The Cosplay competition
Classic and Master
MicSolberg
Show off your cosplay skills at Magicon!
Are you ready for a show? Are you ready to show everyone the cosplay projects you’ve been working so hard on? Of course you are! So sign-up for the cosplay competition and compete in the “Classic” or “Master” category.
The winner of the Masters category will qualify to represent Norway at the Cosplay World Masters, held during Iber Anime in Lisbon, May 2027. The finals feature participants from 14 countries worldwide, representing a broad range of talent and creativity from the global cosplay community.
Date: Saturday, June 20
Time: 16:00
Where: Storesal
The categories
The cosplay competition consists of two categories: Classic and Master. This is a traditional solo cosplay competition which consists of two parts: pre-judging and performance on the Main Stage.
The Classic Category
For beginner to intermediate cosplayers who want to challenge themselves and gain stage experience. Whether you’re proud of your first sewing project or have been crafting for a while, this is your place to shine.
The Master Category
For experienced cosplayers with advanced craftsmanship skills. Be it your best seams, glorious foam work, steel job, 3D printed props or LED-light let it all shine bright and let the audience bathe in your glory and wonderness.
Judges may move a contestant up to the Master category if their skill level exceeds the Classic standard.
Every participant, regardless of category, may qualify for Cosplay World Masters if chosen as the overall winner.
Gressloek
Application Process
Application Process:
MagiCon has updated the sign-up process for this competition. The previous first-come, first-served method has been replaced by a will be replaced by the following process::
- The application form opens on February 22 2026 at 6pm CEST, and will remain open for three full days before closing.
- A diverse internal committee will review all applications and select competitors. Selection will be based on innovation, variation, originality, and well-thought-out concepts.
- All applicants will receive their results 4 days after the form closes.
- Applicants not selected will have the option to be placed on a waiting list.
There are 10 spots available Cosplay Competition. Contestants placed on the waiting list must still follow all deadlines for submission of files.
For more information on this process, follow this link.
Additional requirements for the application forms
In the forms you will be asked to provide the usual information, such as names, characters, source material and contact information.
In addition, you will be required to submit the following:
Performance:
- A summary of your intended performance. Describe what you plan to do on stage and what story you will tell. If you are recreating a specific scene, tell us which and where it comes from. If you use a song, include both the song title and the artist.
- Your selected genre or genres. Examples include monologue, dramatic, humorous, choreographed dance and lipsync. Multiple genres may be chosen.
- Any ideas for stage props and stage setup, if applicable.
Costume:
- Work in progress images of your costume, and or sketches or mockups completed so far.
A description of the crafting techniques you plan to use, such as sewing, leatherwork, foamwork or similar methods. - A list of the materials you intend to use.
- Detailed reference images of the character or characters you are portraying.
Michael Solberg
Rules and Criterias:
Criteria for judging:
| Classification | Details | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Total points | 100 | |
| Craftmanship | Quality of craftsmanship, finishing, level of detail. | 30 |
| Similarity* to the original content | Similarity between the costume made and the reference image. | 30 |
| Performance | Understandable, interpretation of characters (also considering fidelity to the original character) and the quality of presentation. | 40 |
Rules and Criteria:
Click here for cosplay Competition Rules
1. Participation
- This competition is for solo contestants only.
- To qualify for Cosplay World Masters, you must be a citizen of Norway and at least 18 years old.
- There will be 10 participants, plus a waiting list.
2. Categories
You can apply for either:
Classic Category
For beginner to intermediate cosplayers who want to challenge themselves and gain stage experience. Whether you’re proud of your first sewing project or have been crafting for a while, this is your place to shine.
Master Category
For experienced cosplayers with advanced craftsmanship skills. Be it your best seams, glorious foam work, steel job, 3D printed props or LED-light let it all shine bright and let the audience bathe in your glory and wonderness.
Judges may move a contestant up to the Master category if their skill level exceeds the Classic standard.
- Every participant, regardless of category, may qualify for Cosplay World Masters if chosen as the overall winner.
3. Costumes
- Only costumes based on published or official visual media (cartoons, webtoons, animations, games, movies, etc.) are allowed. Original characters and fanart are not permitted.
- Both costume and performance must be PG13.
- The cosplay must be at least 60% self-made by the contestant.
- Exceptions: contact lenses, shoes, wigs, undergarments, prosthetics (e.g., ears/noses), and use of shared equipment such as 3D printers.
- Costumes that have previously achieved a podium placement may only compete with significant improvements. Proof of these changes must be sent to [email protected].
4. The Performance
- Maximum length: 2 minutes.
- If you have video and sound, this must be provided in one .mp4 file. All files submitted must follow the requirements set by Magicon’s tech crew. To read more about these go here.
- All sound must be pre-recorded– microphones cannot be used. We encourage you to make your performance in English.
- Confetti, liquids, pyrotechnics, and fireworks are not allowed.
- Weapon and prop rules must be followed at all times.
- It is strictly prohibited to throw any props, costume pieces, or other items into the audience under any circumstances.
- No helpers or “stage ninjas” are allowed on stage.
- All media must be submitted by May 18. Failure to submit on time results in disqualification
- We kindly ask that you keep your light scenario as simple as possible, with a maximum of four lines of light changes. Please note that lights on and lights off at the beginning and end are not considered part of the light scenario.
5. Stage and Technical Information
Stage Info:
- Screen: 12 × 6.72 m (16:9), placed 2 m above stage floor.
- Stage dimensions: 22 m (front), 13 m (back), 11.5 m deep.
- Stage chart: https://oslokonserthus.no/salkart
- Stage props will be stored on the left side of the stage.
NB! Please be aware that we are under the obligation to protect the wooden stage floor at Oslo Konserthus.
Therefore following is prohibited in all stage activities:
- Dragging of props or costume elements that could leave marks.
- Un-padded hard components (on handheld or stage props or costume) making contact with the stage floor.
6. Stage Props
- You have 30 seconds to prepare and 30 seconds to clear the stage.
- Magicon crew can provide two helpers to move props on/off stage.
- If you use these helpers, you are responsible for all potential risks or damages to props.
- No one may assist during your performance.
- Max prop size: 50 cm width, 190 cm height, 150 cm length.
- Props must be lightweight and easy to lift/move.
- It is strictly prohibited to throw any props, costume pieces, or other items into the audience under any circumstances.
- After performing, immediately pack and remove your props from the backstage area.
7. Pre-Judging
- Each contestant will have 5 minutes with the judges to present their cosplay.
- Judges will likely speak English.
- You may bring a build book with progress photos and references, but you must take it with you afterward to ensure equal time for all contestants.
8. Categories & Eligibility Notes
Am I a Master?
If you are a professional worker or have formal education (vocational certificate, college, or university) in a cosplay-related field such as tailoring, hairdressing, arts and crafts, product design, or goldsmithing, you cannot compete in Classic, but you may compete in Masters.
Attendance at cosplay or craft courses at a Folkehøyskole does not affect your eligibility.
9. Winners
- There will be 1st place and Runner-Up in both Classic and Masters.
- The 1st place Masters winner qualifies for Cosplay World Masters 2027.
- If the winner cannot attend the finals in Lisbon, the runner-up will be offered the spot.
*Self-made
Exceptions will be made for things like contact lenses, shoes, wigs, undergarments, prosthetics (like ears and noses, even though it’s cool if you do) etc. as well as using other people’s equipment (such as using someone else’s 3D printer after modeling your own file)
*Likeness
The judges will only evaluate how the costume is constructed and how the competitor is using it to achieve likeness to the character it is based on. Factors such as gender, height, weight, skin colour, or similar aspects are not to be taken into consideration.
Application:
The application for this competition is now closed
Questions or concerns?
Please contact us at [email protected]
