PLEASE NOTE: Cosplays that have already won past awards, unless significant updates have been made and listed, cannot be submitted.

Please review the Cosplay Guidelines.

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 - ADULTS (ages 15 and up)

Divisions: Rising Star, Master Craft, Groups

 

!!!Pre-Judging REQUIRED for the Master Craft divisions!!!

 

Registration:

• Online registration closes Thursday, September 17, at 11:59 PM PT, or earlier if the division reaches capacity.  

• Onsite registration may be available before 1:00 PM PT on Saturday, September 19th, 2026, pending availability. 

Please register online in advance to secure your spot. 

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Check In:

• Master Craft: Check in during the pre-judging.

• Rising Star & Groups: Check in at the Cosplay HQ by 2:00 PM PT on Saturday, September 19th. 

 

All contestants will receive a numbered contestant card at check-in showing their order in the contest. Groups will receive one card per group. ​Contestants who do not check in by 2:00 PM may forfeit their spot.

 

Contest Schedule:

September 19th, 2026 

• 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Pre-Judging (Master Craft) | Cosplay HQ at the show

• 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM  Cosplay Contest (Rising Star, Master Craft, Groups) | Main Stage

 

Divisions & Awards:

 

RISING STAR DIVISION (individuals) - 25 entries max

• Purchased costumes welcome

• Less than ~50% handcrafted/heavily modified

• Focus on presentation, creativity, character embodiment, and overall impact

• Walk-up registration allowed

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Awards: 

• Best Rising Star: $100 cash & trophy

• Judge's Choice (x4): certificate & collectible

 

GROUP DIVISION (2–4 participants per group) - 7 entries max

 

Mixed skill levels allowed.

 

Awards:

• Best Group: certificates and collectibles

 

MASTER CRAFT DIVISION (individuals) - 15 entries max

• 50%+ handmade or significantly altered

• Focus on craftsmanship, techniques, finishing, props, armor, sewing, etc.

• Build-books (physical or on phone) are highly encouraged. Each contestant will have 5 minutes (timed) with judges.

• Participant works in and or has education in professional sewing or building.

• Advance registration and pre-judging REQUIRED

 

Master Craft participants must attend pre-judging between 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM on Saturday, September 19th, 2026 (Cosplay HQ)

 

Awards: 

• Best Craftsmanship: $150 cash & trophy

• Best Armor OR Best Build: certificate and collectible

• Best Sewing/Fabric Work:  certificate and collectible

• Judges' Choice (x4): certificate and collectible

 

SPECIAL AWARD - ULTIMATE COSPLAY CHAMPION: $300 cash & trophy

 

​Awarded to the entry that best represents excellence in craftsmanship, creativity, presentation, and overall impact.

Eligible from:

 

• Master Craft Division

• Exceptional Rising Star entries (at judges’ discretion)

 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20th, 2026 - KIDS

 

Registration:

• Online registration closes Thursday, September 17, at 11:59 PM PT, or earlier if the division reaches capacity.  

• Onsite registration may be available before 1:00 PM PT on Sunday, September 20th, 2026, pending availability. 

Please register online in advance to secure your spot. 

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Check In: 

• Check in at the Cosplay HQ by 2:00 PM PT on Sunday, September 20th. 

 

All contestants will receive a numbered contestant card at check-in showing their order in the contest. Contestants who do not check in by 2:00 PM may forfeit their spot.

 

Contest Schedule:

September 20th, 2026 

• 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM  Cosplay Contest (Kids Categories) | Main Stage

 

KIDS DIVISION - 30 entries max

 

Cosplayers age 0-14.

 

Awards:

• Best Kids Cosplay: certificate & toy

• Most Creative: certificate & toy

• Judge's Favorite (x4): certificate & toy

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VALID ANI-MEDFORD 2026 ADMISSION REQUIRED FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS AGES 13 AND UP.