Photo by CG Photog

Cosplay Competition Information

Nan Desu Kan Cosplay Competition Rules & Announcement

Nan Desu Kan (NDK) is introducing a new two-format cosplay competition! Our classic cosplay competition and cosplay catwalk intermission are evolving into two distinct competitions: Cosplay Showcase and Cosplay Runway.

 

_____________________________________________________

General Rules for All Contestants

  • You must have purchased a badge with the convention before registering online for the costume contest.
  • NDK weapons policy will be enforced.
  • Cosplay Area Head has final say!

Costume Requirements

  • Everyone competing must be pre-registered for the convention before entering the contest.
  • Adherence to NDK’s cosplay and weapons policy is mandatory.
  • Decisions are final by the Cosplay Area Head and/or Nan Desu Kan’s Directors.
  • Previous award-winning costumes at NDK or larger conventions are not allowed.
  • All costumes, even for barefoot characters, must include shoes.
  • Torso covering required for all contestants, all genders. This pertains to the chest area, not the stomach. Please see Convention Cosplay Policy for details.
  • Nudity, even the illusion of such, is strictly forbidden.
  • Contestants will NOT be considered and will be immediately removed from the contest if they paint their skin to appear as a different real-life race. Fantastical skin colors are permitted.

Genres and Restrictions

  • All genres are welcome within the convention’s dress code and TVPG rating.
  • Best in Show award is restricted to East Asian origin or inspiration. Best in Show is reserved for the Cosplay Showcase only.

Photos After The Competition

  • Photos will not be on the stage at the end of the competition this year.
  • For photos, please go to the cosplay photo corridor.
  • All Winners will be asked to go for a quick group photo and individual photos to celebrate them!

Stage Assistance & Accessibility

  • If you need help getting on or off stage due to the size or intricacy of the costume, you may have one handler with you.
    • Handlers must be pre-approved online or at check-in on Friday night/Saturday morning.
    • They do not need to be pre-registered for the convention but we will need their full name.
  • Due to space issues, children may only have one parent or guardian accompanying them backstage.
  • ADA-compliant stage:
    • Your costume is too large for the stairs.
    • You require an accessible option for mobility reasons.
    • Proscenium Stage with an apron frontstage.
    • Dimensions: Main Stage 32 feet x 12 feet, Apron Runway 12 feet long, 32 feet wide.
    • The space of the runway is 6 feet wide.
    • All contestants must use the stairs to get off the stage unless:

Photo by Get Geekish

Cosplay Showcase

The Cosplay Showcase is our top-tier cosplay competition that maintains the craftsmanship and performance elements we know and love. The primary update is that all participants, regardless of skill level, must perform both craftsmanship and a stage performance.

 

Category Specifications

  • Beginner:
    • No more than 50% of the costume may be street clothes.
    • At least 25% of the street clothes must be modified.
    • First time competing and/or no major awards under their belt yet.
    • Performance time: 1 minute (includes walk-on).
  • Intermediate:
    • No more than 25% of the costume may be street clothes.
    • All street clothes must be modified.
    • Has won two or more major awards at a convention the same size or larger than NDK.
    • Performance time: 1.5 minutes (includes walk-on).
  • Master:
    • No street clothes permitted.
    • Any props not made by the contestant must be approved by the cosplay area head.
    • Has won multiple major awards or Best in Show and/or is considered professional and masterclass level. 
    • Performance time: 2 minutes (includes walk-on).

Modeled and Commissioned Costumes

  • Commissioned costumes must be unique and made specifically for the wearer.
  • No store-bought (eBay, over-the-counter) cosplays.
  • Modeled cosplays require written consent from the costume maker.

Professional Costumers

  • Defined as individuals earning 50% or more of their income from costume commissions.
  • Only eligible for the Masters category.

Cosplay Showcase Competition Awards

Main Awards:

  • Best in Show (East Asian origin only) – $800 Cash, Trophy, Cosplay Judge for 2026, Cosplay Guest Status at NDK 2026 with hotel room and board paid for by NDK.
  • Best in Performance (Beginner $100, Intermediate $150, Masters $200 – Certificate)
  • Best in Craftsmanship (Beginner $100, Intermediate $150, Masters $200 – Certificate)
  • Best in Category (Beginner $200, Intermediate $300, Masters $500 – Trophy)

Specialty Awards:

  • Audience Favorite – $100 Cash, Certificate
  • Cosplay Judges Awards (One for each judge) – $50 each, Certificate
  • Best in Portfolios – $50, Certificate
Photo by Get Geekish
Photo by CG Photog

Cosplay Runway

Rules

    • Categories: Beginners, Intermediates, Masters
    • No store-bought costumes
    • Time on Stage:
      • Beginners: 30 seconds
      • Intermediates: 45 seconds
      • Masters: 1 minute
    • No specific audio or lights 
    • Generic, upbeat music will be played for contestants.
  • Have Fun! Strike a post, strut your stuff, and have tons of fun!
  • Judging criteria:
    • Completion of costume
    • Presence on stage
    • Accuracy to character

Awards

  • Best in Category (Beginner, Intermediate, Masters) – $300 each, Certificate
  • Cosplay Judges Awards (One for each judge) – $50 each, Certificate
  • Audience Favorite – $50 Cash, Certificate, Trophy

__________________________________________________________

Awards That Can Be in Either Competition

  • Cosplay Area Head Award – $100, pass to NDK 2026
  • Best Video Game – $50, Certificate
  • The Consulate General of Japan’s Award – $50, Trophy
  • Ringo’s Award –  $100, pass to NDK 2026

The Cosplay Showcase and Cosplay Runway will have dedicated cosplay judges and awards for winners for each competition. You may only compete in one competition. If you are in the Showcase, then you cannot compete in the Runway and vice versa. 

Total prizes exceed $4000 in cash and trophies!

We look forward to seeing your creativity and passion at Nan Desu Kan’s Cosplay Showcase & Cosplay Runway!