COSPLAY COMPETITION AT MNN 2026
The organizers of the Na meji nevidnega convention, are huge fans of cosplay, which is why we are committed to continuously improving the quality of our cosplay competitions, which are usually the highlight of the convention. From the first convention to today, we’ve seen many changes, learned a great deal, and decided on the following categories and criteria for judging.
AWARDED CATEGORIES
– Armor
– SFX & Make up
– Nneedlework
– Original character
An original character is defined as a character created by the person themselves, rather than being based on an existing anime, game, movie, or other media, and includes the person’s own character concept and custom-designed costume.
Based on the number of points awarded, we will also select the Best in Show from among all the participants, who will also represent Slovenia at the European International Cosplay Champions competition.
The People’s Choice Award is also presented based on votes cast during the show.
IDEAS AND TIPS
If you want to impress our judges, it’s especially important that your costume is polished. Even from the back, because we’ll be taking a close look at you! It’s great if you also highlight what you made yourself and what you bought, how long it all took you, etc. Be confident and proud of your work! Warning: sharp weapons, tools, or other costume parts that could injure someone do not belong at the convention, and we will be forced to confiscate them at the entrance.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
The criteria evaluated by the expert judges are as follows: the authenticity of the costume in relation to the chosen character, the quality of craftsmanship (finished work, hemmed seams, layers of paint, etc.), an attempt is also made to determine how much work the cosplayer put into specific parts, or whether they learned any new skills (craftsmanship) in making the costume, …
Please also read the competition rules below the registration form.
COMPETITION REGISTRATION PROCESS
The number of participants is limited to 25. We will consider all applications. If the number of applicants exceeds this limit, we will make a selection based on the completed application and the costume build documentation (build book).
The preliminary judging is scheduled for Saturday morning. Contestants will receive instructions at least 2 days before the event. You will also be allowed to enter the venue without waiting in line with other visitors, so you can get ready in the Cosplay Dressing Room in peace before the preliminary judging begins.
Please take your time when filling out the application and don’t wait until the last minute. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at cosplay[@]nmn.si.
Costume build documentation (build book)
It must be submitted as a PDF when registering for the trek and brought along in hard copy to the preliminary screening. The recommended length is 5–10 pages.
Structure
- Cover Page
Character name, contestant name, reference image. - Project descriptions
A brief description of the character and the project (up to 1 page). - Images of the selected character
Reference images highlighting details. - Creation process
The key part of the document. Include photos of the work-in-progress (WIP) and brief descriptions. - Materials and techniques
List the materials used and production processes. - Fianl result
Photos of the finished costume (including details, if possible).
Guidelines
- Use more images than text.
- Keep descriptions short and clear.
- Highlight the more complex parts of the production process.
- Make sure the document is visually organised and easy to read.
- Clearly label any parts that were not produced in-house.
COMPETITION RULES
1. Multiple entries with different costumes are not permitted. Each contestant may enter only once, with a single costume.
2. Group costumes are not permitted; costumes may only be judged individually.
3. The competition consists of registration, preliminary judging, and a presentation.
Registration takes place via an online form, the preliminary judging at a designated location, and the presentation on the main stage at the event. The location for the preliminary judging will be communicated to all contestants at least 2 days before the event, or at the info desk at the event itself.
4. Preliminary Judging: At a specified time, you will be called for preliminary judging, where you will explain the costume creation process to the jury. You are then free until the time of your presentation.
5. Candidates must submit a complete application form, which serves as a reference for selection, evaluation, and performance. In the costume production documentation, describe the costume’s details and the production process, the materials used, the number of hours of work, or anything else that might impress the jury.
6. All accepted candidates must report to the preliminary judging on the day of the competition. Candidates who do not attend the preliminary judging will be disqualified. We will send you the details regarding the time and location of the competition via the email address you provided.
7. When registering for the competition, please include reference images, preferably color images of the character’s front and side views. If your reference images do not clearly depict the character, the jury will not be able to judge your entry accurately.
8. During registration, you may submit the music that will play during your performance.
9. Physical media (e.g., CDs) and/or video devices (e.g., laptops, iPods) will not be accepted during the preliminary round.
10. Vulgar language and profanity are not permitted on stage. This includes messages on signs or clothing. Violation of this rule may result in disqualification.
11. Political or religious statements on stage and during judging are not permitted. Violation of this rule may result in disqualification.
12. A costume may not be used if it has been featured in previous international competitions or in the final rounds of other competitions.
13. A costume must not promote the use of alcohol, illegal substances, tobacco, weapons, or dangerous activities.
14. The costume must not be obscene or offensive, nor must it show support for hatred or hate groups.
15. The costume must not depict a violation of the law or violate the law itself.
16. Please ensure that your costume does not contain any substances that could interfere with other contestants or their costumes. If you are wearing skin-colored makeup or cosmetics, ensure that they do not transfer to other people. Do not bring anything onto the stage that could damage other costumes. Do not leave anything on the stage after your performance.
17. Nudity is not permitted. All costumes must cover the body in a manner appropriate for the general public and families. Violent scenes or other controversial content may result in disqualification, at the discretion of the judges.
18. Contestants are responsible for their personal belongings. We cannot provide a secure area for your personal belongings. We recommend that you have an assistant to help you with this.
19. If you violate any of the listed rules, the event management, staff, or jury may disqualify you. The jury’s decision is final.
20. A contestant may not enter the competition wearing a purchased costume or a costume that they did not make themselves. Parts of the costume (e.g., bodysuits, tights, shoes) may be made from purchased items, provided that the contestant made at least 60% of the costume themselves. If the costume is altered from purchased items, the contestant must explain in detail how the costume was created and the creation process. Costumes consisting of purchased items that are intended to represent a character or costume are not permitted.
21. Electrical outlets will not be available to you. If your costume requires electricity, it must be an integral part of the costume’s design.
22. Wings, large props, or large costumes are permitted; however, if they exceed 2.5 meters in height and 1 meter in width, you may not be able to get them through the door. If possible, larger parts of the costume should be removable. We have no restrictions on costume size, but please be careful on stage. You are responsible for any damage to the stage, lighting, technical equipment, or event property.
23. The costume must allow for movement with minimal assistance. The costume must not hinder you when entering or exiting the stage. You may not assemble the costume on stage.
24. All props will be checked for safety at the entrance to the Gospodarsko razstavišče. The following items are prohibited at the event:
- functional firearms (airsoft guns, air guns, alarm guns, paintball guns, slingshots)
- realistic replica firearms (replicas, imitations, or toy guns that can be mistaken for functional firearms at a glance)
- prohibited projectile weapons (blowguns, crossbows, bows, foam spray cans, slingshots, water balloons, and water guns)
- bladed weapons with sharp edges (axes, daggers, tomahawks, knives, kunai, shuriken, swords, walking sticks with swords, and switchblades)
- explosives (firecrackers and fireworks)
- chemical weapons (tear gas)
- blunt weapons (brass knuckles, clubs, nunchucks)
- props made of heavy materials (including iron, fiberglass, and glass)
instruments that cause excessive noise, such as vuvuzelas.
25. The minimum age for registration in the main competition is 16; younger participants have the opportunity to perform on Sunday at the children’s cosplay show or during the cosplay catwalk.
Replica weapons are permitted provided they are made of cardboard, foam, wood, or other lightweight materials. Replica guns are permitted only if they are not visually indistinguishable from real firearms. The barrel of all guns must be covered with a brightly colored cap. Replica bows are permitted, provided their arrows have soft tips.