Cosplay Competition

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

The Abunai! 2026 Cosplay competition will be held on Sunday, August 9  (exact timing to be announced closer to the convention date).

Do you love to craft and create, but do big competitions seem like a step too big? Join the Abunai! Cosplay Competition! Cosplayers can decide to be judged on their craftsmanship, their performance, or both! 

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 two experience levels: Novice or Advanced. Each level will have one ‘Best Artisan’ winner. 

Though we strongly encourage acts, 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.

The rules regarding the different categories of the competition can be read below.

You can sign up to your desired category using one of the following forms. Only sign up to one form.

P.S. Looking for last year’s masters category? Please consider applying for the Europa Cosplay Cup (E2C) Dutch Preliminaries on Saturday!

 General 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 with further information.
• To assure the quality of the show, there will be a selection process. Abunai! Reserves the right to reject applications that don’t align with the rules and requirements, or otherwise negatively impact the show. Applying early is beneficial. Further details on how to improve your odds are listed in our Sign-up Guide.
• 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

Artisan Category Rules

• You may not enter a costume that has previously won a prize at any competition.
• The costume has to either be made by the person wearing it, or a co-creator who has to attend the pre-judging and competition (either on- or off stage). The name of the co-creator has to be mentioned in the sign-up form.
• The costume has to be 80% handmade. Accessories like shoes, wigs, simple jewelry and belts do not have to be handmade.
• Any elements made by, or with the assistance of other people, have to be mentioned as such.
• Handmade props are encouraged. Bought props are allowed, but won’t add to your craftsmanship score.
• You will need to provide progress pictures and source material.
• You will need to sign up to a self assigned level.
  Novice: You’re a beginner Artisan, getting familiar with the craftsmanship involved in making your own costumes, and you’re excited to show off your hard work!

  Advanced: You’re an experienced Artisan. You definitely know your way around a sewing machine, and have experience in a variety of skills utilized for cosplay creation.

Dates & Deadlines

• The sign-up form will open on the 9th of May.
• The final deadline for submitting your application is the 24th of May, applying early is beneficial.
• You will receive an acceptance or rejection email for the competition around the 28 of May. 
• Acceptance emails will include the information on the rest of the process, such as deadlines for material and portfolio submissions if applicable. Following these deadlines is crucial for your participation.
• Further information regarding pre-judging time slots and other important details will be send out around the 11th of July.
• If you cancel your participation after the 1st of August without a legitimate reason, you may be blacklisted for Abunai! Competitions/Showcases in the following year.

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. Reserving seats is not allowed.

Awards Explained

There are 3 main awards to be won across all categories: 

• Best Act
• Best Artisan (Novice)
• Best Artisan (Advanced)

One ‘Best Artisan’ award for each level (Novice and Advanced), 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. 

Please note: 

• Non-Artisan participants are not eligible for ‘Best Artisan’ awards. 
• Walk-On Artisans are not eligible for the ‘Best Act’ award

(These rules are subject to change)