Cosplay Contest of the Anime Messe Babelsberg 2025

With their colourful and elaborate costumes from anime, manga and game series, cosplayers are the eye-catcher of every anime event and at Anime Messe Babelsberg they even have the stage. Don't miss the cosplay competition on Saturday at 13:50, when the battle for the best costume will be fought! But if you want to achieve fame and honour, you also have to bring your character to life on stage. Look forward to exciting, serious and funny performances and cheer on your favourites. The 1st place winner will not only receive a generous voucher from AnimeFanShop.de, but also an exclusive weekend trip to the Anime Festival Kassel 2025!

Your creativity and passion for cosplay will take centre stage in this contest. 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 – show your personality and let your talent shine!

We’re excited to see all the talented cosplayers and can’t wait 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 experience an unforgettable day in Animeland at Anime Messe Babelsberg! Sign up now via the online form! If you prefer something more relaxed, we recommend the Show Your Cosplay segment on Friday.

1st Place:

€150 voucher for AnimeFanShop.de
Weekend trip to the Anime Festival Kassel 2025, where the winner will open the cosplay contest with a non-competitive performance and serve as a jury member. The trip includes: round-trip train travel from within the EU, hotel accommodation, and a 3-day event ticket.

2nd Place:

€100 voucher for AnimeFanShop.de and a 3-day ticket for Anime Festival Kassel 2025

3rd Place:

€50 voucher for AnimeFanShop.de and a 3-day ticket for Anime Festival Kassel 2025

Schedule:

Costume evaluation will take place 90 minutes before the cosplay contest. Meeting point: side entrance of the Metropolis Hall (near the workshop rooms).
15 minutes before the contest: meet again at the weapon check. After a short briefing, we will head to the stage together.
After all performances, a group photo and the award ceremony will follow. If time is short, the award ceremony will take place during the closing ceremony.

Judging Criteria:

A jury will evaluate based on: execution, craftsmanship, presentation, and overall impression. Additionally, the audience will vote with a separate weight.
Execution and craftsmanship are evaluated during the costume check; the rest on stage.
Each criterion is scored on a scale from 1 to 10.

Registration / Participation Rules:

Online registration is preferred; on-site registration is only possible in limited cases.
There are 15 slots available. Once full, additional entries will be placed on a waiting list.
You can register as an individual or as a group (max. 4 members).
Participants must be at least 16 years old on the day of the contest and must hold a valid convention ticket.
An image that served as a reference for your cosplay must be submitted during registration.
Media files (images/music/videos) must be submitted at least 7 days before the contest. If you have special media or lighting requests, a script is required. Templates and guidelines will be provided.
Costumes – whether bought or handmade – should be based on anime, manga, games, etc. Original characters are allowed.
Costumes must comply with the cosplay guidelines. Props that are flagged during weapons check may still be used during the performance.
Appropriate costumes and performances are required, as this is a youth-oriented event.
Performance duration: max. 3 minutes. How you showcase your cosplay is up to you – e.g., dance, singing, acting, or comedy.
Leave the stage clean. Do not use confetti or materials that are difficult to clean up.
Always keep safety in mind during your performance. No fire, dangerous actions, or throwing objects into the audience.
Costume or team changes must be reported in advance.
If you must cancel, please notify us as early as possible to give someone else a chance to participate.
By taking part, you agree that we may use video and photo recordings taken during the contest.