Cosplay Contests
Main Cosplay Contests Overview
At Ichibancon, there are multiple cosplay competitions and events that allow for attendees to showcase their hard work with craftsmanship and performance. Below is a brief overview of the various events!
Masquerade and Fashion Show
At the Masquerade/main cosplay event, the performance division will do various styles of skits on stage and also be judged by our panel of judges on a variety of items during the live performances. These performances can range from dancing, to drama, to comedy, and more!
When performances are completed, the fashion show walk for contestants to show off their cosplay costumes. This fashion show walk consists of Craftsmanship contestants only. Contestants will be given a chance to pose for the attendees and press and showcase their hard work center stage!
Once the halftime show is completed, awards will be given out for performance and craftsmanship!
Cosplay Craftsmanship Contest
What are Divisions?
A division is simply your placement and competition level. We advise all entrants to enter at the divisions/skill level they feel comfortable at within reason (see below).
Skill Divisions
- Novice Division: This division is intended for those new to making their own costumes or performing on stage and have not competed much, if at all.
No more than 1 major award was won previously at a comparable-sized convention or larger for their costumes or performances. These include “Best Of” awards (“Best Overall” or “Best in Class”) only. At your discretion, “Placed Award” (such as a 2nd or 3rd place award) and Honorable Mentions or Judges Awards, do not have to be considered. - Journeyman Division: This division is intended for those who are more experienced with creating their own costumes or performing on stage.
No more than 2 major awards were won previously at a comparable-sized convention or larger for their costumes or performances. These include “Best Of” awards (“Best Overall” or “Best in Class”) only. At your discretion, “Placed Award” (such as a 2nd or 3rd place award) and Honorable Mentions or Judges Awards, do not have to be considered. - Master Division: This division is intended for those who have advanced experience with creating their own costumes or performing on stage.
Must have won 3 or more major awards previously at a comparable-sized convention or larger for their costumes or performances. These include “Best Of” awards (“Best Overall” or “Best in Class”) only. At your discretion, “Placed Award” (such as a 2nd or 3rd place award) and Honorable Mentions or Judges Awards, do not have to be considered.
Note: The Cosplay Staff has the right to place a competitor in an appropriate division at their discretion.
Sportsmanship In Cosplay Events
At numerous events across the country, displays of poor or unsportsmanlike behavior have been rampant. Like any competition, some will win, and others will not. At Ichibancon, any and all displays of Poor Sportsmanship will not be tolerated. If there is offensive behavior such as (but not limited to) racism, sexism, ageism, homophobia, fat-phobia, hate-speech, doxxing, sandbagging, or any other kind of poor behavior and discrimination, Ichibancon reserves the right to take action and rescind awards, prizes, or ban the offender from the convention or cosplay contests as necessary. Please bring up any instances of this to staff if you suspect this behavior in the contest from Contestants, Staff, or Judges.
Feedback sessions will be available with judges on Sunday for all judged events and you may discuss your questions there. However, this is not the time or place to blame the judges for your loss. You may ask for constructive criticism and feedback. But if you are not prepared for any type of constructive feedback, this may not be the panel for you.
AI-Generated Images, Video, and Audio
Ichibancon does not support the usage of AI-generated music, video, and images. Usage of these things for any of our cosplay contests is not permitted and usage of said things will result in being disqualified.
