Competition Categories

The categories for the competition that contestants can compete under are “Novice”, “Journeyman”, and “Master”. Competitors MUST apply under one of the categories to compete. If you knowingly apply for a category you do not qualify (over or under-qualify) for, you may be disqualified.
 

• Novice (Beginner) Category: For newcomers to cosplay or those with limited experience.

  • This is your first cosplay contest.

  • You’ve competed in cosplay contests before Kawacon 2025 but haven’t won any major division awards (i.e. Best Novice.)

  • You are new to cosplay and are still honing your skills.

​

• Journeyman (Intermediate) Category: For cosplayers with moderate experience and costume-making skills.

  • You have won Best Novice and other minor non-division awards before Kawacon 2025.

  • You have won Best Journeyman 1-2 times at conventions of similar or smaller size than that of Kawacon 2025, but have NOT won any higher-tier awards such as Best in Show at any convention or Best Journeyman at a larger convention (i.e. A-Kon, Katsucon, etc.)

  • You demonstrate sewing/crafting skills above the Novice level, but not at the Master level (yet!)

​

• Master (Advanced) Category: For experienced cosplayers who have honed their skills over time.​

  • You have won Best Journeyman 3 times at conventions of similar or smaller size than that of Kawacon 2025 or have won Best Journeyman at a larger convention.

  • You have won a major higher-tier division award (i.e. Best in Show) at any convention.

  • Your crafting/sewing skills are top-tier.

​

• Performance: Stage presence and character portrayal during a short performance or pose.

  • ​A category where you will primarily be judged on your performance in a dance or skit. Performances can utilize spoken pre-recorded dialogue, music, and/or video!

​

If you still have questions or need further clarification, please contact cosplay@kawaconsa.com and we will be more than happy to assist!

Competition Rules

Below, you can find the rules for the competition. Please respect and follow these rules at all times to ensure a smooth competition flow. Disregarding or violating any of these rules may result in disqualification from the competition or blacklist placement.
 

1. All contestants will act appropriately and represent the cosplay competition with dignity and respect.
    

2. There is a ZERO tolerance for bullying. Taunting, harassment, or bullying of any kind is prohibited. This includes anything online/on social media as well.
    

3. Contestants who can no longer participate in the competition must notify the Cosplay Coordinator of their removal immediately.

 Awards

• Best Novice

• Best Journeyman

• Best Master

• Best in Show (the cosplayer to stand out above every contestant)

• Best Dance (i.e. a dance cover or original choreography)

• Best Skit (i.e. a short stage play or reenactment of a scene from a piece of media where most of the performance is acted out.)

• Judges’ Awards (an award given directly to a contestant from one of the judges)

• Audience’s Choice (the contestant the audience went crazy for!)