Format

This year we are hosting the second Euro Cosplay qualifier in addition to the Aya Cosplay competition sponsored by Cosplay Island and Coscraft.
Both competitions will be judged at the same time spanning Saturday and Sunday and will take the form of short, informal interviews with a panel of 3 judges. Entrants can apply for just the Cosplay Competition or check the option on the entry form to also be considered for Euro Cosplay. In both cases, you will be expected to enter the masquerade in your costume on the Saturday evening.

You will get the chance to show off your costume and tell the judges all about your costume, anything from how you chose the materials to how you found that kid’s toy helmets made the best base for shoulder armour. The topics that you cover are up to you!

There are limited spaces for this event, registration will close on the 14th August or when the last space is taken. (Up to ten people’s details will be taken as a waiting list in case of cancellations.)

The winners will be announced at the closing ceremony.

Rules

Euro Cosplay entrants must be available for the Final in London on 29th October

1. The entrant must have made the costume, commissioned or bought costumes are not allowed to enter – this is a craftsmanship competition. (Please note that these rules apply to the majority of the costume – items such as shoes, some accessories, wigs and such are expected to be bought!)
2. For the Cosplay Competition only it is fine to enter with someone else modelling your costume. Euro Cosplay entrants have to model their own costume.
3. Entrants are automatically entered in the Masquerade, you will need to attend to be considered for the Euro Cosplay competition.
4. You can only enter one costume, individually, in the competition (either Saturday OR Sunday.) You will be given preference on the form, but please note you are not guaranteed your preferred day.
5. You must send in your reference sheets by the 14th August. (More details on these can be found here)
6. The weapons/prop rules for the cosplay competition are the same as the masquerade. As with the masquerade entrants, if your prop isn't suitable for a floor costume please ensure that you are not carrying it around at any other time (with the exception of taking it to & from the weapon drop-off or your room!)
7. There are no restrictions on the category of costume – anime, game, western and original designs are welcome. However please note that part of the judging is based on accuracy to the character, so entrants with original designs are encouraged to include a greater number of design/concept sketches.

Reference Sheets

Once your place has been confirmed you will be asked to submit a reference sheet for your costumes. This can be up to 2 sides of A4, but must include reference pictures for the design you are portraying. Along with reference pictures, please feel free to include any extra information that you think might be useful, in progress pictures, sketches or anything for the judges to note!

Accuracy is a large part of the judging process – you must send in reference pictures by the 14th August to cosplaycomp@ayacon.org.uk

Useful Preparation Tips

Most entrants often find it hard to come up with things to say about their costumes, despite the months they have spent on them!

A few good questions to think of answers for to get the ball rolling are below:

Why did you choose the costume?
What was the most challenging part?
Have you learned anything new from making it?
What part of the costume are you most proud of?

Just remember – if the judges are asking questions it’s not to catch you out, they will be interested in finding out how you made your costume and will be trying to ease your nerves!

So if you have a competitive streak in you - sign up and enjoy yourself.