Welcome to the official Cosplay Contest info section for Anime Pasadena 2025.

 

Whether you're a first-time cosplayer or a seasoned pro, this is your chance to shine on stage, showcase your hard work, and compete for amazing prizes.

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The contest is free to enter and open to all attendees. Participants will be placed into divisions based on skill and experience level.​​

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 COSPLAY CONTEST CATEGORIES 

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GRAND PRIZE: $500 (craftsmanship only)

We recognize a variety of talent levels and build styles! Prizes will be awarded in the following categories:

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CRAFTSMANSHIP CATEGORIES 

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• Best in Show (Overall Winner)—$500 + Trophy

• Best in Master—$250 + Trophy

• Best Journeyman—$200 + Trophy

• Best in Novice—$150 + Trophy 

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PRESENTATION/SHOWMANSHIP CATEGORIES  

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• Best Duo/ Group

• Best Performance (Audience Choice or Walk-on Energy)

• Best Closet/DIY

• Judge's Choice (4)

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CRAFTSMANSHIP ONLY: 

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• Costumes must be 70% handmade by the entrant(s)

• Entrants must attend the pre-judging day of the contest, which starts at 3:45 on the day of competition. 

• Stage display/stage walk-on required (60-90 seconds)  

 

SHOWMANSHIP ONLY: 

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• Costumes do not have to be handmade

• Entrants do not need to attend pre-judging

• Stage display/stage walk-on required (60-90 seconds). (prizes are available for Showmanship winners.) ​

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CONTEST REQUIREMENTS 

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Registration: All participants must register (before the event). First-come, first-served.

Online registration is MANDATORY.
 

Check-in Time: All registered contestants must check in 30 minutes before the start of the contest at the designated cosplay area near the competition stage. Location will be announced on the Anime Pasadena Instagram page. 

Prejudging is required for the craftsmanship categories. Times will be assigned after the registration deadline has passed. 

Original Work: At least 70% of the cosplay must be crafted or altered by the contestant to be eligible for craftsmanship awards.
 

Time Limit: Stage walk-ons must not exceed 1 ½ minutes. 

 

JUDGING PROCESS 

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Judging will take place in two phases:

Pre-Judging (Craftsmanship Judging)

Prejudging will take place before the contest. Judges will score participants based on sewing, foam building, 3D printing, detailing, and overall craftsmanship.
 

On-Stage Judging

This takes place during the live show:

Judges will evaluate stage presence, character accuracy, and overall impact. All contestants will be part of the on-stage judging. Winners will be announced on stage immediately after deliberations. 

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 WEAPONS POLICY  

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For everyone’s safety, all cosplay weapons must comply with the following:

• Peace-bonding is mandatory and will be checked at the weapons check station.

• No real weapons are allowed. This includes functional firearms, live steel, or sharpened metal blades.

• Props must be made of safe materials, such as EVA foam, Worbla, or lightweight plastic.

• Guns must have an orange safety tip and must not be capable of firing any projectiles.

• Oversized props must not impede movement in hallways or pose a risk to attendees.
   

Violation of these policies may result in disqualification. 

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COSPLAY POLICY 

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We welcome all cosplayers but require everyone to follow these basic guidelines:

• All cosplayers must have an Anime Pasadena badge to enter and participate in the contest. 

• Cosplays must be family-friendly. No nudity or extremely revealing costumes. This is a PG-13 convention.

• Shoes must be worn at all times.

• Respect is required. Harassment, body-shaming, or inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated.

• You must be able to move safely through the convention. Avoid large wings or spikes that can harm others in crowded spaces.

• No liquids, glitter bombs, smoke effects, or open flames are allowed on stage or in costume.

• Sandbagging is not allowed. If your cosplay has already won Best in Show or Best in Division at any other major event, you can not re-enter that cosplay at Anime Pasadena.​

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 RULES & GUIDELINES 

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• One entry per person or group.

• All contestants must be 16 or older to enter into the adults cosplay competition. For the kids' cosplay competition, you can check the kids can cosplay booth for more information.

• Groups must designate one representative for communication and check-in.

• No prerecorded music or audio is needed since this will be a walk-on. 

• No lewd gestures or offensive content.

• All contestants must follow staff instructions and respect time limits (1 to 1 ½ min on stage).

•  No jumping off the stage for safety purposes.

• Judges’ decisions are final.​

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💬 QUESTIONS?​

If you have any questions, please contact the Cosplay Department at contests@animefire.com