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Cosplay Contests

COSPLAY CONTESTS AT ANIME IWAI

This is your time to sparkle, shine, and strut your stuff! Whether you’re serving fierce drama, playful energy, or pure elegance—our runway is the perfect place to show off your creativity. ✨ Walk with confidence, bring your personality to life, and you could claim one of our amazing prizes Including some awesome sponsor awards! 🎉
🌸 Anime Iwai Cosplay Runway Contest ✦ Pre-Registration 🌸

Hey there, fabulous cosplayers! 💖 We’re so excited that you’re interested in joining the Anime Iwai Cosplay Runway Contest! ✨ To participate, please complete the pre-registration form by Sunday, November 16, 2025. Filling this out means you’re agreeing to the contest rules below.

🏆 Prizes you can win:
✨ 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place Overall
✨ Three Judges’ Choice Awards
✨ The Nicholas Gargaro Memorial Award – a heartfelt honor celebrating passion, creativity, and stage presence.

All contestants must have a valid Pass for each of the days they are participating in cosplay events. Contestants may pre-register online before the convention or register at the convention on a first-come, first-served basis. Cosplayers are highly encouraged to pre-register to guarantee a spot in a contest! Cosplayers must check in before each contest’s specified deadline. Registration and check in are done at the Cosplay Desk.

Directory

Located on the Main Events Stage

 

Don't forget to check out our Cosplay judges!


 


Cosplay Runway Contest

Sign up here!

Check in: Check in is Sunday up to one hour before the contest. No pre-screening, no prejudging.

Awards & Prizes: This year's prizes are still being determined,

 🌟 Rules 🌟

💫 Cosplay must stay PG-13.
No nudity or near-nudity is allowed. Swimsuit-inspired cosplays are totally fine, as long as they’re family-friendly (no micro-bikinis or 18+ looks).

 

RESTRICTIONS

Failure to comply with the following restrictions may result in disqualification from any and all contests at this year’s Anime Iwai.

  1. Props must comply with Anime Iwai’s weapons policy.
  2. Costumes and performances must be in good taste. No nudity or offensive language will be permitted.
  3. 💫 Cosplay must stay PG-13.
    No nudity or near-nudity is allowed. Swimsuit-inspired cosplays are totally fine, as long as they’re family-friendly (no micro-bikinis or 18+ looks).
  4. No unruly behavior is permitted on stage. Jumping, flipping, running, throwing items into the audience or any movements that could compromise the safety of any contestants or spectators is prohibited. Any of these actions will result in automatic disqualification from the contest.
  5. The use of fire, liquids, or any other objects that will cause a mess are prohibited. Leaving any portion of a costume on stage will result in automatic disqualification from the contest.
  6. Anime Iwai staff or other affiliated persons with an apparent conflict of interest may enter the show to exhibit cosplays but are ineligible to win prizes.
  7. 💫 Good vibes only!
    Be kind to your fellow contestants and keep the spirit supportive and fun. Any reports of bad sportsmanship will result in disqualification—no exceptions! 🚫