July 25th-28th, 2024

Register

Hall Cosplay Contest Rules

The Hall Cosplay Competition is for those that want to compete without having to go on stage, and/or if you want to enter a costume that would not be allowed on Cosplay Runway. This contest is separate from the Cosplay Runway and Skit Contest.

If you are interested in participating in the Hall Cosplay Competition, please read the details below.

  1. Hall Cosplay Rules
  2. Cosplay Divisions
  3. Hall Cosplay Awards
  4. Hall Cosplay Entry Form
  5. Hall Cosplay FAQ

Section I. Hall Cosplay Rules

  • All Hall Cosplay participants must be members of AnimeFest/GameFest 2024.
  • Your costume must be at least 35% handmade to qualify
  • No costume is NO COSTUME.
  • Your costume must adhere to the AnimeFest Dress Code Policy.
  • Per the Dress Code Policy, you must wear shoes at all times even if your character does not wear shoes. This will not be counted against you in the judging process.
  • You are not permitted to enter the same costume into Cosplay Runway and Hall Cosplay.
  • You are permitted to enter both contests, but it must be with different costumes.
  • No real weapons of any kind. Please read the convention Weapon Policy. If you have
  • questions regarding the Prop and Weapon Policy specifically, please email safety@animefest.org
  • Hall Cosplay groups are limited to 6 participants. If you have more than 6 participants, you will need to split up into separate groups. When you split into separate groups, you will no longer count as one entry, but two separate entries. Commissioned costumes may only be entered in a group that includes the creator of the commissioned costume.
  • You may only enter the Hall Cosplay contest once. You may not have multiple costumes or enter as a solo and a group.
  • Judging will happen on Friday, 1pm-3pm, and Saturday 12-2pm.

The AnimeFest Cosplay Manager reserves the right to disqualify anyone for any reason deemed sufficient.

Section II. Divisions

You will select a division upon registration.

  • NOVICE:
    • The Novice category is intended for inexperienced cosplayers and those with light costuming ability.
    • At least 35% or more of the costume must be handmade and not store bought or commissioned, otherwise you will not be able to enter in the Cosplay Runway event.
    • No member could have won more than three minor awards and/or one major award at previous conventions.
  • INTERMEDIATE:
    • The Intermediate category is intended for those who have won a limited number of awards in cosplay contests or those with moderate costuming ability.
    • At least 50% of the costume must be handmade and not store bought or commissioned, otherwise you will not qualify for this division.
    • No member could have won more than 3 major awards at previous conventions.
  • MASTERS:
    • The Master’s category is intended for people with extensive costuming ability or who have won several awards for costumes that do not fall into the other two classes.
    • At least 80% or more of the costume must be handmade and not store bought or commissioned, otherwise you will not qualify for this division.
    • It is suggested if entering in the Masters division to provide a portfolio of your cosplay (in addition to the reference images you provide upon registering) for judging purposes.
    • Anyone may register for this division.

In the case of a group, a division will be determined by the awards won by the majority of the contestants. For example, if an entry consists of 3 participants, one participant with zero craftsmanship awards, and two participants that have won more than two major awards but no more than three, would be placed in the Intermediate Division.


You may be moved into a different Division than what you selected at registration to ensure you are competing against those of a similar skillset. If this occurs cosplay staff will relay this in a timely manner.

Section III. Awards

BEST OVERALL IN HALL COSPLAY

  • This is given to an exceptional entrant and can be a part of any division. This award determines that you are the best in the entire hall cosplay event, therefore you will not qualify to win any other awards.
  • A Bambu Lab P1SC other items will be rewarded for this prize.

BEST MASTERS

  • This is given to an entrant that has shown an exceptional display of craftsmanship and presentation for the masters division.
  • $100 and other items will be rewarded for this prize.

BEST JOURNEYMAN

  • This is given to an entrant that has shown an exceptional display of craftsmanship and presentation for the journeyman division.
  • $100 and other items will be rewarded for this prize.

BEST NOVICE

This is given to an entrant that has shown an exceptional display of craftsmanship and presentation for the novice division.
$100 and other items will be rewarded for this prize.

Additional awards may be created at the convention itself at the discretion of the Judges, Cosplay Manager and Programming Director.


Awards will be announced on Saturday, July 27 th , during the Cosplay Runway and Skit Contest. Winners will be contacted before then and will need to be at the Cosplay Runway and Skit Contest to be announced. All prizes must be picked up after the conclusion of the award announcement, or they will be forfeited.

Section IV. Entry Form

There is no entry form for Hall Cosplay. All entries will be taken on site at Cosplay HQ.

Section V. Other

Where is this Cosplay HQ you speak of?
The Cosplay HQ is on the 2nd floor of the Lowes Arlington Hotel, in the Big Bend room.
Q: What is Cosplay HQ’s hours of operation?
Thursday: 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Friday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm