Cosplay Competition

The JPEX Cosplay Competition consists of two official categories:

1.1 Performance

• Maximum of 25 contestants.
• Judged primarily on stage performance, presentation, creativity, and entertainment.
• Purchased, rented, commissioned, or handcrafted costumes are permitted.

1.2 Craftsmanship

• Maximum of 25 contestants.
• Judged primarily on costume construction, craftsmanship, techniques, and accuracy.
• Costumes must be primarily handcrafted by the contestant.

Each contestant may:

• Enter one (1) category only.
• Compete with one (1) costume only.

• Contestants must be 13 years of age or older.
• Contestants under the age of 18 must submit a signed parental or guardian consent form.
• Cosplays must be based on officially published media, including:
  • Anime
  • Manga
  • Video Games
  • Movies
  • Television Series
  • Live-Action Productions
• Original Characters (OCs) are not permitted.
• Fan-art interpretations of existing characters are permitted provided the character remains clearly recognizable.
• International and regional contestants are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, visa, and personal expenses.

Costume Requirements

Craftsmanship contestants must create the majority of their costume themselves.

• At least 80% of the visible costume must be handcrafted or substantially modified by the contestant.
• Purchased base items such as wigs, shoes, contact lenses, or small accessories are permitted if they are significantly modified or integrated into the costume.
• Fully purchased, commissioned, or tailor-made costumes are not permitted.
• The costume must be primarily created by the contestant.
• Limited third-party assistance is permitted only for tasks requiring specialised equipment or physical assistance (for example: heavy cutting, soldering, or fitting large armour pieces).
• Any third-party assistance must be declared during registration.
• Failure to disclose significant third-party assistance may result in score deductions or disqualification.
• If a cosplay model is used, the creator of the costume—not the model—must be the official contestant.

Work in Progress (WIP)

Craftsmanship contestants must submit:

• 3–5 Work in Progress (WIP) photos or videos showing the construction process.
• JPEX may request additional progress documentation if required.
• Failure to provide sufficient proof that the costume was made by the contestant may result in disqualification.
• Approximately three weeks before the registration deadline, the JPEX Cosplay Team may contact contestants to confirm participation and verify that the costume is at least 90% complete.

Craftsmanship contestants will undergo pre-judging before the competition and will later participate in the costume showcase on stage.

Performance contestants are not required to submit Work in Progress (WIP) documentation.

Purchased, commissioned, rented, or handcrafted costumes are all permitted.

During registration, Performance contestants must provide:

• Character Name
• Series/Game/Anime
• A brief description of their performance or skit
• Any stage props being used
• Any stage assistance requirements

Performance duration is 90 seconds.

Contestants will receive up to 60 seconds of stage preparation time with assistance from the JPEX Cosplay Team.

All contestants, regardless of category, must submit either:

• One (1) audio file, or
• One (1) video file.

The submitted media will be used during the contestant’s stage appearance or costume showcase.

Submission Requirements

• Maximum duration: 1 minute 30 seconds (90 seconds).
• Media must be submitted by 12 August 2026 – 11:59 PM (UAE Time).
• All media must be reviewed and approved by the JPEX Cosplay Team before the competition.
• Contestants are responsible for ensuring their files are complete, functional, and submitted in the required format.

The submitted media must not contain:

• Profanity
• Political messages
• Religious messages
• Hate speech
• Discriminatory content
• Explicit or sexually suggestive material
• Content that violates UAE laws or copyright regulations

Permitted Materials

Props may be made using:

• EVA Foam, Craft Foam, L200 Foam
• Cardboard
• Thermoplastics (such as Worbla)
• Lightweight PVC, Lightweight Resin, Lightweight 3D Printed Plastics
• Unstrung bows, Staffs, Wands
• Low-voltage LED lighting

All props must be lightweight, safe, and suitable for use on stage and around attendees.

Prohibited Items

The following items are strictly prohibited:

• Real firearms, swords, knives, or metal weapons
• Wooden weapons or glass weapons
• Airsoft guns or projectile weapons
• Arrows, slingshots, or functional bows
• Explosives, pyrotechnics, or flammable materials
• Laser pointers
• Smoke machines, powder effects, liquid effects, or glitter bombs

JPEX reserves the right to inspect and reject any prop considered unsafe.

All costumes, performances, stage content, and behaviour must comply with UAE laws and JPEX event policies.

All performances must maintain a PG-13 standard.

The following are strictly prohibited:

• Nudity
• Racist or discriminatory content
• Political or religious performances/messages
• Offensive gestures or dangerous behaviour
• Stage diving
• Violence, harassment, bullying, or intimidation
• Disruptive backstage behaviour

Contestants must:

• Follow all instructions from event staff.
• Respect fellow contestants, judges, volunteers, and attendees.
• Conduct themselves professionally throughout the event.

Failure to comply with these rules may result in immediate disqualification. The organiser reserves the right to deny entry to any costume or performance considered unsafe, inappropriate, or damaging to the event.

• Craftsmanship contestants will participate in pre-judging before the competition.
• Performance contestants will be judged during their live stage performance.
• Judges will evaluate contestants according to the official JPEX judging criteria.
• The judges’ decisions are final and are not subject to appeal.

Performance

• 🥇 1st Place – AED 3,000
• 🥈 2nd Place – AED 2,000
• 🥉 3rd Place – AED 1,000

Craftsmanship

• 🥇 1st Place – AED 4,000
• 🥈 2nd Place – AED 3,000
• 🥉 3rd Place – AED 1,500

Total Prize Pool: AED 15,000

By participating in the JPEX Cosplay Competition, contestants grant JPEX permission to photograph, film, and record their participation.

Submitted materials and event-day recordings may be used for:

• Social media
• Official website
• Promotional materials & Press releases
• Event highlights
• Future marketing and advertising

No additional permission or financial compensation will be required.

• JPEX does not provide lockers or storage facilities.
• Contestants are responsible for the security of their costumes, props, and personal belongings at all times.
• JPEX and the venue are not liable for any lost, stolen, or damaged property.

JPEX reserves the right to:

• Refuse entry to any costume, prop, or performance deemed unsafe or inappropriate.
• Disqualify contestants who violate these Rules & Regulations.
• Modify the competition schedule if required.
• Amend these Rules & Regulations when necessary for operational, safety, or legal reasons.

Registration & Submission Deadline:
Wednesday, 12 August 2026 – 11:59 PM (UAE Time)

By this deadline, contestants must submit all required materials, including:

• Registration form
• Costume information
• Work in Progress (WIP) photos/videos (Craftsmanship category only)
• Audio or video file (all categories)
• Performance description (Performance category only)
• Any additional documents requested by the JPEX Cosplay Team

Late or incomplete submissions may not be accepted unless approved by the JPEX Cosplay Team.

By participating in the JPEX Cosplay Competition 2026, contestants confirm that they have read, understood, and agree to comply with these Rules & Regulations.

Failure to comply may result in disqualification from the competition.

The JPEX Team wishes all contestants the very best of luck and looks forward to celebrating your creativity, craftsmanship, and passion for cosplay.