Ukicon - Cosplay contest

Cosplay Competition

Registration for 2027 opens on November 2, 2026!

Registration is open until February 7, 2027, at 12:00 PM. Be quick, as only the first 8 applicants will be accepted into the competition!

You can participate either solo or in a group of 2–6 people. Cosplayers of all skill levels are welcome to participate!

Prizes include a coveted trophy and exciting product prizes!

Cosplay Competition Rules

  • The competition is limited to the first 8 registered participants.
  • You can enter the cosplay competition either individually or as part of a group of 2–6 people. Any honourable mentions or prizes awarded to a group will be shared among its members. Each group counts as one competitor.
  • All participants must register in advance using the online registration form. Groups must submit one joint registration form, with one member acting as the group's contact person.
  • All participants must grant photography permission, giving the event organizers the right to photograph them and publish photos in connection with Ukicon's communications and promotional activities. More detailed information can be found in the photography consent form, which will be sent to registered participants separately.
  • For more information about the competition, contact: ukicon@uusikaupunki.fi

CHARACTER SELECTION

You can enter the cosplay competition with either:

a) A character with an official design, or
b) An original outfit of your own design.

Both types of costumes compete in the same category.

  • Minor assistance from a friend or family member is allowed.
  • Costumes must not consist entirely of commercially purchased, ready-made clothing. Your own craftsmanship must be visible in the costume. Costume pieces may be purchased ready-made and modified by the participant.
  • Characters with official designs must be based on a source that has officially published material, such as anime, comics, video games, games or films. There are no restrictions regarding the country of origin of the source material.

JUDGING CRITERIA

The following judging criteria apply to all costumes and performers:

  • Quality of craftsmanship
  • Suitability of the materials used for the costume
  • Techniques used
  • Makeup and its suitability for the character
  • How faithfully the costume represents the character
  • Overall appearance
  • Stage presence and performance in character

Additional criterion for costumes based on official designs:

  • Accuracy to the original source material

Additional criterion for original costumes:

  • How well the different elements of the overall design work together

BEFORE THE COMPETITION

  • When registering, participants must submit a short written description of their chosen character and the costume-making process. The description should include the materials and techniques used, as well as a brief introduction to the character's personality. This information will help the judges and the host during the competition.
  • Participants must check in at the stage at Monitoimijatalo Wintteri (Viikaistenkatu 3, 23500 Uusikaupunki) on the day of the event by 12:15 PM.
  • The stage performance instructions will be explained to all participants together, starting at approximately 12:20 PM.

STAGE PERFORMANCE

  • Participants enter the stage when introduced by the host.
  • Participants are encouraged to move in a way that reflects their character and strike a pose for the audience and judges.
  • This will be followed by a short conversation with the host about the participant's costume.
  • After the conversation, the participant will strike another 1–3 poses for the audience and judges.
  • The participant will then move to the back of the stage and wait for the competition to continue.
  • Once all participants have had their turn on stage, a group photo will be taken.
  • All participants will leave the stage together, following the previously agreed direction.
  • The judges will make their final decisions during the intermission performance. Participants will then be invited back onto the stage for the award ceremony and photographs.

Catwalk

The Catwalk is a casual, non-competitive cosplay showcase. If you would like to show off your costume on stage but don't want to compete, the Catwalk is for you!

Catwalk Rules

  • There is no limit to the number of Catwalk participants.
  • You can sign up for the Catwalk with the event staff on the day of the event.
  • There are no character restrictions for the Ukicon Catwalk.
  • Purchased costumes are allowed.
  • Participants enter the stage when introduced by the host and strike 1–3 poses.
  • After posing, participants leave the stage in the direction agreed upon beforehand.
  • The Catwalk will not be recorded on video, and the organizers will not take photographs of the Catwalk.

Meet the Judges

Introductions coming soon!