Cosplay

Entrants must have a valid Anime Oklahoma badge in order to participate.

• Entrants 12 and under must have their parents’ permission to enter, and must be accompanied by a legal guardian or adult relative at rehearsal and the show.
• By entering this contest you agree to read and abide by all rules as posted and that failure to do so will result in your disqualification from the contest and/or removal from the event.
• Anime Oklahoma Cosplay Staff reserve the right to refuse entry to anyone to the Cosplay event for any reason.
• You must also have made at least 70% of your costume and be willing to participate in craftsmanship judging. The only exception to this rule is for the Youth division.

1. Costume Policy: Costumes must follow cosplay and dress guidelines. Non-compliant costumes may result in disqualification or a request to change.

2. Mobility Assistance: Entrants with mobility needs may bring a handler or request help from cosplay staff. Contact us in advance or during pre-judging for assistance.

3. Cosplay Construction: At least 70% of the cosplay must be made or altered by the entrant. If someone else made it, they must attend pre-judging with you to qualify for awards.

4. No Skits: Skits are not allowed in the 2025 show.

5. Family-Friendly: Costumes and performances must stay PG-13. No excessive violence or sexual content. Ask if you’re unsure about your costume.

6. Stage Rules: Nothing can be left on stage, and props must leave with you. No throwing items like glitter, petals, or confetti.

7. Safety: Stunts must be performed at 3/4 speed. Keep one foot on the stage at all times. No jumping off the stage unless pre-approved.

8. Group Size: A maximum of 8 people is allowed on stage at a time. Competing in multiple groups is not permitted.

9. Reference Images: Bring at least one color reference image for your character. Original designs need a drawing. References may not be returned.

10. Purchased Cosplays: Store-bought or commissioned costumes cannot compete but can appear in the halftime show (pre-sign-up and rehearsal required).

11. Rehearsal Required: Attendance at the cosplay contest rehearsal is mandatory. Late arrivals will be disqualified.

12. Behavior: Respect others. Disruptive behavior during pre-judging, backstage, or the contest will result in disqualification.

13. Judging: Judges’ decisions are final. Disqualified entrants will not be notified.

14. Props: All props must pass weapons check. Large or restrictive costumes require a handler or prior arrangements with staff.

15. No Sandbagging: Costumes that have won major awards elsewhere cannot compete and may lead to future bans.

16. Preparedness: Stay fed and hydrated; leaving the pre-meeting before the show may not be allowed.

17. Director’s Discretion: Cosplay directors reserve the right to deny or revoke entry at any time

● We are not accepting music tracks for walk-ons this year.
● Walk-on entries will be limited to 30 seconds and may include up to 8 people.
● Walk-on entries are required to attend craftsmanship judging. If you skip this, you will not be eligible to receive awards or participate in the contest

• Costume Creation: Costumes must be made by the entrant(s) or credited creators. Purchased costumes are not eligible for craftsmanship judging.

• Construction Requirement: Walk-on entries must be at least 70% handmade or significantly modified.

• Judging Time: Choose a one-hour block for judging when applying. If full, you’ll need to select another slot.

• Time Limit: Individual entries get 3 minutes; groups get 1 extra minute per member (up to 6 minutes total). Going over time may result in disqualification.

• Closed Judging: Only participants, handlers, and guardians may attend pre-judging.

• Check-In: Judging is at Cosplay HQ. Arrive early to check in; late arrivals may not be rescheduled. Notify us in advance if you can’t make your slot. No-shows are disqualified.

• Judging Day: Judging is Saturday only. Check in Friday during open hours or before your judging time on Saturday.

• References: Pick up reference images and progress binders after the contest, or they will be discarded.

We’re offering amazing prizes, with details to come closer to the convention!

• Best in Show: Overall top craftsmanship and presence (individual or group).

• Best Adult: Top entry for ages 13+.

• Best Youth: Top entry for under 13.

• Best Group: Top group of 2 or more.

• Judge’s Awards: Given at the judges’ discretion.

Note: Awards may be adjusted by judges and staff. Trophies will be presented on stage; other prizes must be claimed immediately after the contest.

Pre-judging is Saturday only in 1-hour slots. Arrive at the start of your slot and wait to be called.

• Missing your slot will result in removal from the show. Contact us beforehand if you need to reschedule.

• Can’t make pre-judging? You can still walk during the halftime show.

• Individual entries get 3 minutes; groups get 1 extra minute per person (up to 6 minutes total).

Prepare ahead to make the most of your time with the judges!

Lineup will start 90 minutes before the show. You are required to be present in the lineup room
one hour before the start time of the show. This time will be reserved for going over rules and
getting everyone in order. Failure to show up will result in removal from the contest.

The show is limited to 50 entries: 20 Novice, 20 Journeyman, and 10 Advanced.

• If spots are full, join the waitlist. Waitlisted entries can check on-site for openings during pre-judging.

• Advance sign-ups let you request a pre-judging time but do not guarantee a specific slot.

• After signing up, you’ll receive an email with your pre-judging day and time. Check in at the cosplay table to confirm your slot. Missing check-in will result in removal from the show.

• On-site sign-ups will be available Friday and Saturday, based on slot availability. Hours will be announced closer to the event.

Anime Oklahoma is a family-friendly event—please keep costumes PG.

• Coverage: Private areas must be fully covered with opaque fabric. Costumes should not contour private body parts. Wear extra undergarments or a nude bodysuit if needed.

• Footwear: Ice skates, regular skates, wheeled shoes, or rollerblades are not allowed. Shoes must be worn at all times, except during photo shoots. Socks alone do not count as shoes.

• Offensive Content: No costumes resembling law enforcement, displaying profanity, graphic sexual imagery, or designed for shock value. Grossly offensive outfits will not be permitted.

• Props & Accessories: No sharp or harmful objects. Accessories like handcuffs, leashes, or ropes that can attach to others are not allowed.

• Large Costumes: Use a handler if your costume includes large pieces (e.g., wings) or impairs vision.

• Photos: Move out of walkways for photos to comply with fire safety regulations.

• Respect & Consent: Be respectful—cosplay is not consent.

Unsure if your costume meets the rules? Contact cosplay@animeoklahoma.com. Let’s ensure a safe, fun event for everyone!