1. Country/Region Eligibility

• Open to citizens or permanent residents of the Nordic countries: Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway, and Iceland.
• To ensure participation from all Nordic countries, one spot will be reserved for each country. If a team consists of participants from two different countries, two reserved spots will be used accordingly.
• All participants must be 18 years of age or older.

2. Application Process

MagiCon has updated the sign-up process for this competition. The previous first-come, first-served method has been replaced by a selection-based process:
The application form opens on February 8, 2026, 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 8 spots available in the Master Duo Competition. Contestants placed on the waiting list must still follow all deadlines for submission of files.

For more information on this process, follow the 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 characters you are portraying.

3. Costumes

• Costumes must be based on characters from published or official visual media, such as cartoons, webtoons, animations, games, or movies. Original characters are not allowed.
• The cosplay must be at least 60% self-made by the participating duo.
• Both costume and performance must remain PG13.
• Contestants may not compete with a cosplay that has previously placed in a competition unless significant improvements or changes have been made. Proof of improvement must be submitted to [email protected].

4. Performance

• Maximum performance length: 3 minutes.
• Confetti, fireworks, crackers, liquids, or similar effects are not allowed.
  It is strictly prohibited to throw any props, costume pieces, or other items into the audience under any circumstances.
• Weapon and prop rules must be followed at all times.
• The performance must be PG13.
• No live microphones are allowed; all sound must be pre-recorded, and we recommend making it in English as our judges are international.
• If both video and audio are used, they must be combined into a single .mp4 file.
• All media files must meet MagiCon’s technical requirements. Details can be found here: Video and Audio Guide 
• All media must be submitted by the hard deadline: May 18, 2026 (end of day).
• Failure to submit by the deadline will result in disqualification, including for those on the waiting list.
• 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. Pre-Judging

To accurately replicate the competition format at GICOF, there will be no pre-judging at MagiCon.
GICOF emphasizes visual impact and performance art over close-up craftsmanship details. However, as stated in the judging criteria, costume quality still accounts for 40% of the total score, based on audience-viewed presentation.

6. Tech Test

• A tech test will be held on Sunday before the competition.
• Time and location will be announced closer to the event.
• Attendance at the tech test is mandatory for all contestants.
• Each duo will have a maximum of 5 minutes for the test.
• The purpose is to test technical aspects, prop placement, and stage familiarity.

7. Stage Props

• Two helpers will be stationed backstage to assist with prop movement.
• Only the participating duo may perform or intervene on stage during the act.
• Maximum prop dimensions:
  • Width: 50 cm
  • Height: 190 cm
  • Length: 150 cm
• Props should be constructed from light materials to ensure easy handling.
  It is strictly prohibited to throw any props, costume pieces, or other items into the audience under any circumstances.
• If MagiCon staff assist with prop placement, the participants assume responsibility for any potential damage or issues.
• Each duo has one minute before and after their performance to prepare or clear the stage.

Stage and Screen Information:

• Stage size: 22 m wide front stage, 13 m wide back stage × 11.5 m deep
• Screen size: 12 × 6.72 m (16:9), suspended 2 m above stage floor
• Prop storage: Left side of the stage
• Stage chart: Oslo Konserthus Store Sal
• 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.
• Unpadded hard components (on handheld or stage props or costume) making contact with the stage floor.

9. Awards

• Awards will be given for 1st place and Runner-up.
• The winning duo qualifies to represent the Nordics at the GICOF World Finals in South Korea, 2026.

10. Participation in GICOF Finals (Korea) and PCH (Pop Culture Hiroshima, Japan)

The winning team must attend the finals of their choice: GICOF or PCH.
The runner-up must attend finals of the qualifier not chosen by the winning team.

Contestants may change their costume and performance for the finals.

Participation in GICOF:

What’s Covered:

• Round-trip flight tickets
• One piece of luggage per person (extra luggage up to 4000 NOK per duo)
• Accommodation (one shared room for two, including breakfast; extra costs such as early check-in are not covered)
• Transportation to and from the airport
• Official guest tour and lunch

GICOF Finals Schedule:

• The event typically spans 5–6 days, including:
  Photoshoots
• Red carpet appearances
• Networking parties
• Final competition

Participation in Pop Culture Hiroshima:

What’s Covered:

• Round-trip tickets
• One piece of luggage per person
• Accommodation
• Official guest tour and selected meals

PCH Finals Schedule:

The event typically spans 2–3 days, including:

• Photoshoots
• Cosplay Parade in Hiroshima city
• Networking parties
• Cosplay Performance
• Official guided tour

11. Important Dates

Application release: February 8, 2026 (open for three full days)

Notification of acceptance: 3–4 days after form closes

Media & Tech form deadline: May 18, 2026 (end of day)

Competition date: Sunday, June 21, 2026, during MagiCon

12. Contact

For any questions regarding the competition, costumes, stage, or media submissions, contact:
[email protected]