Illustris Models and Printing x SMASH! Cosplay Competition
📢 Calling all cosplayers, a new tiered cosplay competition awaits!
Ever wondered where you were able to show off your crafting, creativity and passion in either cosplay, props or performances? Why not join our newest tiered cosplay competition - Illustris Models and Printing x SMASH! Cosplay Competition, where everyone can have a chance to shine!
Why Enter?
- Multiple Tiers: Compete at your skill level - Novice or Advanced!
- Epic Prizes: Incredible rewards for winners in each tier!
- Stage Glory: Gain the spotlight for your amazing work and craftsmanship!
- Community: Connect with fellow cosplayers and fans from all over!
Competition Categories (Tiered):
- Best in Show: Awarded to the overall winner of the competition. This is awarded to the person the judges believe has all round the best craftsmanship from sewing to costume/armour to wigs.
- Best Needlework: Awarded to the person the judges believe to have the most impressive use of needlework. This award will be measured based on the overall execution, the range and difficulty of techniques, and creativeness.
- Best Craftwork: Awarded to the person the judges believe to have the best craftwork. This encompasses props, armour, accessories, wigs, electronics, and everything outside of sewing! This award will be measured based on the overall execution, the range and difficulty of techniques demonstrated, and innovation.
- Judge’s Choice: Awarded to the person the judges believe to have left a special impression. This is awarded based on those who may have learned a new skill, challenged themself at a different level or may have used a unique skill. This award can be viewed as a highly commended award.
- Illustris Models Sustainability Award: Award that endeavours to highlight creators being conscious and sustainable in their cosplay crafting. This award is to encourage cosplayers to use materials they already own (aka “stash busting”), and show they made a conscious effort to reduce waste while creating their costumes.
Competition Category (Awarded to any eligible entrants regardless of competition tier):
- Best Skit: This is awarded to the judges based on who they believe to have created the best skit as well as having the strongest stage presence and relevance to their character. This is the ONLY category in which a bought cosplay may win this award.
Apply Now!
Applications close on June 8th, 2025, 11:00PM!
Don't miss your chance to strut your style with us at SMASH! 2025 this year!
Limited slots are available, so sign up today to not miss out in participating in our most thrilling cosplay event yet!
Who Can Participate?
- The competition is open to anyone who is wearing a costume that is associated with anime, manga, anime-style video games or other content, and artists with heavy artistic Japanese influences, or inspirations taken from Japanese culture. Entries with self-designed original characters/costumes will not be eligible to participate.
- Entries are strictly limited to per-registration that are filled online. No entries will be accepted on the day.
- There will be a limited number of entries available in the Cosplay Competition (a whole group counts as one entry).
- Entrants 16 years or under will require consent to participate from a parent or guardian, who must be present with you during the check-in on the event day. As per SMASH! Code of Conduct, attendees aged 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of their time at the event.
- Guests, artists, or vendors may not enter the competition for the purpose of advertising or promotion of their own work or merchandise.