Cosplay Programming // Main Events
Masquerade Contest
Stage Feed // 2026
Your Craft. Your Performance. Your Moment.
Back again for another year, the Masquerade gives cosplayers of every skill level a place to celebrate craftsmanship and performance. Strut across the Main Events stage, show off your sewing, crafting, and fabrication skills, and compete for cash prizes.
Walk-On
Cross the stage, strike a few poses, give the audience time for photos, and enjoy your cosplay runway moment.
Performance
Build a performance for the audience with up to three minutes of audio. MP3 files are due August 9 at 11:59 p.m.
Entry Window // June 12–July 10
Online Entries Are Closed
Confirmation Timeline
Skit Registration
Performance entry
Craftsmanship / Walk-On
Runway or judged entry
Judging Interest Form
Applications ran March 23–May 1; determinations by May 15
Questions, concerns, or entry help? Email the cosplay team at cosplay@matsuricon.org.
Craftsmanship // Entry Classification
Choose Your Division
Craftsmanship Requirements
- Official, fan art, and original designs are welcome when you bring reference art for the accuracy portion of the judging rubric.
- At least 75% of the costume must be made from scratch by its creator. Shoes and wigs do not count toward the overall costume.
- Entries are accepted first come, first served within each division. Once a division fills, additional applicants move to its waitlist.
- Craftsmanship judging takes place Friday and Saturday. You may request one day or indicate that either day works.
- Commissioned costumes cannot enter a competition division, but they may enter Exhibition.
- Groups compete at the highest division represented by any member. Entrants may be judged separately and still walk and pose together.
Division // EXB
Exhibition
Commissioned, store-bought, rented, and borrowed costumes are welcome. Exhibition entries do not receive craftsmanship awards, and space is limited to 10 slots.
Division // CST
Closet Cosplay
At least 50% of the costume must be heavily modified. Outfits assembled entirely from unmodified found clothing do not qualify and will be moved to Exhibition.
Division // YTH
Youth Cosplay
Some assistance is acceptable, but every form of help must be explained thoroughly during judging.
Division // NOV
Novice
Entrants may not have won more than one major award or three minor awards, such as honorable mentions or judges’ awards.
Division // JRN
Journeyman
Entrants may not have won more than two major awards or four minor awards, or have comparable experience.
Division // MST
Masters
Entrants have won three or more major awards or demonstrate comparable experience.
Judging // Five-Minute Review
Come Ready to Tell Your Build Story
- 01
Bring references
Bring clear character references so the judges can evaluate accuracy. Color printouts are best, though figures, tablets, manga, books, and laptops are accepted. Using a phone for references will result in a point deduction.
- 02
Document your build
Photos of your work in progress are required, most commonly assembled into a build book alongside your references. Include enough photos for the judges to understand your process.
- 03
Plan for five minutes
Your explanation and the judges’ questions share a five-minute limit. Be ready to discuss fabric choices, construction methods, problem solving, and the techniques you are most proud of.
- 04
Expect a close look
Judges will inspect seams and details up close. If you feel uncomfortable at any point, tell the judges immediately.
Performance // Stage Protocol
Make Your Three Minutes Count
15
Total skits
05
Per division
3:00
Max runtime
Performance Requirements
- The 15 available skit slots are divided evenly: five Novice, five Journeyman, and five Masters. Selection prioritizes a diverse program rather than first-come, first-served order, so make your submission thorough and include a script or detailed description when possible.
- Additional skits in each division will be waitlisted in case a selected act withdraws or does not complete mandatory pre-screening.
- Every accepted and waitlisted skit must attend Saturday morning pre-screening. This unjudged session provides stage time, a content review, and staff feedback before the performance.
- Costumes and skits must remain PG-13. Contact the cosplay team before the event if you are unsure whether material is appropriate.
- Skits may not exceed three minutes. Pre-recorded audio is strongly encouraged unless the act must be live, and all background or pre-recorded audio is due August 9 at 11:59 p.m. in MP3 format.
- Anything brought onto the stage must leave with you when your performance ends.
Not Permitted On Stage
- Live steel or firearms
- Sparklers, firecrackers, smoke bombs, or other incendiary devices
- Throwing objects
- Glitter or confetti
Reckless behavior that risks a fall or damages equipment will result in disqualification. Entrants are responsible for the cost of any equipment they damage.
Panel // 2026
Meet the Masquerade Judges
Craftsmanship Judges
Craftsmanship Judge
Astros_here
Astro (astros_here) is a 60+ award-winning master-level competitive cosplayer from central California. They specialize in sewing and needlework while working across a wide range of techniques, mediums, and materials. In eight years of cosplay, Astro has made more than 30 unique costumes and competed and judged across the United States. As a chronically ill, disabled, and queer cosplayer, they want to carve out a space for everyone in the community and are always happy to talk shop, build books, and cosplay advice.
Craftsmanship Judge
Butdragonstho Cosplay
ButDragonsTho, or Becky, is an Ohio-based master-level craftsmanship cosplayer. Her awards include Best Craftsmanship Overall at Youmacon 2021. Sewing since 2011 and almost entirely self-taught in costume construction, she believes knowledge and tutorials should be available to anyone willing to learn. Becky also works professionally as a tailor and alterations specialist, with skills spanning sewing, pattern drafting, foam work, props, sculpting, wig styling, and more.
Craftsmanship Judge
Tuna
Tuna (TunaSnug) is a master-level craftsmanship cosplayer who began in 2009. After retiring from competition in 2012, they returned in 2025 and have since won five major titles, including Craftsmanship Best in Show at Matsuricon 2025, Zipcon 2026, and Animarathon 2026. Their favorite specialties include patterning, garment construction, needlework, beadwork, and jewelry making. They are always excited to share knowledge and learn new skills with others. Photo credit: nancykayphotography.
Skit Judges
Skit Judge
Mecchamomo
Emilee, also known as Mecchamomo, is an Ohio-based Kaigai Idol, performer, and event host with a lifelong passion for dance and performance. Active in the convention community since 2010, they have hosted more than 100 events and performed with projects including Kaleido Dream, Ichigo Ro!, and Mis☆Sophonia. A two-time first-place local dance competitor and recurring judge for Matsuricon’s K-pop & J-pop Dance Gala, Emilee brings both experience and enthusiasm to every stage while creating memorable experiences for fans and performers alike.
Skit Judge
Nekoyasha
Nekoyasha is a self-described Oldtaku and cosplay auntie who has attended conventions and cosplayed since 2003. From 2006 to 2016, they competed in craftsmanship and performance before retiring after a Best Master Performance win. Today, they support newer generations through cosplay repair, department work, performance judging, and advocacy that uplifts Black cosplayers and encourages them to compete. Outside cosplay, they work twilight hours as a nuclear pharmacy technician, watch wrestling, and remain ready to discuss spandex fabric or the Fate franchise.
Skit Judge
PopCultureChoreography
Brigitte, aka PopCultureChoreography, is a master-level cosplay performer specializing in dance. With more than 20 years of classical dance training, she entered her first cosplay performance competition in 2023 with an original tap dance and has since competed at Anime Boston, Otakon, and Anime Central. Her awards include Best in Show at Colossalcon 2024, Best Master’s Performance at Anime Crossroads 2026, and several judges’ choice awards. Her favorite fandoms include Sailor Moon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and RWBY. Photo credit: Docker.Cap.Photography.
Community Protocol // Sportsmanship
Questions About Competition Results?
Contact the cosplay department heads for clarification and a constructive conversation. Publicly disparaging judges or staff, or displaying poor sportsmanship over the results, may forfeit your ability to compete in future Matsuricon competitions.