It’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for — we are now accepting entries for the AX 2018 Masquerade! Cosplayers near and far are invited to perform and compete in the Anime Expo Masquerade with the chance to win one of the largest cash prizes in the country. Come take part in one of our most beloved traditions!

New for 2018: Professional Division!

This year we are introducing a new division for professionals, with the opportunity to win $5000 and 4-day badges for AX 2019! We’ve added this division to give all cosplayers the opportunity to compete against those with similar experience levels, including veteran professionals. Entrants in the Professional Division will not be eligible to win Best in Show.

The Professional Division applies to entrants who meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • Cosplayers who derive the majority of their income from cosplay creation (including commissions, convention appearances, photo sales, etc.)
  • Those with professions in costume creation (such as seamstresses, tailors, costume/fashion designers, or anyone working in costuming for film/TV/theater)
  • Cosplayers who have competed in and won Best in Show/Best Construction in multiple competitions within the last year.

All entrants will be reviewed prior to acceptance, and entrants may be reclassified at the discretion of AX staff. Please see the Masquerade rules for full guidelines on division qualification.

Submit Your Entry

  • Progress photos (2) and Background picture and audio due May 21, 2017
  • Intermediate division waitlist full as of 2/7/18! Thank you!

EVENT DETAILS:

  • When: Saturday, July 7, 2018
  • Where: Main Events (Hall B)

PRIZES:

Winners in each category will receive the following:

  • Best in Show: $3000 cash prize, 4-day badge(s) to AX 2019, a sewing machine, and a prize package
  • Best Construction: $1250 cash prize, 4-day badge(s) to AX 2019, a sewing machine, and a prize package
  • Division Winners:
    • Professional: $5000 cash prize and 4-day badge(s) to AX 2019.
    • Masters: $1000 cash prize, 4-day badge(s) to AX 2019, a sewing machine, and a prize package.
    • Intermediate: $750 cash prize, 4-day badge(s) to AX 2019, plus a prize package

Anime Expo will run from July 5 through July 8, 2018 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. To purchase badges for Anime Expo, please visit http://www.anime-expo.org/registration/.

Have Questions? Email masquerade@anime-expo.org for help.

See you onstage!