The Cosplay Competition is back again.
The Details
Competition: Daily 3pm – 5pm on stage.
Application: In person every day before 1 pm
Pre-Judging: Area to be announced later. It will be at 1:30pm/2pm.
Children défilé/Presentation: Daily 2:30pm
Malta Comic Con Cosplay Prize Ceremony – Sunday at 5.40pm
Cosplayers are to bring their own music on the day on a pendrive. They can also send it via email on: In the email subject include – COSPLAY followed by Cosplayer Name. This is to be sent in MP3 format before the 3rd of November 2025 to cosplay@wickedcomics.org
Music should not be longer than the skit and if to be used for a pose, it should be around 1min/1min 30seconds maximum.
Cosplayers without music will be provided with sample music by Wicked Comics.
No YouTube Clips will be played on the day nor music from Mobile devices.
Cosplayers are to provide accurate progress photos of their costume creation and reference photos of the character they are cosplaying. Pre-Judging will be limited to around 2-3min per cosplayer. Please keep to the timeframe and avoid long replies.
Judging
- No group category prizes but cosplayers can still present themselves as a couple, group etc…
- Different applications need to be submitted for each character even if taking part in a group act.
- You can choose which day you wish to take part in, and you can take part in both days with different cosplays!
- The Popular Fan favourite is back on both days based on audience impact.
Judging Criteria
- Craftsmanship: 30 Points
- Accuracy: 20 Points
- Detailing / Finish: 20 Points
- Performance / Presentation: 20 Points
- Makeup/Wig: 10 Points
Judges then add up the points from each criterion to determine winners. Further comments/ Notes are also taken during the pre-judging and based on the review of the material provided to the judges.
All decisions taken by the Judges are final.
Cosplayers may ask to see the scoring sheet and comments after the Award Ceremony.
Categories
Best in Show
The overall winner of the entire competition, based on costume, performance and craftsmanship.
Best Prop
For the best use of creation props, focusing on their construction and integration into the cosplay.
Best Novice
For the Newcomers or less experienced cosplayers who excel in their category.
Best Armor
For the best costume that primarily features armour, with attention to detail, construction and realism.
Best Needlework
Focuses on costumes that display advanced sewing techniques, fabric work and attention to detail in fabric manipulation.
Best Hair/Makeup
Recognizes exceptional wig / hair styling and/or make up application to bring a character to life.
Judges’ Choice
A special award given at the discretion of the judges for a cosplayer they find particularly noteworthy.
Who can cosplay?
Anyone can cosplay and that is the fun of it! Those under the age of 11 are considered part of the ‘Children Cosplay’ and do not compete but just show of their costume on stage and get awarded a commemorative medal. Those above the age of 11 years can compete in the above categories. Cosplayers between the age of 11-17 need a parent’s consent to take part in the competition. Please check the form for this.
Entry requirements:
- Show up with a fantastic Cosplay!
- Prepare an awesome show!
- Be ready to dazzle the crowd!
- Make sure to print and properly fill in the application form
- Hand in your application form to the Info Point prior to 1pm on each day.
- Get to meet the judges during the Pre-Judging (at 1:30pm/2pm)
- Prepare your portfolio as detailed as possible in order to impress the judges. Pre-judging needs to be limited to 3min per cosplayer.
Rules and Regulations for Cosplay Competition:
- Participants will not be allowed to enter the Cosplay competition without submitting a duly completed registration form.
- If a cosplayer is participating on multiple days, a separate registration form must be submitted for each day and cosplay.
- Cosplayers who have previously participated or won an award with the same costume (or most of its elements) at any Wicked Comics Event must inform the judges. Marks will be deducted if the cosplayer has already won with the same costume.
- Cosplayers must participate as individuals and should not publicize any affiliation with any group or association during the competition.
- The judges and Wicked Comics are the only official bodies scoring the cosplayers and will be the only ones to know the final scores. Cosplayers can request their own score via email, but no public scoring boards will be available.
- Cosplayers are encouraged to participate with a healthy and competitive mindset. Ethical and respectful behaviour is expected before, during, and after the competition. Any misconduct may lead to a ban from future Wicked Comics events.
- Wicked Comics reserves the right to disqualify any participant who does not comply with the rules or exhibits unsportsmanlike or disrespectful behaviour toward other participants, visitors, organizers, or helpers.
- Participants should be mindful of their surroundings. The Organizing Committee will not be responsible for any harm or injury caused by individual carelessness.
- The decision of the Organizing Committee (Wicked Comics) is final, and no appeals will be entertained.
- By submitting the registration form, participants agree and give irrevocable consent for any footage, photos, or media related to the competition to be used in promotional materials without compensation.
Costume Guidelines:
- Variations of characters are encouraged for the Malta Comic Con Cosplay Competition 2025. Custom-themed costumes, such as ‘summer’ variants or official alternate costumes, are welcome.
- “No costume is NO COSTUME.” While some anime characters may wear casual clothing, simple everyday outfits are less engaging and will result in point deductions.
- Cosplayers who create their own costumes, props, or replicas will receive additional points. Replicas are allowed, and providing photos of the creation process can enhance authenticity claims.
- The competition is family-friendly, and all costumes must adhere to the event’s standards. Body paint, latex pasties, and similar items are not considered adequate coverage without additional clothing.
- Cosplay is an all-ages event and should be treated as PG-13. All music and pre-recorded materials will be screened, and inappropriate content (offensive language, sexual humor, or content unsuitable for general audiences) will result in disqualification. If unsure, participants should consult the Wicked Comics Cosplay Staff.
- Under no circumstances may participants enter restrooms of the opposite gender. Please use restrooms responsibly.
Props and Safety:
- All props brought on stage must be removed by the cosplayer. Confetti, fireworks, glitter, water, and other small objects are strictly prohibited. Non-firing toy weapons are allowed on stage without peace bonding, but any sharp or live weapons will result in eviction from the stage. No food, animals, or remote-controlled devices are allowed on stage, and throwing items into the crowd is prohibited. All props must be listed and submitted with the registration forms. Any unlisted or potentially dangerous props will not be allowed and will be confiscated for safekeeping. Wicked Comics reserves the right to bar the use of any dangerous props and to confiscate them if necessary. Items will be returned after the event.
- Stage fighting and martial arts must be performed at half speed and quarter strength. One foot must remain on the ground at all times, and actions such as jumps, rolls, or climbing on or off the stage are prohibited.
For more information, contact Wicked Comics at: info@wickedcomics.org
In accordance with GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation 2016/679), personal information provided will not be shared with third parties without consent. By submitting the form, participants agree to the use of their information for administrative purposes related to this event and future events organized by Wicked Comics.
