Animaga Cosplay activities
photo credit @justinc7838
photo credit @Chuong Photography
photo credit @Kyle Photography
The Cosplay Parade will be taking over the Saturday stage in Sydney! This is the perfect opportunity for everyone to step into the spotlight, share their passion, and celebrate their favorite characters with the community.
Unlike the Sunday Cosplay Competition, the Saturday Cosplay Parade is a non-competitive showcase designed for pure fun and fandom. It is about the joy of cosplay, not the score.
Who Can Enter?
Everyone is welcome! We invite cosplayers of all ages and experience levels to participate.
All Costumes Allowed: Whether you spent months crafting your armour or bought a perfect replica online, we want to see it. Bought and closet cosplays are fully welcome in the parade.
Skits & Posing: This is your moment. Whether you want to perform a short skit or simply walk on and strike a signature pose, the stage is yours.
Important Dates
Don’t miss your chance to walk the stage at ICC Sydney.
Applications Close: Wednesday, 11th March
Note: On-the-day signups may be accepted if space permits, but strictly limited. We highly recommend applying online to secure your spot.
How to Apply
Dust off your cosplays, practice your poses, and apply today via the link below.
Showcase Your Passion, Win the Stage! Cosplay Competition Open Now
Cosplay takes centre stage at Animaga Sydney 2026, where fans transform into their favourite characters and bring them to life under the spotlight. From detailed armour builds to playful character portrayals, it is a true celebration of creativity, fandom, and the spirit of anime culture.
The stage is set, the judges are ready, and applications are officially open. Whether you are a master crafter or a performance expert, this is your moment to shine.
The Competition
The Animaga Cosplay Competition is the highlight of the weekend. Judged by industry ambassadors, it focuses on craftsmanship, accuracy, and performance.
Judging Rubric Participants will be scored based on the following criteria:
Construction & Craftsmanship: 50%
Accuracy: 30%
Stage Presence: 10%
Flair / The “Extra Mile” Factor: 10%
Prizes & Awards
Competitors are vying for glory and top honors on the big stage:
Best in Show: $600
Runner Up: $400
Judge’s Choice Award: $250 (per judge)
We are proud to announce that this year’s competition is supported by our amazing sponsors: Hoshi, Lumin’s Workshop, and Illustris Models.
Essential Resources: The Build Book
For those competing in the craftsmanship categories, a Build Book is essential to show the judges your process. Please utilize the resources below to prepare your entry.
Read the Guide: Click here to view the Build Book Guide
Download the Template (PPTX): Click here
Download the Template (DOCX): Click here
Submit Your Build Book: Click here
How to Enter
Ready to take the stage? Before committing your entry, it is imperative that all prospective competitors familiarize themselves with the official event regulations. We ask that you read the cosplay event rules thoroughly to ensure your costume and performance meet all safety and judging criteria.
Please ensure you possess a valid Animaga Sydney 2026 ticket, and when you are ready, submit your entry form via the link below.
Sponsor by
As excitement mounts for Animaga Sydney 2026, attention turns to one of the weekend’s most cherished traditions: the Cosplay Competition. This year introduces a panel of experienced, passionate, and community-driven judges dedicated to celebrating every costume, every performance, and every moment on stage.
These judges are recognized as more than just experts in fabric and foam; they are storytellers, performers, and long-standing pillars of the cosplay community. With diverse backgrounds spanning competitive cosplay, theatre costuming, and event direction, the panel is ready to encourage, support, and recognize the incredible hard work of every entrant.
Asumi
Instagram: @asumi_cos
I have been cosplaying for over 10 years and have picked up a wide range of hands-on skills along the way, including patterning, sewing, boning, fabric dyeing, and detailed needlework. I create both male and female cosplays and really enjoy the flexibility and challenge of shape-shifting between different characters. Alongside costume making, I have experience with cosplay makeup and wig styling, and I also started my own brand in Australia to make cosplay makeup and accessories more accessible to the community. I have been in the Performing Arts industry for over 15 years and it brings me great joy watching the worlds collide between cosplay and performance.
Jenniwrenn
Instagram: @Jenniwrenncos
I started cosplaying in 2011, and since then I’ve developed so many new skills that range from pattern making, millinery, wig styling, fabric manipulation, and more. I’ve made just over 50 cosplays and love to experiment, utilise recycled materials and be sustainable with cosplay crafting. My favourite animes are Yu-Gi-Oh, Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, One Piece, Evangelion, Trigun- old school anime is my jam! I am a trained textiles teacher, and also design custom printed fabrics for cosplay.
Liririen
Instagram: @Liririen
I’ve been sewing and crafting my entire life but only got into cosplay in 2023 when I attended my first convention and decided I absolutely had to go as Sailor Mars a week before the event (coincidentally my first time con-crunching). I entered my first craftsmanship competitions in 2024 and was crowned the Canberra champion for Championships of Cosplay; I made so many meaningful friendships through cosplay competitions and had some truly amazing experiences backstage, in the judging room and on stage. Since then, I have been focusing on improving my skills and elevating my craft, and hope to get back to competing later this year! While I consider myself a generalist skills-wise, I am particularly passionate when it comes to foam work, finishing and material choices.
While each judge brings a unique perspective to the competition, they are united by a singular goal: to celebrate the dedication, talent, and passion inherent in every entry. Whether evaluating a novice or a seasoned competitor, the panel is committed to supporting every participant throughout their journey on stage.
Animaga Sydney welcomes these outstanding individuals to the 2026 judging team, setting the scene for a weekend defined by unforgettable performances and showstopping creativity.
Cosplayers, get ready!! Captain Patch-It is coming to Animaga Sydney (saturday only). Known as the superhero of cosplay emergencies, Captain Patch-It is here to save the day from unexpected rips, loose seams, snapped props, or last-minute costume disasters.
Whether you’re debuting a brand-new build or wearing a fan-favourite outfit, cosplay mishaps can strike at any time. That’s where Captain Patch-It comes in, armed with an arsenal of tools, adhesives, fabrics, and quick fixes to keep you stage-ready and looking your best.
📍 Repair Station Location: Inside the cosplay area at Animaga Sydney 2026
🔧 What’s Covered: From stitching and patching to gluing and taping, Captain Patch-It can help repair almost any cosplay hiccup on the spot.
With the Cosplay Repair Station at Animaga Sydney, you can focus on what matters most: enjoying the event, showing off your creativity, and celebrating with the community without worrying about costume setbacks.
