It’s no secret that cosplaying is a core part of a great convention that brings everyone together, so of course we at Anime Fargo are more than happy to host a cosplay contest whether you would like to compete on stage showcasing your craftsmanship, perform a skit, or cheer from the crowd watching as contestants bring their favorite characters to life!
Please see below for information about this year’s cosplay contest as well as general guidelines for the contest. It’s also a good idea to check out our Cosplay/Weapons Policy prior to the convention.
NOTE: The information below is subject to change and will be updated as soon as we know more! If you have questions after reading through the entire information/policies/FAQ, please email us at cosplaycontest@animefargo.org or contact us via our Facebook page.
Anime Fargo Cosplay Contest Information and Policies:
Registration
Online
The online form for registration will open Friday, June 13th. Please look for the form on our website and social media platforms.
Onsite At Anime Fargo
We will have posters with a QR code for you to register, or you can join the mandatory orientation session to sign up.
Notes
Contestants are on a first-come, first-served basis. Any Craftsmanship entries submitted after prejudging slots are filled will be placed on a waiting list. However, they may still join in the Showcase category.
If all entry slots have been filled, any entries received after that point will also be placed on a general waiting list. An announcement will be posted on our social media if this occurs.
Check-In & Orientation
Check-in and orientation will be on Saturday morning and is mandatory for all contestants. We will cover contest rules and procedures, assign running order slot, general stage safety and any tech requirements.
While a Cosplay Coordinator will be available during rehearsal and the contest if you need assistance getting on and off the stage, you may elect to have a personal handler instead. If you would like this option, your handler must attend the orientation & rehearsal session or they will not be allowed to assist.
You are not required to be in costume for the morning orientation session. Your running order slot will determine your craftsmanship prejudging block or showcase feedback block (if available)
If you are unable to attend orientation, you must contact the cosplay contest coordinators in advance at: cosplaycontest@animefargo.org.
Prejudging / Feedback Block
Requirements
Contestants must be in full cosplay for their assigned judging or feedback time. You should also bring any props or special costume pieces that will be used on stage. Craftsmanship entries are encouraged to bring progress photos in a folder or binder for the judges to review.
You will be provided with your block time at orientation. This will tell you when and where to line up for prejudging. Contestants should line up in running order.
Blocks
Judging and feedback are organized into 30-minute blocks, each with up to five entries. Blocks are assigned based on your running order number (given during orientation).
Each block may include a mix of:
- Craftsmanship prejudging (required for Craftsmanship category)
- Showcase feedback sessions (optional, based on availability)
Blocks run from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM. Your assigned time will fall within that window. If you are in an earlier block, you will complete judging before rehearsals begin. If you are in a later block, you may enter rehearsal as soon as your block concludes.
Rehearsal
Rehearsal Times
Rehearsal will run from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM on Saturday in Main Programming. All entries will participate in the same rehearsal block, and attendance is mandatory for all contestants.
Rehearsal will run in performance (running) order, so contestants who complete their judging or feedback block earlier in the day will be called to the stage first. If your judging overlaps with rehearsal, you’ll join the rehearsal as soon as you’re available.
What to Expect During Rehearsal
- An initial run-through of all entries in performance order
- Time to go over your introduction with the emcees and adjust timing if needed
- Posed photo taken by SavePoint
Once all contestants have completed their initial rehearsal, a final walk-through will be held to ensure everyone is comfortable with:
- Introduction delivery
- Timing
- Stage movement
Additional Rehearsal Support
Additional stage time may be provided for:
- Skit entries requiring blocking or timing checks
- Contestants who may need extra time or assistance getting on and off stage
We also encourage all participants to practice their stage walk or skit off-stage earlier in the day to feel confident before the contest.
Cosplay Contest Awards
Anime Fargo’s Cosplay Contest celebrates creativity, craftsmanship, and performance. All awards are determined at the discretion of the judging panel and Cosplay Coordinators, based on the quality of entries each year.
Division Awards (Craftsmanship Category Only)
Craftsmanship contestants are judged within their skill divisions. Contestants must attend prejudging to qualify.
Novice Division
- 1st Place – Trophy and badge for next year’s convention
- Runner-Up – Certificate of recognition
Journeyman Division
- 1st Place – Trophy and badge for next year’s convention
- Runner-Up – Certificate of recognition
Master Division
- 1st Place – Trophy and badge for next year’s convention
- Runner-Up – Certificate of recognition
Other Awards
Best in Theme
- Awarded to the entry that best represents the year’s cosplay contest theme.
- Eligible entries may come from either Craftsmanship or Showcase categories.
- Recipient will receive a trophy and badge for next year’s convention
People’s Choice
- Voted on by the audience during the live contest.
- All entries are eligible.
- Winner will receive a trophy and badge for next year’s convention
Notes
Awards are given based on merit as determined by the judges. Not all divisions are guaranteed to have a winner if entries do not meet minimum criteria.
Judges may elect to give additional honorable mentions at their discretion.
What Counts as a Major Award?
Anime Fargo defines a major award as any of the following received at a convention:
- Best in Show
- 1st Place in any craftsmanship division (Novice, Journeyman, Master)
- Best Performance
- Other convention-level competitive awards judged by a panel
If you are unsure whether a past award qualifies as a major award for division placement, please contact the Cosplay Coordinators at: cosplaycontest@animefargo.org