Cosplay Contest of the Anime Messe Babelsberg 2026

With their colourful and elaborate costumes from anime, manga and game series, cosplayers are the eye-catcher at any anime event, and at Anime Messe Babelsberg the stage even belongs to them. Be sure not to miss the cosplay competition on Saturday at 13:30, when the battle for the best costume takes place! But anyone seeking fame and glory also has to bring their character to life on stage. Look forward to thrilling, serious and funny performances, and cheer on your favourites with all you've got. First place here wins not only 150 euro in prize money, but also an exclusive weekend trip to the anniversary edition of Anime Messe Babelsberg 2026!

Your creativity and passion for cosplay will be in the spotlight at this competition. Every participant has the chance not only to shine with their costume, but also to bring their character to life on stage. Whether dramatic, humorous or both, bring your personality into it and show us what you are made of!

We look forward to seeing the many talented cosplayers and are excited to find out who will impress the jury and the audience the most. Fantastic prizes await the best of the best. Show your enthusiasm, cheer on your favourites and enjoy an unforgettable day in Animeland at Anime Messe Babelsberg! Sign up right away using the online form! If you would prefer a more relaxed approach, we can also recommend the Show Us Your Cosplay programme item on Friday.

1st place:

• 150 euro prize money + goodie bag
• Weekend trip to Anime Messe Babelsberg 2026, where the winner opens the cosplay competition with a non-competitive performance and takes part as a member of the jury. The trip includes: travel by train from within the EU, hotel accommodation and a 3-day ticket for the event.

2nd place:

• 100 euro prize money + goodie bag and a 3-day ticket for Anime Messe Babelsberg 2026

3rd place:

• 50 euro prize money + goodie bag and a 3-day ticket for Anime Messe Babelsberg 2026

Schedule:

• The compulsory costume judging takes place 90 minutes before the cosplay competition. Meeting point: side entrance of the Metropolis Halle (towards the workshop rooms).
• 15 minutes before the competition: meeting point again at the weapon check. After a briefing, we head to the stage.
• After all performances, there will be a group photo and the awards ceremony. If time is short, the awards ceremony will be held during the closing ceremony.

Judging criteria:

• A jury judges based on: accuracy, craftsmanship, presentation and overall impression. In addition, the audience votes with its own weighting.
• Accuracy and craftsmanship are assessed during the costume judging, the rest on stage.
• Each criterion is scored on a scale of 1 to 10.

Registration / terms of participation:

• Online registration preferred; on-site registration only possible to a limited extent.
• There are 15 starting places. Once these are full, further registrations go onto a waiting list.
• You can register individually or as a group (max. 4 members).
• Participants must be at least 16 years old on the day of the competition and hold a convention ticket.
• When registering, you must submit a reference image that served as the basis for the cosplay.
• Media files (images/music/videos) must be submitted up to 7 days before the competition. For special media or lighting requests, a script is required. We provide templates and instructions.
• Costumes, whether bought or self-made, should be based on anime, manga, games, etc. Original creations are permitted.
• Costumes must comply with the cosplay guidelines; weapons that have been flagged are permitted as props during the competition.
• Appropriate costumes and performances are mandatory, as this is a youth event.
• No explicit depictions of self-harm.
• Performance length: max. 3 minutes. It is up to you how you present your cosplay. For example: a dance, singing, show or comedy act, etc.
• Leave the stage clean. Do not use confetti or materials that are difficult to remove.
• During your performance, keep everyone's safety in mind. No fire, no dangerous actions and do not throw objects into the audience.
• Any changes to costumes or line-up must be reported in advance.
• If you have to drop out, please let us know early so that those on the waiting list have a chance.
• By taking part, you agree that we may use the video and photo recordings made during the competition.