REGISTRATIONS OPEN
The World Cosplay Summit (WCS) is an international festival celebrating Japanese pop culture, where cosplayers from around the globe gather to promote friendship, cultural exchange, and creative expression.
Held annually in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, WCS is supported by local governments, administrative bodies, and embassies, making it the most prestigious cosplay event worldwide.
The World Cosplay Summit (WCS) WCS is a dynamic platform showcasing the world’s largest cosplay competition, constantly adapting to global trends.
WCS fosters cross-cultural connections and communication beyond boundaries of race, language, and nationality, using pop culture as a universal language.The World Cosplay Summit (WCS) WCS is a dynamic platform showcasing the world’s largest cosplay competition, constantly adapting to global trends.
Cosplay is an expression of admiration for creators. WCS works to protect and enhance creative expression while honoring original works. It fosters cross-cultural connections and communication beyond boundaries of race, language, and nationality, using pop culture as a universal language. It is a dynamic platform showcasing the world’s largest cosplay competition, constantly adapting to global trends.
♦ Teams must consist of two participants only.
♦ Open to only Indian Citizens.
♦ Once a representative, a participant/team cannot represent another country for the next 5 years.
♦ Both participants should be of 18+ years of age.
♦ If selected, the team must be ready to travel to Nagoya, Japan to represent WCS India.
♦ Once a representative, a participant/team cannot represent another country for the Organizers hold the right to choose the selection methods for the competition.
Costume Requirements:
♦ Characters must be from the same Japanese manga, anime, game, or tokusatsu series.♦ Costumes should be primarily handmade (partial assistance allowed).♦ Non-Japanese works are not permitted unless officially adapted into Japanese media.♦ Costumes for side events may differ but Championship costumes must follow rules.
Costume Judging (100 points):
♦ Precision (40 pts): Accuracy to original design. Creative discretion allowed for unknown elements.♦ Costume Quality (40 pts): Construction, fit, painting, sewing, finishing.♦ Technique (20 pts): Craftsmanship complexity, execution, and innovative techniques.
Note: Race, gender, or size differences from the original character do not affect scoring.
Stage Performance Judging (100 points):
♦ Performance (50 pts): Storytelling, entertainment value, respect for source material.♦ Acting/Stage Proficiency (20 pts): Expressiveness, movement, timing, and dialogue delivery.♦ Costume Stage Presence (20 pts): Visual impact and any in-performance transformations.♦ X Factor (10 pts): Originality, creativity, or special moments that leave an impression.
Total Score & Tie-Breaks:
♦ Maximum: 200 points (Costume 100 + Stage 100).♦ Highest and lowest scores are removed; average of remaining determines final ranking.♦ Ties are resolved by stage judges.
Costume Judging:
♦ Judged on all worn elements (costumes, wigs, props). Non-worn stage items are excluded.♦ Teams present a Costume Report (English), give a 5-min presentation, followed by Q&A (2 min) and hands-on inspection (3 min).♦ Delayed submissions incur penalties:
- 24 hrs: -10%
- >48 hrs: -20%
- >72 hrs: -30%
- >120 hrs: 0 points
Stage Performance:
♦ Maximum 2:30 min performance; exceeding this results in:
- <10 sec over: -10%
- ≥10 sec: -25%♦ Maximum of 3 stage props (each ≤10 kg; dimensions: 2100×2100×900 mm).♦ Total weight (costumes, wigs, props) must not exceed 40 kg/team.
♦ 75% or more of the costume must be handmade by the representatives.
♦ Shop-bought items will not be judged unless significantly altered (≥50%).
♦ 3D Printing is allowed with clear documentation and crediting.
♦ Dangerous props/weapons are prohibited.
♦ Music and videos must not infringe copyrights.
♦ No external power sources (only built-in batteries).
♦ Restricted materials: powder, metallic confetti, fire/smoke, liquids, fine particles <2 cm, etc.
♦ Props must be manageable during 40-sec changeover time.
♦ No off-stage or audience area performances allowed.
♦ Representatives must cooperate to ensure event success.
♦ Media usage rights for promotion belong to WCS; no compensation will be given.
♦ Representatives join the WCS Alumni Network.
♦ Prizes include trophies, certificates, commemorative items, and special invitations.
♦ Costume and performance materials must follow WCS official formats.
♦ Late submissions face scoring deductions.