PLAYCON

€1000

Prize Pool

Get your costumes ready!

Get ready to bring your characters to life! This year’s Cosplay Competition promises to be bigger and better than ever. Start planning and perfecting your costumes now!

Relive Last Year's Cosplay Highlights!

Get ready to be inspired! At PLAYCON 2024, our stage was graced by an incredible display of talent and dedication. We saw stunning craftsmanship and captivating performances that truly brought characters to life.

Cosplay
Awards

Best in Show

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.

1st Place

2nd Place

3rd Place

Categories

Solo
Skits & Poses

Groups
Skits & Poses

1st Place

2nd Place

3rd Place

1st Place

2nd Place

3rd Place

Best in Show

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.

1st Place

2nd Place

3rd Place

Categories

Solo
Skits & Poses

1st Place

2nd Place

3rd Place

Groups
Skits & Poses

1st Place

2nd Place

3rd Place

Sub Categories

Find the perfect stage for your cosplay! Explore our various competition sub-categories designed to showcase every level of talent and creativity.

Best Prop

The individual who had the most detailed prop and/or armor piece.

Best Youth Crafter

The individual between the ages of 13-17 who had the best craftsmanship.

Best Make-Up

The individual who had the most detailed prop and/or armor piece.

Best Closet Cosplay

The individual between the ages of 13-17 who had the best craftsmanship.

Best In Catwalk

The individual who had the most detailed prop and/or armor piece.

Fan Favourite

The individual between the ages of 13-17 who had the best craftsmanship.

Best Newcomer

The individual who had the most detailed prop and/or armor piece.

Rules & Regulations

  1. Age Requirement
    The competition is open to individuals aged 13 and above. Exceptions may be granted for children aged 8 and above, provided the costume passes a thorough vetting process before the application is officially accepted. Please note that even if a ticket has been purchased, the application may still be declined.

  2. Parental Consent for Minors
    Participants aged 13 to 17 must have a parent or legal guardian sign a consent form on the day of the event. Without a signed form, the participant will not be permitted to compete on stage.

  3. Final Decision
    All decisions made by PLAYCON regarding the scoring system and final results are final and non-negotiable.

  4. Media Release Agreement
    By submitting your application, you grant irrevocable and royalty-free consent for PLAYCON to use any video footage, photography, or media coverage in which you appear for promotional purposes. This includes PLAYCON’s materials and any content you may independently produce related to the competition.

  5. Costume Guidelines
    PLAYCON is a family-friendly event, and all costumes must reflect that. Costumes should be tasteful and appropriate. Implied nudity or attire that does not provide adequate body coverage will not be permitted on stage.

  6. Backstage Conduct
    While waiting for your turn, please keep noise to a minimum and follow all instructions given by PLAYCON staff and volunteers.

  7. Restroom and Changing Room
    Policy Strictly no entry into restrooms or changing rooms of the opposite gender. Please respect these boundaries at all times.

  8. Category Participation
    Each participant is only allowed to enter one category in the competition.

  9. Weapons Policy
    No real weapons of any kind are allowed.
  1. Originality Bonus
    Cosplayers who craft their own costumes, props, tools, or replicas will receive additional points during judging. To support authenticity, applicants are encouraged to submit progress photos with their application. The application form must clearly specify which elements were handmade, bought, second-hand, or created by third parties. Any work produced by external individuals or companies must be properly credited.

  2. Event Rating
    The Cosplay Competition is rated PG-13. All content must adhere to this standard.

  3. Music Submission
    Cosplayers must submit their performance music in MP3 format along with their application. For the “Pose” category, submitting music in advance is highly recommended; otherwise, no music will be played. PLAYCON will not provide substitute music or alternative submission options.

  4. Music & Content Review
    All music and cosplay content will be reviewed by the PLAYCON team. Any violations will be flagged, and participants will be contacted accordingly. Music must be family-friendly, and must not include:

    • Curse words (in any language)

    • Offensive or racial language

    • Sexual epithets or humor

    • Political references or mentions of local TV stations

    • Inappropriate themes such as yaoi, yuri, mpreg, auto-erotica, tentacles, or lolicon

  5. Microphone Use
    Requests to use a microphone must be included in the application form. A brief description of what will be said on stage is required for approval. If any rules are broken during the performance, the host has the authority to stop the act and proceed with the next competitor. This will result in disqualification.

  6. Performance Duration
    “Pose” and “Skit” performances must be no shorter than 1 minute and no longer than 2 minutes 30 seconds. Timing begins once the music starts. Exceeding the time limit will result in point deductions.

  7. Content Discretion
    PLAYCON reserves the right to determine what content is acceptable. If in doubt, please consult the PLAYCON cosplay team prior to the event.

  8. Catwalk Showcase
    A special catwalk segment will be available for those not entering the competition but who wish to showcase their cosplay on stage. Participants will enter the stage, walk toward the judges, pose, and exit. Music for the catwalk will be provided by PLAYCON.
  1. Stage Access
    All participants must be able to safely get on and off the stage without assistance.

  2. Props and Prohibited Items
    All props brought on stage must also be removed by the cosplayer immediately after their performance. For safety reasons, the following items are strictly prohibited on stage:

    • Confetti

    • Fireworks or pyrotechnics

    • Glitter

    • Flash paper or flash pots

    • Rose petals

    • Water or any liquid

    • Fake blood that may drip

    • Any other small or messy items that could pose a hazard

      Non-firing toy weapons are permitted without peace bonding. However, any live, sharp, or potentially dangerous weapons will undergo a mandatory safety inspection at the entrance. No exceptions will be made.

  3. Restricted Items
    Food, live animals, and remote-controlled devices are not allowed on stage under any circumstances.

  4. Throwing Objects & Prop Declarations
    Nothing is to be thrown into the crowd, including as part of an interactive performance.
    • All props and replicas must be declared in the entry form.

    • Unlisted or potentially harmful props will be denied entry and must be handed over to PLAYCON staff for safekeeping until the end of the event or until the owner leaves.

    • PLAYCON and the Organizing Committee reserve the right to prohibit the use of any prop deemed unsafe or inappropriate.

    • Violation of these rules may result in disqualification and/or confiscation of props. Dangerous behavior at any time will not be tolerated.

  5. Liability Disclaimer
    PLAYCON is not liable for any injuries sustained during the competition that result from the participant’s own negligence.

  6. GDPR & Media Consent
    By participating in the event, I consent to PLAYCON and its official photographers capturing photos and videos in which I may appear, in full or in part. These materials may be used for promotional purposes in both digital and print media, in relation to current or future events organized by PLAYCON.
  1. Affiliation Disclaimer
    Cosplayers participating in the competition must not mention or promote any personal, brand, or organizational affiliation during the event. Any such action will result in immediate disqualification.

  2. Judging and Results
    The official PLAYCON judges are the sole evaluators of the cosplay competition. Final scores will remain confidential until the results are announced later on the same day of the event.

  3. Code of Conduct
    All participants are expected to maintain a healthy and respectful competitive spirit. Ethical behavior and mutual respect among cosplayers are mandatory before, during, and after the competition. Any form of misconduct will not be tolerated.

  4. Disqualification Clause
    PLAYCON reserves the right to disqualify any participant who violates the competition rules or displays unsportsmanlike or disrespectful behavior toward fellow participants, visitors, organizers, or volunteers.

  5. Registration Deadline
    All participants must complete the online registration form by Friday 3rd October 2025.

  6. Late Applications
    Submissions received after the deadline will not be accepted under any circumstances.

Last Year's Highlights