Cosplay Rules and Regulations

From complete customised projects you’ve painstakingly designed yourself or one you bought online, we’re glad to give you a way to express your passions and talents with your craft and/or performance as your favourite characters!

That being said we do need to take into account the comfort and safety of all who attend our events and as a result we ask that all cosplayers to adhere to the following guidelines

Contest Format

1.1 Contestants are encouraged to pre-register electronically for the contest via the online form. Please register online or in-person at the Registration Desk on Saturday, March 30 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Remember to check in with Cosplay staff near the stage in person within 1 hour before the showcase starts, that way we can be sure you are still participating!
1.2 The Cosplay Contest itself will last roughly an hour, afterwards there will be a casual cosplay showcase which will end with the judges’ deliberations and award presentation. After the judges have finished deliberating, the winners will be announced. Contestants must be on hand to accept awards.
1.3 Custom music, audio, video etc must be submitted ahead of time either online or in-person during registration. We can accept MP3/MP4 files and Youtube links only.
1.4 Winners will be selected in the following categories:

Best Cosplayer
Best Amateur Cosplayer (Closet)
Best Craftsmanship
Best Performance
Fan Favourite

Honourable mentions

Best Group
Best Gender Bender
Best OC

Da Rules!

1.1 Participation in the AniMeet cosplay competition depends on the approval and respect of the present rules.
1.2 Any Cosplay showcase is a show of people or groups of people parading and performing in costumes in front of a crowd, below named shows.
1.3 The people performing alongside the Participants on stage but not wearing any costumes are below named Stage Ninja.

1.3.1 Skits and performances can be aided by Stage Ninja’s. They can take part in performances as long as they significantly compliment the participants’ performance.
1.3.2 They can help handle cosplayers props, by lifting, throwing, cleaning up etc.
1.3.3 Each participant is entitled to at least one (1) Stage Ninja and a maximum of Five(5). Exceptions may be made after gaining permission from organisers.
1.3.4 Note that any Stage Ninja’s who are present on stage with the cosplayer but aren’t in any way contributing to their performance will attract penalties to the cosplayer. The only exceptions being Handlers for underage cosplayers and disabled cosplayers.

2.1 Costumes and props must be suitable and appropriate for all ages. Costumes and props should adhere to general Animeet Rules and Regulations including the Weapons and Props Policy. Questions about props or costumes may be answered, and exceptions may be made, by the Cosplay Coordinator or Other members of staff depending on circumstance.
2.2 Skits should adhere to a family-friendly rating. No profanity, nudity, dangerous stunts, or overly-violent content [i.e Using realistic blood in the skit ]. No exceptions will be made on this point, so if you are concerned about your content, please ask beforehand.
2.3 Only handmade costumes are eligible for Craftsmanship costume awards. Costumes created with the help of friends or family are accepted, however, more than 50% of the costume has to be made by the contestant. Prefabricated costumes will be allowed as long as it has been substantially altered by the contestant (at least 80%).
2.4 Contestants can enter the contest individually or as part of a group. However, your costumes will be judged individually for Craftsmanship Awards.
2.5 There is a 2-minute maximum time limit for all performances. If the performance goes over the time limit, even after being warned the contestant will be disqualified. Exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis.
2.6 Music is optional. If you have a music track please submit it as part of your online pre-registration. Alternatively, you can provide a copy of the mp3 on a USB stick during in-person registration. The music must be in mp3 format and must be on a USB stick. No other format of music will be accepted. Otherwise music will be played by staff .
2.7 Devices such as flash bombs, any kind of pyrotechnic device, or any type of device that causes staining or a large scattering of objects are prohibited. Scattering of some objects is allowed, but the cleaning up of said objects will cut into your running time of no more than 2 minutes. Using fire and liquids on stage is prohibited. Smoke-related special effects are prohibited.
2.8 Permission is granted to NerdOtaku to use any photographs/video taken as future promotional material for future events and dealings. Secondary Media coverage may be present at the event. All media captured by Secondary Media will be under their rules and regulations of fair media usage and not that of Animeet’s.
2.9 Handlers will be allowed for contestants who are under the age of 12, have children under the age of 12, or contestants with registered disabilities. Cosplay staff will be there to assist other contestants if a handler is required. No exceptions.
2.10 Costumes that have won any major award in the past will not be eligible to win prizes but can participate as an exhibition entry. Major awards include but are not limited to:

Best Group
Best Gender Bender
Best OC

Cosplay Judges

Mali-Chan

This cosplayer extraodinaire is also an avid gamer, anime fanatic, and content creator.

Lo the Stan

Your friendly neighbourhood content creator. This all round nerd is an expert of arts and crafts and DIY cosplay.

GothicMickie

Dark theme inspired cosplayer, Otaku, Alternative and STEM culture fanatic.

Miles Richard Kasanda

A fashion nerd who enjoys cosplay, everything art, and good music. Creative director at MK72 skilled in fashion designing and garment construction.

We'd love to hear from you...

A ‘Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’ review

by Sandman | Jul 19, 2025 | Digital Media, Game, Review, Writing, Zambia

A Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 reviewAs someone who has only ever flirted with the turn-based RPG genre, I am surprised at how much Expedition 33 hooked me in. To set the scene: I am your stereotypical, action-adventure junkie. I am also enthralled by the flashiness of...

Gaslight, Gremlin, Girlboss: The Apothecary Diaries and Hollow Feminism

by Khoumie Mwashingwele | Jun 13, 2025 | Anime, Anime, Manga, Review, Writing, Zambia

GASLIGHT, GREMLIN, GIRLBOSS: THE APOTHECARY DIARIES AND HOLLOW FEMINISMThere’s a kind of beauty in restraint, not the kind that hides emotion, but the kind that simmers just beneath the surface, like heat behind a half- glance. Watching The Apothecary Diaries feels...