Cosplay Competition

Prizes for the Cosplay Competiton are sponsored by Foamtastic Crafts (by foamatelier.nl)

The Abunai! Cosplay competition will be held on Saturday, August 9  (exact timing to be announced closer to the convention date).

New in 2025: The Abunai! Cosplay Competition! Cosplayers can decide to be judged on their craftsmanship, their performance, or both! The sign-up form will guide you through the steps, and help you select how you wish to compete. 

In this competition all cosplayers are invited to share our Main Stage and compete for the same performance-based ‘Best Act’ award.

Cosplayers who make their own costumes (Artisans) can also sign up to be judged for their craftsmanship, to win ‘Best Artisan’. Artisans can enter in one of three experience levels: Novice, Advanced or Master. Each level will have one ‘Best Artisan’ winner. 

If you wish to be judged purely on craftsmanship, you can opt out of doing an act, joining us on stage for a ‘Walk On’ instead. You’ll still be able to compete for ‘Best Artisan’ on your respective Artisan level.

On top of ‘Best Act’ and ‘Best Artisan’, there will also be a ‘Best in Show’ grand winner, for the most impressive artisan entry with the most incredible performance.

It is now possible to sign up for the Cosplay Competition! You’ll be notified by our Cosplay Competition team if your sign-up has been received successfully. We look forward to seeing you on our Main Stage!

Update 15/05:
Due to the amount of applications, participation will be confirmed through a selection process. The Abunai! Cosplay Compo Team will review all applications and form a lineup based on the information provided in the sign up form. 

Update 23/05:
Sign-ups will close May 24, 20:00 (Amsterdam time).

Sign up now!

General Competition Rules

  • You have to be in possession of a valid Abunai! 2025 ticket to sign up for this competition.
  • You need to be 16 years old to participate. Under 18 years old, you need permission from a parent/guardian.
  • Any theme is accepted, with the exception of original characters. Artisans must provide sufficient visual reference material for the judges to consult.
  • You may enter the competition by yourself, or in a group.
  • Acts with inappropriate language, nudity or intense violence will be rejected without question.
  • The maximum time allowed on stage is 30 seconds for a walk-on or 2,5 minutes for an act. 
  • Anything that makes the stage dirty or slippery that cannot be cleaned up quickly is forbidden. Using dust and/or glitter is not allowed.  We suggest paper or fabric scraps as good alternatives. (Anything with pieces smaller than 2 cm is forbidden)
  • Fireworks, smoke or any items that cause an open flame or explosion are not allowed.
  • Energetic performances including running, martial arts, etc. will require proof of skill of the performers. We reserve the right to interrupt performances because of safety reasons.
  • If the minimum number of participants for the competition is not met, the competition will be cancelled. 

In anticipation of, and to be able to adapt to the amount of sign-ups, Information regarding the selection process will be provided on the 16th of May. This will be added to our general rules.

At the Convention

  • All participants of the Artisan categories are required to attend the pre-judging. This will happen on the morning of the competition. Further information regarding times and places will be shared through email.
  • Failing to show up for pre-judging will mean disqualification for the Artisan categories. 
  • Before the competition, tech rehearsal will take place. This time is primarily used to discuss prop placement with the team, as well as for the Tech Crew to run a check. You can also use this time to get a sense for the stage you’ll be performing on. 
  • We do not accept new audio-visual material or other such requests during the rehearsal. 
  • The order in which the acts perform is decided by Abunai! staff and not up for discussion.
  • By participating in this competition you grant us the right to photograph and record your performance. This material may be used for promotional purposes, with all rights reserved to us. 
  • You are free to let someone in the audience take your picture or film you. However, they must remain seated and not bother other audience members by blocking their view.

 Audio and Video Rules

    • We will be accepting MP4 files only.
    • If you don’t want to utilise the video screen, please provide an MP4 file containing a black background with your audio included.
    • We recommend the following video resolution: 1280x720p or 1920x1080p. Other resolutions will be accepted but we cannot guarantee they can be displayed in their full quality.
    • Audio must be of good quality; no microphone peaking or sudden volume changes. 
    • Audio must not be recorded from the TV broadcast/film/gameplay/etc. Please only use official soundtrack sources.
    • We do not allow AI-generated content.
    • Any timed cues must be edited into your file. The file will be played as is, from start to finish. Our tech is not available for additional audio cues.
    • Please bring a back-up of your MP4 on a USB stick.

    Sign-up Rules

    • Make sure to read every question in the form thoroughly and answer carefully.
    • The sign-up form closes on the 24th of May.
    • After filling in this form you will receive a confirmation email within 5 days, including further information.
    • Based on the amount of applications within the first week, we will opt for either a first come first serve or a drawing of lots system. Applying early will be beneficial.
    • After participants are confirmed, we will be providing everyone with their personal google drive folder where they can submit the required materials.

    If you have any questions regarding the form, you can email cosplaycompo@stichtingabunai.nl

    Dates & Deadlines

    • The sign-up form will open on the 8th of May.
    • The final deadline for submitting your application is the 24th of May at 20:00 (Amsterdam time), This date is subject to change depending on the amount of applications. Applying early is beneficial.
    • Information regarding providing us with needed materials will be send out around the 3rd of June.
    • Further information regarding pre-judging time slots and other important details will be send out around the 28th of July.
    • If you cancel your act after the 5th of August without a legitimate reason, you cannot participate in the competition in the following year. 

      Awards Explained

      There are 5 main awards to be won across all categories: 

      • Best Act
      • Best Artisan (Novice)
      • Best Artisan (Advanced)
      • Best Artisan (Master)
      • Best in Show (Artisan)

      One ‘Best Artisan’ award for each level (Novice, Advanced and Master), to be won by the Artisan participant in their respective level with the most impressive craftsmanship. One ‘Best Act’ award, to be won by the participant (Artisan or otherwise) with the best act. And finally one Best In Show award, for the participant who’s able to impress the judges with not just their self-made costume, but their act as well.

      Please note: 

      • Non-Artisan participants are not eligible for ‘Best Artisan’ or ‘Best in Show’ awards. 
      • Walk-On Artisans are not eligible for ‘Best Act’ or ‘Best in Show’ awards.

        (These rules are subject to change)