Persons 14 years of age or younger are not allowed to compete.
They may serve as a model for a contestant, or be part of a skit or group, however they cannot be the primary member of the entry.
Anyone under the age of 14 must be part of an entry with an adult 18 years of age or older and accompanied by an adult 18 years of age and older at all times.
All costumes must be completed before your judging time block and/or stage walk. A cosplay repair station will be available and open to all attendees, but will be limited to cosplay contest contestants only on Saturday between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. CT.
Repair stations are stocked and equipped to fix any last minute snafus (we’ve all been there!), but please don’t try to make your costume from scratch in the Green Room (please...please).
Contestants are allowed to have one handler/assistant with them for costume, mobility, and accessibility needs, and/or emotional support. All handlers must be checked in with cosplay staff or they will not be allowed backstage or with you during judging. If you need more than one handler, it must be cleared with the Cosplay Directors ahead of time (contact cosplay@naka-kon.com).
Contestants and other participants may not use the stage or judging time to make political, religious, or insulting statements or other demonstrations. If your skit/performance requires mildly insulting language, please be sure to let the Cosplay Directors know ahead of time.
Contestants in any Main Stage or Hallway Contest may not enter a costume that previously won a major award from Naka-Kon or any other convention. If the award was minor, such as a best prop or best intermediate runner up, we will waive this rule. Please contact the Cosplay Directors ahead of time if you are uncertain if your cosplay qualifies. This rule is strictly enforced and violations may result in you being disqualified from this and future cosplay contests. Please see the glossary for definitions of major and minor awards.
Main Stage cosplay contestants (and skit entrants opting for craftsmanship) must select a craftsmanship class. Select a class closest to your craftsmanship level, as indicated by the class descriptions. When in doubt, ask the Cosplay Directors.
Current members of the Naka-Kon Staff (at-convention assistant level and above) are ineligible for awards, but are welcome to enter the Cos-Parade!
Safety first!
YOU MUST WEAR SHOES AT ALL TIMES. This is not only a requirement of the hotel and convention center, but also a safety concern. We will excuse the inaccuracy in your costume, so please wear appropriate footwear that will sufficiently protect your feet!
No throwing objects on stage or into the audience, or to anyone watching the parade.
No flames or smoke effects.
No projectiles.
No jumping off the stage.
No running up stairs or on stage.
No acrobatics, stunts, or other activities deemed similar in nature. Entrants who wish to do any sort of mild fight or dance choreography must clear it with the Cosplay Contest Directors in advance. If you are unsure if this applies to you, please email the directors of the cosplay contest to confirm if it will be allowed.
Items may be left on stage only if entrants request Stage Ninja assistance on the contest registration form.
All props/shrapnel left on stage must be at least 3”x3” inches in size. We need to be able to see it to pick it up. That means, sadly, no glitter cannons.
All props and weapons must conform to Naka-Kon’s props and weapons policy.
Cosplay contest staff reserve the right to disqualify or remove anyone for any logical reason, including but not limited to: cheating, inappropriate behavior at the convention, and offensive cosplays (see glossary for definition of offensive cosplays).
Hallway Cosplay costumes entered on Friday of the convention may not be worn for the Main Stage Cosplay Contest (in either craftsmanship, runway, or skit).
Main Stage Cosplay Contest winners (whether craftsmanship, runway, or skit) may not enter the Sunday Hallway Cosplay Contest with their winning costumes.
Cosplay Contest judging results are final. If contestants exhibit rude, disrespectful or hostile behavior toward the judges after the cosplay contest, they may be banned from participating in future Naka-Kon cosplay contests. If you feel a judgment was made due to cheating, or another unjust cause, please contact the Cosplay Directors with proof.
