COSPLAY CONTEST

The biggest Cosplay Contest in Puerto Rico returns!

Unleash your creativity, dazzle our judges with your performance, and transform into your favorite characters. Saturday brings our legendary annual cosplay contest, while Sunday offers a laid-back, beginner-friendly competition where everyone can shine. Step up, embrace the excitement, and claim your place as a Cosplay Champion at Puerto Rico Sekaiju Con 2026!

COSPLAY contest STAFF

Meet and get to know the incredible crew bringing our cosplay contest to life.

COSPLAY JUDGE

Award-Winning Cosplayer

Fashion Designer
@IzunaCosplay

izunacosplay@gmail.com

COSPLAY JUDGE

Award-Winning Cosplayer

Prop Maker/Foam/3D Printing
@Jonapollo15

jonapollocosplay@gmail.com

COSPLAY JUDGE

Award-Winning Cosplayer
Cosmaker/Seamstress
@midoris.Cosplay

midoriscosplays@gmail.com

COORDINATOR

Award-Winning Cosplayer
Cosplay Contest Coordinator
@monsirens_cosplay

monsirenscosplay@gmail.com

SATURDAY (AUGUST 29TH)

10:00AM - 3:30PM

CATEGORIES

  • Top 10 including 1st, 2nd and 3rd place
  • Doppelgänger
  • Best Craftmanship
  • Best Performance

CRITERIA

  • The competition is evaluated based on a cumulative point system, meaning that each participant starts at 0 and earns points based on the criteria discussed below:

CRAFTSMANSHIP

  • How much of the cosplay is made by the cosplayer. Different techniques used. Evidence of the process is sent via Google Drive (photos and videos or build book) to the judges via the emails above.

acting

  • The cosplayer embodies the character, enters the judging room in character, and gives a performance (dancing, singing, monologue, or acting out a scene). Adheres to the maximum time limit of 5 minutes per person. The performance is not required to take up the full 5 minutes.

attention to detail

  • Makeup: The cosplayer uses makeup to resemble the character or to add a unique touch.

  • Wig: The wig is styled, combed, and well-positioned. It resembles the character’s hair.

  • Attitude: The cosplayer acts like the character and fully embodies them. They appear confident and self-assured with the judges, and address them with respect and a good attitude.

  • Shoes: The cosplayer wears footwear similar to the character’s.

  • Cleanliness (Neatness): The cosplay looks clean and ironed, and the seams are hemmed.

CREATIVITY AND Originality

  • Alterations: If the cosplayer bought the clothes or the cosplay, what alterations did they make to it?

  • Props: The cosplayer includes a distinctive element of the character and made it themselves (swords, weapons, staffs, etc.).

  • The cosplay is a mix of bought items and things made by the cosplayer. For example, buying pants and painting them, or adding elements to a shirt (ribbons, rhinestones, HTV, paint).

RULES

1. Documentation of the Creative Process

Cosplayers must share their creation process via Google Drive. You may do this by uploading photos and videos to a folder or by creating a “build book.”

  • Access: You must add the three judges to the file so they can monitor your progress.

  • Updates: You may update the folder continuously as you work on your cosplay.

  • Content: You don’t need to include every tiny detail, but you should highlight the most important stages (e.g., armor construction, sewing specific garments, etc.).
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2. Purchased or Altered Cosplays

  • Alterations: If you purchased your cosplay but made modifications to it, you must explain exactly what those changes were.

  • Store-Bought: If you purchased your cosplay (or did not make it yourself) and made no changes to it, you will not receive points in the “Craftsmanship” or “Originality/Creativity” criteria.

    •  

3. Performance

While a performance is not mandatory, it is a significant part of the evaluation since “cosplaying” inherently involves acting as the character.

  • Scoring: If you choose not to perform, you will receive zero points in the “Performance” category.

  • Format: We suggest performing as soon as you enter the judging room. Since the judges will have already reviewed your digital build process, this allows them to focus on your portrayal.
    •  

4. Judging

 

  • Judges may ask questions about specific elements of your costume. Common questions include: “How long did it take to make?” or “What was your biggest challenge?

5. Registration and Attendance

  • To participate in the competition, you must check in at the registration area between 10:00 AM and 3:30 PM.

PRIZES (SATURDAY)

  • 1st Place (Best in Show): $1000
  • 2nd Place: $500
  • 3rd Place: $300
  • 4th – 10th Place: $25 Gift Card
  • Best Craftsmanship: $250
  • Doppelganger: $150
  • Best Performance: $150
  • All winners will receive a medal, certificate and goodie bag.

Sunday (AUGUST 30TH)

CATEGORIES

  • People’s Choice
  • Sekaiju Con Favorite

CRITERIA

  • People Choice: The cosplay can be made or bought. Participants will simply need to go up on stage during the showcase. The winner will be chosen based on the crowd’s reactions during the event and by the panel of judges.

  • Sekaiju Con Favorite: The cosplay can be made or bought. Participants will simply need to go up on stage during the showcase. The winner will be chosen by the Sekaiju Con team.

PRIZES (Sunday)

  • Sekaiju Con Favorite: $250
  • People’s Choice: $200

VERSION ESPAÑOL

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