Ready to bring your favorite characters to life on the PLAYCON main stage? Whether you’re stepping into the spotlight to compete for the Best In Show title or introducing the next generation of talent in our brand-new Kids Cosplay Competition, this is your moment to shine.
The cash prizes will be rewarded to individuals. The top 3 participants in the overall contest may include participants who had not previously placed in the other categories, as well as individual people from groups.
The individual who had the most detailed prop and/or armor piece.
Awarded to the participant who delivers the most memorable overall presentation during the Catwalk Showcase.
Awarded based on the audience’s choice.
Awarded for outstanding make-up work, including SFX make-up, body paint and/or face paint.
Awarded to an eligible participant who is new to competing on stage.
Awarded to the participant who best brings a character to life primarily through everyday, existing or non-custom-made clothing.
Competition Age Categories
The cosplay competition is divided into two separate age groups:
Parental/Guardian Consent
All participants under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign a consent form before participating. Without signed consent, the participant will not be permitted to compete on stage.
Competition Participation
Participants may only compete in the competition corresponding to their age group and may not enter both the Children’s and Adult competitions.
Final Decision
All decisions made by Playcon regarding judging, scoring and final results are final and non-negotiable.
Media Release Agreement
By submitting an application, participants — or their parent/legal guardian where applicable — consent to photography and video recording during the event and grant Playcon permission to use this material for promotional and event-related purposes.
Costume Guidelines
Playcon is a family-friendly event, and all costumes must be tasteful and appropriate for an all-ages environment. Nudity, implied nudity, or costumes that do not provide adequate body coverage will not be permitted on stage.
Backstage Conduct
While waiting for their turn, participants must keep noise to a reasonable minimum and follow all instructions given by Playcon staff and volunteers. Respectful behaviour towards fellow competitors, staff and volunteers is expected at all times.
Restroom and Changing Room Policy
Participants must use the appropriate designated restroom and changing facilities and respect the privacy and personal boundaries of other attendees at all times.
Category Participation
Each participant may enter one category only within their respective competition.
Weapons and Props Policy
Real weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited at the convention. This includes functional firearms, sharpened blades, or any other dangerous items. Costume weapons and props must comply with Playcon’s event safety requirements.
Originality & Craftsmanship
Family-Friendly Content
PLAYCON is a family-friendly event. All costumes, performances, music, dialogue, props, and other content must be suitable for a general audience, including children.
Music Submission
Participants must submit their performance music in MP3 format together with their application.
For the Pose Category, music must be submitted in advance if the participant wishes to have music played during their performance.
Playcon will not provide substitute music or accept alternative formats unless otherwise stated.
Music & Content Review
All submitted music and performance content is subject to review and approval by the Playcon team. Participants may be contacted if changes are required.
Content must not include:
Microphone Use
Any request to use a microphone must be declared in the application. A brief description or script of what will be said must also be submitted for approval.
Participants must not substantially deviate from approved content. If inappropriate or prohibited content is presented on stage, the host or PLAYCON team may stop the performance and disqualify the participant.
Performance Duration
Pose and Skit performances must be between 1 and 4 minutes. Timing begins when the participant’s music or performance starts.
Performances exceeding the maximum time may receive point deductions.
Content Discretion
PLAYCON reserves the right to determine whether costumes, performances, music, props, or other content are appropriate for the event. Participants who are unsure about any element should contact the PLAYCON cosplay team before the event for approval.
Catwalk Showcase
A separate Catwalk Showcase will be available for cosplayers who are not competing but would still like to showcase their cosplay on stage.
Participants will enter the stage, walk towards the judging area, pose, and exit. Music for the Catwalk Showcase will be provided by Playcon.
Stage Access
Participants must be able to safely enter and exit the stage. Participants who require reasonable accessibility assistance should inform the PLAYCON team in advance so appropriate arrangements can be made.
Props & Prohibited Items
Participants are responsible for bringing all required props onto the stage and removing them immediately after their performance.
The following are strictly prohibited on stage:
Real weapons are strictly prohibited. Costume weapons and replicas are permitted provided they are non-functional and safe. PLAYCON reserves the right to inspect any prop or replica and refuse its use if it is considered unsafe.
Restricted Items
Food, live animals, and remote-controlled devices are not permitted on stage unless specifically authorised by PLAYCON in advance.
Throwing Objects & Prop Declaration
Participants must not throw, launch, or propel any object towards the audience or off the stage.
All props and replicas intended for use during the competition must be declared in the application form. Undeclared or potentially dangerous props may be refused entry or use.
PLAYCON and the Organising Committee reserve the right to prohibit any prop considered unsafe, inappropriate, or unsuitable for the venue. Failure to comply may result in disqualification and/or removal of the prop from the competition area.
Dangerous or reckless behaviour will not be tolerated.
Participant Responsibility & Safety
Participants are responsible for using their costumes and props safely and for following all instructions given by PLAYCON staff, security personnel, and venue staff. PLAYCON accepts no responsibility for injury or damage resulting from a participant’s failure to follow these rules or from negligent or reckless behaviour, subject to applicable law.
Photography, Videography & Data Protection
Photography and videography may take place during the event. Images and recordings may be used by PLAYCON for event coverage and promotional purposes, including digital platforms, social media, websites, and printed materials.
Personal information submitted as part of the competition registration will be collected and processed by PLAYCON for the purposes of administering and managing the competition and event. Personal data will be handled in accordance with applicable data protection legislation, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Where consent is required for a participant under the age of 18, the appropriate consent must be provided by their parent or legal guardian.
1. Prop Weapons & Imitation Weapons
2. Prop & Costume Checks
3. Size, Extent & Mobility Concerns
4. Decency &/or Offensive Content
5. Cosplayers are encouraged to compliment photography and videography requests especially by children and PLAYCON’s media team.
6. Cosplayers entering PLAYCON, are automatically accepting to be photographed/videographed for event promotional purposes related to PLAYCON and this content shall be the full property of GMR Concepts Ltd.