioga (she/her) is an internationally recognized craftsmanship cosplayer that focuses on needlework, EVA foam armor fabrication, wig styling, and prop making. Some of her works have been recognized by game studios and other well known companies such as Blizzard Entertainment, VIZ Media, and Microsoft.

She is also a huge advocate for people of color in the cosplay world. By using her social media platforms to spread positive representation, she aspires to raise awareness, promote inclusivity, and encourage creativity in the cosplay community.

Craftsmanship Judges:

EXUBERANT COSPLAY

Jarvis Byrd Jr, also known as Exuberant Cosplay, (he/him) is an award winning costume and prop maker based in Detroit, MI. He became acquainted with cosplay when a friend mentioned it to him back in 2017. It was a natural fit because he has always been passionate about art and flexing his creativity.

Jarvis specializes in armor work, and creating complex and detailed armor. His first armor cosplay was Lagiacrus from Monster Hunter, and he constructed it from head to toe, including the weapon. This first costume launched an addiction to costume making that has propelled him ever since. Jarvis has also been hosting armor cosplay related panels to cosplayers who're interested in making armor out of foam.
He has also been supporting other POC related panels over the years

Over the years, Jarvis has created many other builds, competing and offering inspiration to other cosplayers along the way.

SOURNINE

Sournine (he/they) is a veteran cosplayer, having joined the scene in 2007. He has a degree in couture fashion design, and his favorite series are Jojo, Gachiakuta, and Mononoke.

Sour loves to see creative ways people make their costumes work, as well as the fine details no one can see from a distance. Crisp edges, hand stitching, embroidery, and beadwork are his favorite things to see, as well as quality tailoring
and a heavily detailed build-book. He just recently returned to cosplay competitions after a ten year break and loves being on both sides of cosplay judging quite a few times with experience in most aspects of the hobby.

When not working on costumes, Sour is listening to Stray Kids, playing Monster Hunter, doing
embroidery, or writing.

BUTDRAGONSTHO

ButDragonsTho (she/her) is a master level cosplayer from Dayton Ohio with experience from head to toe in cosplay construction. She has a large repertoire of cosplays, and particularly enjoys cosplaying from many different video games with a sprinkle of Anime. Dragons' love for cosplay and the community it brings pushes her to continue to expand her craft and learn from every maker she talks to.

Performance Judges:

NEKOYASHA

Nekoyasha (they/she) is what we call an Oldtaku or our cosplay Auntie. They have been convention and cosplaying since 2003. They were there to witness many of the magics being written and the rise and fall of so many fandoms.

From 2006 to 2016 they competed in craftsmanship and performance competitions,
mostly doing performance in the later half because it was a ball of chaos and fun. Upon winning best master performance with their group, NekoYasha retired from competing and passing the hat to newer generations and lending a helping hand behind the scenes.

Now you can find them working cosplay
repair at various conventions, working cosplay departments, judging cosplay performance and talking about uplifting the black cosplay community, bridging more visibility and encouraging them to compete in cosplay contests. When not cosplaying, you can find them working the twilight hours as a nuclear
pharmacy technician and trying not to become Dr. Manhattan and watching rasslin. Also ask them why they love working with spandex fabric or the fate franchise. But at your own discretion.

TOTHESTARSANDBACK

Tothestarsandback Cosplay (Stella, she/they) started cosplaying in 2009, conventioning since 2010, and competing since 2011. She has taken part in over 50 skits, and in recent years has added more craftsmanship builds to her repertoire. Her most recent craftsmanship achievements include Best Masters at Isshocon 2025 with Kalim from Twisted Wonderland and Best Journeyman at Colossalcon 2022 with
Caitlyn from Arcane, and her most recent solo skit wins with Astarion at Isshocon 2024 and Giyuu at Colossalcon 2026. Her favorite costumes so far have been Alucard from Castlevania, Lan Wangji from Mo Dao Zu Shi, and Ellie from The Last of Us 2.

When not sewing, crocheting, or gaming, you can find them dancing in Kpop contests or with groups Kaleido Dream and Glitchonthebeat!

Photo credit @ fyxsius.studios

Judge to be announced!

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.

Apply to compete:

Performance Application

Craftsmanship Application

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