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Hall Cosplay Contest Rules

1. Eligibility & Entry

  • Must be a registered Anime Iowa convention attendee with a valid badge
  • Open to all ages
  • Contestants may only enter once per day (Friday and Saturday)
  • Each entry must be a different costume if entering multiple days
  • Group entries allowed
    • Individual members of a group entry can enter a separate costume apart from the group

 2. Costume Rules

  • Costumes may be:
    • Anime, manga, video games, comics, TV, movies, or original characters
  • Purchased, commissioned, or handmade costumes are all allowed
  • Costume must be complete at time of entry (hair, makeup, props)
  • Must comply with:
    • Convention dress code
    • Weapons/prop policies
  • A photograph of the entry is required
    • Photos of the entrants may be shared on social media or during cosplay-related events such as the Masquerade
    • Copies of your photos can be sent to an email address supplied upon your request 

3. Judging Format

  • Contest is photo-based only (no stage performance)
  • Will be privately judged by Cosplay Central Staff
  • Judges evaluate:
    • Overall appearance
    • Creativity / concept
    • Visual impact
    • Character likeness in terms of attitude/visual design/embodying the character (not biological, physical or other immutable characteristics) 
    • Personal construction or consideration notes that the contestant chooses to provide (e.g. materials used, how it was purchased/thrifted/collected, etc.)

 4. Hall Cosplay Hours:

Friday 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
    5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
                    1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

5. Awards

There will be two opportunities for awards on Friday and Saturday of the convention. There will be no Hall Cosplay on Sunday, however you can pick up awards at Cosplay Central that day.  Awards possible to win are:

  • Best of Friday
  • Best of Saturday
  • Best Overall

6. Content & Conduct Rules

  • Any cosplay presented must adhere to the Anime Iowa Cosplay policies. 

7. Props & Safety

  • All props must pass convention safety checks
  • No:
    • Functional weapons
    • Hazardous materials (fire, liquids, etc.)
  • Staff reserve the right to inspect props at any time

8. Entry Process

  1. Contestant(s) will arrive during set Hall Cosplay hours in full costume
  2. Fill out entry form (name, character, series, special notes on construction)
  3. Staff takes photo for judging
  4. Optional: assign entry numbers for tracking

8. Administrative Rules

All judge decisions are final
Awards must be picked up during the event (not mailed)
By entering, participants agree to: Photography and promotional use

Updated 5/17/26