Cosplay Contest

2025 ToshoCON Cosplay Contest Rules and FAQs

The following rules apply to all contestants. All rules must be read and adhered to in order to participate in the Cosplay Contest. The Cosplay Contest organizers have the final say in all aspects of the contest.

The 2025 ToshoCON Cosplay Contest will be held Saturday, September 13, 2025 7 pm MDT. Online registration will open Tuesday, July 01, 2025 and close Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 11:59 pm.

What’s New?

Due to high demand and consistently impressive work from all contestants, we are reintroducing the Master Category for walk-on entries. See information in the Contest Categories portion below.

Entry Criteria for all Contests

• How old do I have to be to enter the contests and what are the restrictions?
  • Eligible contestants must be 12–19 years of age and must live in Utah.
  • The contest is rated PG (see costume guidelines below for more information). Contest organizers have the final say as to the appropriateness of any costume, performance, etc. Please ask us if you have any questions about your cosplay.
  • Costume source material must be official and provable cosplay. To be judged for accuracy, a visual reference in the form of a color photo should be submitted with the online application. Costume source material does not have to be from an anime/manga, though it is suggested as this is an anime convention.
• Can I use an original character that I created myself?
  • No original characters will be allowed. This is a cosplay contest first and foremost.
• What are the available contests?
  • Contestants may choose to participate in a costume only (walk-on) category in beginner, immediate, or master level or in the performance category. Category parameters are described below and on the online registration form. The judges and organizers of the contest have the right to move contestants into a different category based on the cosplay presented.
• Will I receive a confirmation for my entry?
  • Yes, you should receive an email from the Cosplay Coordinator to confirm your entry. If you do not receive this email and you do not receive a pre-judging time a week after the closing of the contest entries (by Saturday, August 23), your entry was not properly received and you will need to Contact Us to get this resolved as soon as possible.
• Are the Cosplay Contest and the new Idol Showcase event the same thing?
  • No. The Idol Showcase is not part of the Cosplay Contest and is an unjudged event happening on Friday, September 12, 2025. If you mistakenly register for this event, please Contact Us as soon as possible to resolve the issue.

All contestants and entrants must be respectful of all cosplay contest organizers, judges, library staff, and fellow cosplayers. Inappropriate behavior will NOT be tolerated.

Contest Categories

• What are the different prize categories I can enter into?
  There are four different categories:
  • Walk-on Beginner: This category is open to those who have never won a cosplay or costume award previously. Contestants may wear street clothes or store-bought costumes for this category. Store-bought costumes must be altered or added to by 10%.
  • Walk-on Intermediate: Contestants may enter this category even if they have not won any awards previously. Contestants in this category must alter any street clothes by 50% or more. Alternately, unmodified street clothes must consist of less than 10% of the costume (you do not need to cobble your own shoes, but altering them in some way, if it fits the cosplay, is highly encouraged).
  • Walk-on Master: Contestants may enter this category even if they have not won any awards previously. Contestants in this category must alter 90% of all clothing (you do not need to cobble your own shoes, but altering them in some way, if it fits the cosplay, is highly encouraged). Any commercially manufactured, unaltered props used in this category must be approved by the cosplay contest organizers at pre-judging.
  • Performance: The renamed Performance Category encompasses acted out skits; coordinated K-Pop, J-Pop, or any kind of dances; or coordinated fighting scenes (performed at 3/4 speed) that last no longer than 3 minutes. These will be judged on a combination of overall creativity in costuming and overall presentation. Lip-syncing only; no live singing. Microphones will not be provided to anyone. If your performance will require any sort of music or prepared voiceover, please email the Cosplay Coordinator or Contact Us with your file or email your Google Drive or Dropbox (etc.) link to the file.
• If we enter as a group, do we all get a prize?
  • Awards will be given to the group and must be split amongst yourselves.
• Can I enter into more than one category?
  • No. You may only enter into one category as they conflict with one another and you will be unable to change in time to perform in multiple categories.
• What is the difference between the Cosplay Contest and the new Idol Showcase event happening on Friday, September 12, 2025?
  • The Idol Showcase is not part of the Cosplay Contest and is an unjudged event happening on Friday, September 12, 2025. If you mistakenly register for this event, please Contact Us as soon as possible to resolve the issue.

Registration

• When and how can I register to be a contestant in the Cosplay Contest?
  • Online registration will open on Tuesday, July 01, 2025, and close on Saturday, August 16, 2025 11:59 pm MDT. Please provide a valid email address to receive confirmation of your registration status. Once the contest is full, any remaining entrants will be waitlisted. Entrants who are waitlisted have priority if or when a slot becomes available. If a spot becomes available, a registrant will be updated via email.
  • Please note that entry slots are non-transferable.
• Can I register at ToshoCON?
  • No, on-site contest registration at the convention is not an option.
• When is the Cosplay Contest?
  • The contest will take place during the Finale and Awards presentation on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 7 pm.
• When is pre-judging and do I need to attend?
  • Pre-judging is MANDATORY and will be held Saturday, September 13, 2025, 12–6 pm. You must attend pre-judging at your scheduled time in order to be eligible to win a prize in the contest. (Note: You will need to be in the cosplay you wish to be judged on at the time of pre-judging).
• Do I need to meet up and check-in somewhere before the contest starts?
  • MANDATORY pre-contest check-in will take place on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 6:30 pm in the main foyer (by the front desk). Look for a staff member with a sign reading Cosplay Contestants. All registered contestants must be available and accounted for at pre-contest check-in or forfeit their contest slot.

Contest Rules

• What rules must I and my cosplay follow to participate in the contest?
  There are several guidelines that must be followed in order to be eligible for the contest. These include, but are not limited to:
  • No Nudity
    • Naked is not a costume; any illusion to nudity is strictly prohibited.
    • All contestants must have at least 60% of both sides of their upper body covered.
    • Dramatically plunging necklines, ‘underboob’, ‘sideboob’, and bare chests are NOT allowed.
    • All contestants must wear, at minimum, shorts or a skirt that completely covers the behind (no cheeks hanging out).
    • With regards to see-through clothing, contestants must still wear the minimum requirement of coverage underneath. If we can see through your clothes to your body parts, you will be disqualified.
    • Gender bending/crossplay of characters is allowed, however, open chest binding is not permissible.
  • Foot covering
    • For your safety, shoes, boots, or slippers are required (socks are not considered foot covering).
    • If your character does not wear shoes, then the lack of accuracy will be forgiven.
  • Size restrictions
    • All contestants must be able to move their costume on their own. Accessories and/or large costume components are acceptable if you can move them without assistance.
  • Originality
    • EBay or store bought costumes are allowed, but you must register as a beginner, and they must be altered or added to by 10%.
    • With regards to street clothes, any item that has been purchased off the rack must be altered in respect to the category entered.
    • The cosplay contest organizers must be notified of any modeled costume entries at the time of registration. The costume creator must give consent for their costume to be modeled. A costume not made by the contestant (includes commissioned items) will be treated as a modeled costume, and any prizes won will go to the creator of the costume, not the model. If the contestant fails to give proper credit, then they will be disqualified.
  • Props
    • No real guns, not even those that are no longer functioning. Realistic looking toy or model guns will be allowed only as long as they are clearly marked with peace-bonding on the barrel.
    • Sharp-edged weapons are strictly prohibited.
    • Metal bats, pipes, large wrenches, and/or shovels are NOT allowed. If it’s metal, longer than 12 inches and/or you could seriously hurt someone by swinging it, it is NOT allowed.
    • Large foam props are allowed (swords, hammers, etc.) as long as they are not being used inappropriately.
    • For safety reasons, the following are NOT allowed:
      • Live animals
      • Substances which might damage or soil the facilities
      • Aerosol sprays
      • Projectiles of any kind
      • Pyrotechnics/explosives of any kind

Pre-judging FAQ

• When is pre-judging?
  • Pre-judging is MANDATORY and will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025, 12–6 pm. (Note: Times are subject to change based on number of entries).
• Do I need to be at pre-judging all day?
  • No. You will only need to be at pre-judging during your scheduled time. However, arriving a few minutes early is highly encouraged. If you are running late, we will do our best to get you in to see the judges for pre-judging.
• What can I expect at pre-judging?
  • Typically, pre-judging will take no more than 3–4 minutes per person depending on the number of entries.
  • You will be asked to act like your character for no more than 1–15 seconds. Have a short quote or a battle cry and/or pose and movement that your character says or does prepared. For example: “Don’t worry about what other people think. Hold your head up high and plunge forward,” Izuku Midoriya, My Hero Academia, said in your most Izuku embodied voice or Myrd from That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, as a silent character, nods head, makes hrm, hrm noise. This will give you a chance to embody your character for a portion of your performance score. Keep in mind, if quoting your character, it is best to pick a quote that has no or minor profanity as the walls will be thin.
  • The judges will ask you questions about your cosplay garments and accessories. We love to let your creativity shine. You worked hard, tell our judges about it. Here are some questions you might want to be prepared to have answers for (Note: these are just generalized questions and may not be exactly what will be asked):
    • What parts of the cosplay did you make and out of what materials?
    • What part of your cosplay are you most proud of creating?
    • Why did you choose the character you did to cosplay?
    • What part of your cosplay gave you the most grief and what was your solution to make it work?
    • If you had to do it over again, what would you do differently?
    • Why did you choose the materials you did?
    Please remember that there are no wrong answers. Everyone has a different process and learning experience, so share what you've learned and what you're proud of.
  • Judges may ask permission to take a closer look at your cosplay costume or accessories. If this makes you uncomfortable, you may say no at any time.
• If I entered the Performance category, will I present my performance during pre-judging?
  • No. Your performance will be presented once on the ToshoCON stage during the Finale and Awards presentation. This is where you will be judged on the presentation element.

Judging Rubric

• What will the judges be judging on?
  • The judges will be giving each contestant or group of contestants a 0–5 rating on the following categories:

Category 1: Quality and Construction	Category 2: Level of Detail	Category 3: Level of Craftsmanship	Category 4: Character Development	Category 5: Presentation
Is the costume put together well? Was the right material used for the piece? 0-5	Has the entrant considered details? (accessories like jewelry/shoes, makeup/hairstyle, accents like aging/distressing) 0-5	Effort and General Quality 0-5	How well does the costume support the character/storyline? Does it look like the character is supposed to look? 0-5	How well the character is presented to the judges? 0-5

Greenroom

• What is the “greenroom”?
  • A greenroom is the holding area for contestants. This will be a combination of designated seating and sitting before we let the audience into the venue, as well as being led to stand in line backstage when prompted. Beginner contestants will be asked to stand in their lines, then Intermediate contestants, then Master contestants, and finally the Performance contestants will go last.
    • Anticipate breaks between categories before and after the Cosplay Contest begins as there will be awards to give out from other contests and AMVs to view. If you have won an award in another contest, please go and collect your award.
• Where do we meet before the contest starts again?
  • Final check-in is mandatory and will take place at 6:30 pm in the foyer (next to the front desk). Contestants will meet in the foyer prior to being moved to their designated seating for the contest.
  • Contestants must arrive at the holding area no later than 20 minutes before the contest starts or their spot will be forfeited.
• How do I get there?
  • Contestants will be informed of the holding area’s location at time of on-site check-in and will be led there by a staff member.
  • If a contestant has not attended on-site check-in, the contestant will not be allowed on stage. No exceptions.
• What are the behavior expectations?
  • If a contestant’s costume or behavior is deemed to be inappropriate, the contestant will be asked to leave and their spot will be forfeited.
• I need to make this one last part of my Cosplay, but do not have materials, will ToshoCON?
  • ToshoCON does not supply costume materials of any kind. Please come prepared with anything you may need to assemble or repair your costume.
  • A cosplay first aid kit, however, will be available with simple repair supplies at the information desk.
  • No construction work is allowed in the greenroom (sewing, spray painting, welding, etc.), but final assembly of large pieces or unexpected repairs will be allowed.

Please note that we are not responsible for any of your belongings, if you leave them on or next to your seating while you are on stage.

On-stage

The Finale and Awards presentation featuring the Cosplay Contest will begin promptly at 7 pm.

• How long can I be on stage before my time is up?
  • For walk-on contestants or walk-on groups: you will have 45 seconds per person to complete your catwalk presentation. This gives you more than enough time to walk, sashay, twirl (carefully), or skip to the end of the catwalk, strike a pose or two, and walk back. Make the most of this time. Don’t just walk, perform! You have a lot more time than you think you do and our photographer will need photos, so be sure to pose and not just run across the stage. Runway-style music will be played to provide atmosphere and to maintain an upbeat tempo.
  • For those in the Performance category: You will have 3 minutes in total for your presentation. You will get into place on the stage or catwalk, any music provided will start, you will perform your dance, skit, or fight scene, and exit via the left side of the stage. The 3-minute time limit will be STRICTLY ENFORCED and exceeding your allotted time will automatically disqualify you. There will be NO microphones available for skit dialogue, so plan accordingly. The presentation should consist mainly of pantomime and movement; any dialogue will need to be projected (very) loudly to be heard in the auditorium.
    • It is recommended that any fighting sequences be acted at 3/4 speed.
• Can I have help getting on and off stage?
  • If getting on and off the stage may prove a challenge, let the cosplay contest organizers know so reasonable accommodations can be arranged.
• What other rules must I follow?
  • Swearing, sexual humor, flashing, political or religious statements, or any other inappropriate behavior will NOT be tolerated and contestants will be immediately removed and disqualified.
  • Everything brought onto the stage must leave with the contestant. No confetti or glitter will be allowed to be thrown, scattered, etc., while walking or have done by others off-stage.
  • Contestants are to enter and exit the stage where they are shown. No running, jumping on/off the stage, or acrobatics. Let’s keep this safe and fun!
  • Contestants may NOT throw or whip props around; may NOT take or use any sort of spray paint, silly string, fireworks, water, or any other items on stage that could mar the stage or leave a mess; and contestants may NOT use signs in the Cosplay Contest.
  • Contestants may NOT have open flames on-stage or anywhere in the Cosplay Contest or the convention.
  • Contestants will be held responsible for any and all damages and/or medical bills that may occur as a result of not obeying the rules.

Off-stage

• After I walk-on or perform and leave the stage, where do I go?
  • You will exit the stage on the left side and be held backstage until everyone in your category has performed. After everyone in the category has finished their show, you will be directed to go sit down by the contest organizers.
  • You will sit back down in your designated seating in the audience. Please sit in your contest order, so that everyone can easily find a seat quickly.

Award Presentation

• What are the awards for the winners?
  • The following awards will be given: first and second place in each category, as well as Best Craftsmanship and People’s Choice. Prizes are subject to change, but usually include a gift card and trophy.
  • Awards categories are also subject to change based on the number of entries and the judges’ discretion.
• How will People’s Choice voting work?
  • The Cosplay Coordinator will take your picture at the end of your pre-judging time. They will then upload your picture onto our People’s Choice Cosplay area of the ToshoCON website.
  • A QR code and link to the site for voting will open up during the Finale and Awards Presentation when prompted by the Emcee. Be sure to vote for your favorite and tell your family and friends to vote! Voting will end when the judges have made the rest of their final decisions (about 20 minutes or so after voting opens), so be prompt to vote.
• When will the winners be announced?
  • Awards will be announced by the judges immediately following the broadcast of the contest and after the last of the AMVs are shown.
• I won, where do I get my prize?
  • The pickup of awards will be coordinated by County Library staff following the cosplay contest.
  • Remember that participants must live in Utah and be able to pick up their prize in-person from a Salt Lake County Library branch.
  • The prize pick-up deadline is Saturday, October 18, 2025. All prizes that have not been picked up at a Salt Lake County Library branch by Saturday, October 18, 2025 become the property of Salt Lake County Library.

If you have any questions or require further information, please contact us with “Cosplay Contest Q&A” in the subject line.