Cosplay Contest Rules

Cosplay Contest Rules at Kucykon 2026 Convention

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Participation Requirements

1. Any person who meets the following conditions may participate in the Contest:
   • has read and accepted the general Convention rules and these rules,
   • holds a Convention participant accreditation (loss of accreditation results in exclusion from the Contest),
   • has completed the Contest registration form before the Jury round begins.
2. Costumes or props that may contaminate or damage the stage/equipment, or pose a threat to health or life, may be disqualified from presentation.
3. A participant may appear in a self-made costume, composed of previously purchased and modified items, or in a ready-made purchased set.
4. You may perform:
   • solo,
   • in a group (a leader must be designated).
5. The Contest consists of two stages:
   • the Jury round,
   • the main performance (presentation) on stage.
6. Attendance at all stages of the contest is mandatory — absence results in disqualification.
7. Applications must be submitted exclusively via the online form and according to its instructions.
8. Applications in incorrect format or incomplete will be returned for correction.
9. The deadline for submitting applications expires at the start of the Jury Round.
10. The number of contest slots is limited.
11. The Organizer reserves the right to reject an application at any stage for justified reasons (e.g., missed deadlines, rule violations).
12. An application may be rejected if the performance scenario contains dangerous, inappropriate content or content violating social norms.
13. Each participant may submit only one costume.
14. Groups must designate a leader as the contact person.
15. A rehearsal of the main performance is possible upon prior request included in the registration form (e.g., in additional information) and after agreeing on its timing with the Jury.
16. The following content is prohibited:
    • erotic,
    • containing vulgarities,
    • promoting hatred,
    • glorifying violence or self-harm,
    • disrespectful towards participants/audience,
    • other content deemed inappropriate by the Organizer.

Contest Proceedings

1. The cosplay contest takes place at the location and time designated by the Convention organizer.
2. The Jury composition is determined by the Convention organizer before the contest begins.
3. Awards are given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in three categories:
   • Best Performance (main award),
   • Most Pony Performance,
   • Best Costume.
4. Evaluation criteria:

   ▸ Best Performance:

   • accuracy of character portrayal,
   • stage movement, body awareness,
   • scenario quality and execution,
   • diction and vocalization (if text is present),
   • synchronization with music, lighting, partners.

   ▸ Best Costume:

   • amount of independent work invested,
   • material selection,
   • details, quality and creativity of costume execution,
   • wig/hair styling,
   • stage makeup,
   • consistency with reference artwork,
   • costume fit to body shape.

   ▸ Most Pony Performance:

   • level of reference and thematic consistency with My Little Pony characters,
   • scenario quality and execution,
   • performance creativity,
   • humor,
   • engagement,
   • surprise factor,
   • creative and quality costume/makeup/styling.
5. The Jury round consists of costume presentation and a brief conversation with the contest Jury. The Jury round is public.
6. The Jury round will be conducted in Polish and English.
7. Duration of the main performance or costume presentation on stage: up to a few minutes, max 7 min.
8. A participant may submit a music backing track or request use of a microphone.
9. Jury decisions are final and binding.
10. Awards cannot be exchanged for a cash equivalent.
11. In the case of groups, the award will be given to the leader.
12. Awards will be presented after performances and after the Jury deliberation.
13. The submitted and accepted performance scenario is binding. Including unapproved elements may result in disqualification.

Final Provisions

1. Contest participants agree to the free presentation, reproduction, and distribution of photos and recordings containing their likenesses taken during the Convention for archival and promotional purposes, and consent to the processing of their personal data (in accordance with the Act of May 10, 2018 on the protection of personal data; consolidated text: Journal of Laws 2018, item 1000).
2. The Organizer reserves the right to disqualify a Participant who has demonstrated unsportsmanlike behavior, in particular lack of respect towards other participants or contest staff.
3. In matters not regulated by these rules, the Jury Chairperson has the deciding vote.
4. In case of changes to the rules, participants will be publicly informed.