Cosplay Contest
Cosplay Contest
Welcome to CosBliss, the official cosplay contest at BLISS-Con! This contest is designed to celebrate creativity, performance, and fandom while ensuring a safe, inclusive, and professional environment. Please review the rules and guidelines below carefully before registering.
Categories
Novice: All contestants in the group have won fewer than three (3) major prizes.
Journeyman: Any contestant in the group has won at least three (3) major prizes.
Rules of Entry
You must be a registered attendee of BLISS-Con to compete.
Costumes from all genres are welcome: anime, manga, comics, television, film, video games, etc. CosBliss celebrates Japanese, Korean, American, and global pop cultures.
Costumes may be purchased, handmade, or modified, but original work and craftsmanship will be strongly considered in judging.
All entries must be based on existing characters. Generic costumes will not be accepted.
Contestants may register in advance or on-site by the posted cutoff time.
There will be no prejudging. All judging will take place on stage.
Contestants may provide music (following BLISS-Con’s file guidelines). Each performance may last up to three (3) minutes.
Files must be submitted as an MP3 but if absolutely necessary can be played from Spotify.
Code of Conduct
To ensure a safe and respectful environment, all contestants must follow the CosBliss Code of Conduct:
Appropriateness: Costumes must cover the same areas of the body as required at an American water park or beach.
Mobility & Safety: Outfits must allow the wearer to fit through doorways, elevators, and escalators, and must be removable in case of emergency.
Restricted Materials:
No full metal armor or full chainmail.
No sharp edges, spikes, or dangerous props.
No fire, flame, smoke, fog, dry ice, liquids, projectiles, or messy substances.
Respectful Representation: Prohibited imagery includes:
Racist, sexist, homophobic, or transphobic language or symbols.
Pornographic or sexually explicit imagery.
Real-world hate symbols or uniforms (e.g., Nazi imagery).
Signs & Props: Handheld signs are allowed if under 3’x2’ and free of derogatory language or solicitation. Flags/banners are permitted if not oversized. All must comply with the Weapons & Props Policy.
Stage Behavior:
Do not jump on or off the stage. Use designated entrances/exits.
Do not throw objects into the audience.
Do not leave behind debris or props.
Surprise the audience, but never surprise the crew.
Contestants who violate performance rules may be disqualified.
Performance & Accessibility
Skates and scooters may not be used indoors, though static photos are permitted.
Sound and lighting effects are allowed if not disruptive; contestants must be able to disable them quickly if asked.
Accessibility: If you require accommodations (e.g., stage access adjustments, visual/audio assistance), please notify the cosplay coordinator when registering. We are committed to making CosBliss welcoming for everyone.
Judging Criteria
Entries will be evaluated on a balanced scale that considers both performance and craftsmanship:
Creativity & Interpretation: How well did you translate the character into real life?
Accuracy: Does your cosplay capture the spirit and design of the character (with room for safe/comfortable modifications)?
Craftsmanship & Quality: Is the construction well-executed? Does the work show skill, detail, or clever use of materials?
Performance & Stage Presence: Is the performance entertaining and engaging? Does it convey emotion, energy, or story?
Content & Clarity: Does your performance communicate a clear idea, even for those unfamiliar with the source material?
Awards & Prizes
Category Awards: Novice and Journeyman winners in both Best in Show and Runner Up.
Special Awards: Judge’s Choice.
Winners may receive either trophy, merchandise, and/or sponsored prize.
Winner’s Spotlight on the official BLISS-Con website and social media.
All judging decisions are final. Concerns may be directed to the cosplay coordinator after the contest.
