COSPLAY CONTEST
Westminster Mall
Location: 1025 Westminster Mall, Westminster, CA 92683
Event Date/Time: 10/18 & 10/19 2025
Sat. 12:00pm-8:00pm
Sun. 12:00pm-6:00pm
Deadline to Check-In at Cosplay Zone/Anime Night Mart Info Booth day of event:
Sat. 4:30pm
Sun. 3:45pm
IMPORTANT: NO MORE FULL TACTICAL SWAT GEAR COSPLAYS, the police literally pulled their guns on one of our cosplayer at the last event because of this. You will be asked to take off the gear if not you will escorted out of the event if you come in full tactical gear.
We will be hosting a cosplay contest each day! You may enter the contest both days but must enter a different costume each day and fill out this form separately for each Cosplay!
If you have won any awards for the cosplay you are entering, at any other competitions, that cosplay will not be eligible to win prizes at this contest.
For those entering Handmade categories you must submit one progress photo at the bottom of the form to prove it is handmade, thank you!
All cosplayers may enter regardless of skill level for chance to win Audience Choice prize and be part of our Cosplay Catwalk! We are giving away a showmanship and scariest costume award each day which everyone is eligible to win!
As soon as you get to the event please make sure to check-in at the Cosplay Zone located next to ANM info booth & the escalators leading up to the food court.
The deadline to check-in SAT will be 4:30pm.
The deadline to check-in SUN will be 3:45pm.
SAT. May 17th
At 4:30pm all craftsmanship contestants please be at the Cosplay Zone Area to meet up with our Judges where they will lead you to an area to conduct interviews. For all other cosplayers please be at cosplay zone area by 5:15pm so we can get everyone ready for the cosplay catwalk.
We will then all walk to the stage together at 5:25pm and have performance area cleared, when you hear your name you may walk onto stage and do your thing! (Judges Please Cross off all contestants who have not checked in before catwalk)
SUN. May 18th
At 3:45pm all craftsmanship contestants please be at the Cosplay Zone Area to meet up with our Judges where they will lead you to an area to conduct interviews. For all other cosplayers please be at cosplay zone area by 4:15pm so we can get everyone ready for the cosplay catwalk.
We will then all walk to the stage together at 4:25pm and have performance area cleared, when you hear your name you may walk onto stage and do your thing! (Judges Please Cross off all contestants who have not checked in before catwalk)
Please let your friends know about the details!
Form must be submitted by 10/12/25 6:00pm in order to participate. (Day of sign-ups may or may not be available)
Cosplay Contest Judging Criteria:
Craftsmanship/Handmade Prizes
1st place- $125 –Best in Show – craftsmanship- Costume 60% or more made by individual. Exhibits a well detailed, proper fitted costume & very clean finish. Your stage presence will also be considered.
2nd place – $100 – Rising Star – craftsmanship. Costume 60% or more made by individual. Exhibits an understanding of crafting and finishing of costumes. Your stage presence will also be considered.
3rd place – $50 – Best Novice – Craftsmanship. Costume 40% made by individual, participants with a purchased part of costume can still qualify but at least 40% must be handmade. Individual will exhibit a Unique approach to prop/wig/detail piece, that still maintains a quality finish. Your stage presence will also be considered.
Showman Ship Prizes (All contestants are eligible for this prize!)
$25 – Audience Choice – During Walk on, crowd cheers will be noted. Top 5-6 individuals will have a cheer off!
$25 – Scariest Costume – Our judges and staff will award a cash prize to the scariest costume!
Anime Night Mart Cosplay Props Policy
Prohibited Items
The following items are strictly prohibited inside the convention center or event grounds:
Functional weapons of any kind (including firearms, bows, crossbows, tasers, pepper spray, or stun guns).
Metal replica weapons that can be mistaken for real firearms or blades.
Explosives, fireworks, or live ammunition.
Projectiles (e.g., Nerf darts, airsoft pellets, arrows, throwing stars).
Sharp-edged props made of metal, glass, or other materials capable of cutting or causing injury.
Heavy props that pose a risk if dropped (generally anything over 15 lbs should be pre-approved).
Liquids, powders, or chemicals of any kind.
Allowed Props (With Restrictions)
Prop Firearms:
Must have an orange tip (per federal law).
Cannot be capable of firing projectiles.
Cannot make realistic firing sounds.
Prop Blades/Swords:
Must be made of foam, plastic, wood, or lightweight material.
No live steel or sharp edges permitted.
Bows, Crossbows, & Slingshots:
Must be unstrung or have a loose string.
No functional projectiles allowed.
Staffs, Spears, & Polearms:
Tips must be blunt, padded, or capped for safety.
Must be easy to carry through crowded areas.
Prop Size Guidelines
Props must not exceed 6 feet in height or 40 pounds in weight without prior approval.
Oversized props must not block walkways, entrances, or exits.
If your prop is deemed too large for crowded areas, you may be asked to check it or keep it in designated photo areas only.
Behavior Guidelines
Props may not be brandished, swung, or used in a threatening manner.
Horseplay, mock combat, or sparring is not allowed in convention space.
Keep your prop under control at all times and be mindful of your surroundings.
Enforcement
Staff and security may inspect props at any time.
If a prop violates this policy, staff may confiscate it until the end of the event or request that you remove it from the premises.
Repeated violations or unsafe behavior will result in removal of our event without refund.