SMASH! Cosplay Competition
The SMASH! Cosplay Competition is your moment to shine. Whether you’re stepping onto the stage for the first time or ready to level up and test your skills against seasoned competitors, our two-tier competition structure ensures everyone gets their chance to shine in the spotlight. Cosplays must be from Japanese media (games/anime/manga etc).
Bring your passion, your craftsmanship, and your creative flair! With cash prizes and more to be won, this is a chance you don’t want to miss. We can’t wait to see what you’ve created!
Novice Category
New to cosplay competitions? This one’s for you.
The Novice category is designed for cosplayers who are newer to the competition scene and want to build confidence, gain experience, and enjoy the thrill of competing in a supportive environment. To be eligible for this tier at a minimum, your cosplay must be 50% handmade and a build book is advised but not mandatory.
You should consider entering Novice if you:
- Have entered only a handful of cosplay competitions
- Are still building your skills and competition experience
- Have not frequently placed or won awards in cosplay competitions
- Want a welcoming space to learn, grow, and have fun on stage
This category is all about encouraging new competitors and celebrating creativity at every stage of the cosplay journey.
The winner of the Best in Show award in our Novice category will walk away with a cash prize of $500.00! More prizes will be announced later, so stay tuned to see what you can win.
Advanced Category
Ready to take things up a notch?
The Advanced category is for cosplayers who have honed their skills over time and are confident competing at a higher level. This tier is ideal for experienced competitors looking for their next challenge. To be eligible for this tier, your costume needs to be 75% handmade and a build book is mandatory.
You should consider entering Advanced if you:
- Have competed regularly in cosplay competitions
- Have previously placed or won awards in one or more competitions
- Feel confident in your craftsmanship, technique, and presentation
- Are looking to challenge yourself alongside other high-level cosplayers
This category showcases advanced workmanship and performance, with judging that reflects a higher level of skill and experience.
The winner of the Best in Show award in our Advanced category will receive a cash prize of $1000.00! More prizes will also be available and announced at a later date.
Disclaimer:
Entries for both the Novice and Advanced categories close at 11:59pm on the 8th of June, 2026. This is also the latest that you can submit your buildbook.
Rules & Important Information
Full competition rules and entry details will be released closer to the event. If you are successful you will also be provided information on your pre-judging timeslot.
All costumes must comply with the SMASH! Code of Conduct and must be family friendly.
Props that do not adhere to the SMASH! Props Policy are permitted to be entered into the competition; however, these props must be safely stored at all times except during pre-judging or while the cosplayer is on stage during their competition appearance.
Questions or Not Sure Which Category to Enter?
If you’re unsure which category is right for you, or if you have any questions about eligibility, rules, or props, we’re happy to help.
Contact the Cosplay team at: cosplaycompetitions@smash.org.au