guests & judges

Want feedback from a top-tier judge? A photo with your cosplay idol? An autograph from a voice actor? It’s all happening - and you’re invited. Explore the guest lineup and see who’s coming to UniCon.

Doug Cockle

USA
Actor / Director

For nearly two decades, Doug Cockle has carried the growl, wit, and weary soul of Geralt of Rivia.

That unmistakable voice - the one that teases “Come on, Roach,” and makes us all pause at a single thoughtful “Hmm.”

As Geralt, he didn’t just speak the lines - he became the Witcher’s voice, his calm before the storm, his dry humor in the face of monsters. His performance earned him a BAFTA nomination, a Golden Joystick Award, and the hearts of fans who still can’t settle the question: Triss or Yen?

And yes - you can finally ask him that question yourself.

Beyond the microphone, Doug is a teacher, a creator, and a lifelong adventurer. He’s got that rare mix of wisdom and mischief - the kind that draws you in, whether he’s sharing tales from the recording booth or swapping Dungeons & Dragons adventures.

At WinterCon, you’ll get to see that spark up close - hear the stories, the laughter, and the way he brings every world he touches to life.


So, grab your silver sword (or your camera), and get ready to meet the White Wolf himself.

Who knows - you might even hear him whisper it live… “Winds howling.”

Signature Works

Geralt of Rivia - The Witcher

Bhaal (God of Murder) - Baldurs Gate 3

John Victor - Hunt: Showdown

Maul Cosplay

Germany
Cosplayer / Stuntman

With over two decades of experience and the instincts of a stuntman, Maul Cosplay brings characters like Geralt, Kratos, and Joel Miller to life in a way that feels unmistakably real.

It’s not just the look - it’s the presence, the heartbeat of the hero that makes you forget you’re looking at cosplay at all.

He’s the kind of creator who never backs down from a challenge. Every project becomes a new mountain to climb, every character a story he’s determined to tell right.


But behind the armor is a creator who remembers the small conventions, the sleepless nights, the first time hot glue burned his fingers. A fan who simply never stopped - and somehow made it his life.


At WinterCon, you won’t just see his work - you’ll hear the stories behind the armor, the laughter over failed prototypes, and the quiet pride of breathing life into a hero.


Come with your questions - and with that spark that made you start cosplaying in the first place. Because Maul will remind you why you fell in love with it.

Signature Works

Joel Miller - The Last of Us

Kratos - God of War

Zane - Borderlands 3

Shao Dow

United Kingdom
Rapper / Manga Author

Rapper, Manga Author, and occasional Ninja - Shao Dow (Rhymes with “Now Dough”). He creates music inspired by anime and gaming but written for the soundtrack of life.

The closest thing you'll ever meet to a real-life anime character, Shao travelled solo to China to train with monks in Shaolin Kung Fu, he taught himself Japanese and now raps in two languages.

He creates powerful music with infectious hooks and intricate, razor-sharp lyricism.

Shao Dow’s music has featured in Fortnite ("Thunder Roll") and has been used by games God of War and Borderlands 4 as well as Amazon Prime Video for the Arsenal documentary. Additionally, Shao helps create the music for the popular One Jump Man vs Shaggy Ball Z animated series. As of 2025, he’s been touring internationally, performing at some of the world's biggest anime and nerd culture events - from the USA to Japan, the Netherlands to Nigeria.

Join him for an Anime Rap live performance like no other - expect chest-thumping bass, razor-sharp lyrics, and an electrifying show that’ll make you want to go Super Saiyan.

Lucius Merryweather

Denmark
VTuber

“Shall we tell a story together?”


Every great storyteller carries a spark of madness - and Lucius Merryweather turned his into a world.

A wizard. A dog. A dreamer who built a kingdom of ink and imagination - and then dared to end it, just to see what would be reborn.

An award-winning WEBTOON writer and the founder of Merryweather Media, Lucius has been creating stories since 2012 - for his own worlds and for some of the biggest names in the VTuber universe, including Hololive, VShojo, NIJISANJI, First Stage Production, and even DISCORD’s official WEBTOON.

His pen commands armies of ideas, his voice guides you through strange and sometimes scary adventures… always with a wink and a promise: “Don’t worry, I’ll keep you safe.”

At WinterCon, the Dog Prince himself returns - storyteller, sorcerer, chaos-bringer.

Come listen. Or better yet… help him write the next chapter.

Lumi

Finland
VTuber

“Awoo~! I’m big tall, you know!”

Somewhere between a snowflake and a song lives Lumi - Finland’s singing snow wolf.

She’s the guardian of a northern village wrapped in eternal winter, but when she steps on stage, it feels like sunrise. With a voice that melts frost and laughter that fills the forest, Lumi has howled her way into the hearts of fans around the world - over a hundred thousand “Awoo~!” strong.

A puzzle-solver, a storyteller, a friend who can turn any stream into a cozy fireside chat - she’s proof that even the coldest places can feel warm when you’re with the right pack.

At WinterCon, Lumi descends from the snow forests of the Summerlands - bringing songs, smiles, and a little rune magic.

Come meet her… and don’t be shy to Awoo back.

Alfhilde Odinsdottir

Sweden
VTuber

“Flying into your hearts! Wowie!”

Some Valkyries bring warriors to Valhalla - Alfhilde brings them laughter.


Once a fierce shieldmaiden, now a resurrected goddess of war with a soft spot for tea and turn-based strategy, she’s traded her sword for a microphone and her battle cries for joy. From the halls of Valhalla, she streams tales of courage, history, and humor - the kind that remind you even warriors need warmth.


At WinterCon, the Valkyrie descends once more - radiant, unstoppable, and very ready to steal your heart.


Come meet Alfhilde Odinsdotti - and let the legend make you smile.

Frostylva

Norway
Cosplayer

Frostylva has spent over a decade mastering the grittier side of cosplay - the smell of paint, the hum of a 3D printer, the quiet thrill of turning blueprints into armor that looks like it’s survived a hundred battles.

A self-taught creator, she builds, sculpts, prints, and weathers every piece until it feels alive. Her work has inspired countless cosplayers - not only through her stunning builds, but through her panels and workshops, where she teaches the craft with the same passion she puts into every prop.

Beyond the workshop table, she’s one of the main organizers of Magicon, Norway’s largest cosplay convention, and a seasoned judge who’s lent her sharp eye and deep respect for the art to competitions around the world.

Her mission? To see cosplay stand tall - as an art form, a subculture, and a media subgenre in its own right.

Signature Works

Dober Armor - Kaiju No. 8

Mina Ashiro - Kaiju No. 8

The Female Titan - Attack on Titan

TaeYeon

South Korea
Cosplayer

TaeYeon (also known as Minemes☆) is a veteran cosplayer from South Korea who began her journey in 2003.

Fluent in Korean, English, and Japanese, she builds bridges between cultures through the shared language of creativity. Over the years, she’s joined conventions worldwide as a guest, judge, translator, and MC.

She proudly represented Korea at the World Cosplay Summit (WCS) and claimed the champion title at Asia Cosplay Meet (ACM) in 2011. In recent years, she’s served on the WCS Rules Committee and as an international judge - always striving to create a more fun and enjoyable cosplay scene for everyone.

Whether she’s on stage, behind the judging table, or chatting with fans, TaeYeon’s mission is clear: to celebrate cosplay as a bridge between people, stories, and worlds.

Signature Works

Shinobu Kocho - Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

Marie Antoinette - Fate/Grand Order

D.Va - Overwatch

Fenix Fatalist

Ukraine
Cosplayer / Content Creator

Fenix Fatalist (Maria Karpenko) is an international cosplayer from Kyiv, Ukraine, with over 15 years of experience and nearly a hundred projects inspired by games and anime.

Known for her thoughtful approach to characters and storytelling, Fenix brings emotion and meaning into every build. Her collaborations with PlayStation and Cygames highlight the global recognition her work has earned and the creative trust she inspires.

As a co-owner of FD Cosplay Studio, she understands every layer of the craft - from the first sketch to the final stitch - and uses that insight to help others bring their visions to life. Her latest project - an e-course “Marketing for Creators”, where she helps other artists navigate the challenges of creative careers and shares her experience.

For Maria, cosplay is about more than creation - it’s about connection, resilience, and the courage to do what you love.

Signature Works

Aloy - Horizon Zero Dawn

Sophie Hatter - Howl’s Moving Castle

2B (YoRHa No.2 Type B) - NieR: Automata

Jay Kim

South Korea
Choreographer

Jay Kim is an internationally acclaimed Korean choreographer, dancer, and instructor whose impact spans over 59 countries and 124 cities.

From training at 1MILLION Dance Studio to shaping performers at Loen Entertainment and Forest Entertainment, Jay has helped define the stage presence of top-tier K-pop artists like Luhan, Jay Park, and The Boyz.

With a gift for movement and mentorship, Jay has led workshops across the globe - from Southeast Asia to South America - and has served as a judge at major international competitions, including the K-pop World Festivals in Peru, Ireland and India, as well as World of Dance events in Türkiye, Bulgaria, and Serbia.

At WinterCon X, Jay Kim joins the K-pop Contest jury, bringing a professional perspective shaped by years of work with leading studios, agencies, and artists. His eye for performance, precision, and stage presence makes his feedback an invaluable opportunity for every performer stepping onto the stage.

Gabriel

Denmark
K-pop performer / Cosplayer

Gabriel is a Danish cosplayer, makeup artist, and K-pop performer whose passion lives at the intersection of dance, character, and shared stage energy.


Since 2018, he has been performing both solo and as part of Fusion Official Dance Crew, appearing at conventions and festivals in Denmark and abroad. His stage experience also includes working as a backup dancer for the K-pop group Primrose.


In 2022, Gabriel and Fusion Official Dance Crew claimed first place at the NärCon K-pop Championship in Sweden. For him, dance is more than choreography - it’s the magic of a shared moment, created between performers and the audience.


At WinterCon X, Gabriel joins the K-pop Contest jury, bringing a performer’s eye, competitive experience, and genuine love for the art of dance to the stage - and to every artist ready to give it their all.

Anete Vanceviča

Latvia
Choreographer / Dance mentor

Anete Vanceviča is a Latvian choreographer, educator, and dance mentor with over 18 years of experience, representing contemporary dance through the lens of hip-hop culture.


Often called a “Dance Mom,” Anete has raised multiple generations of dancers - many of whom continue to dance professionally and now lead their own studios and communities.


Alongside her teaching and creative work, Anete plays an active role in shaping the dance scene in Latvia as the Head of Groove Move Dance Studio, a board member of the Latvian Contemporary Dance and Hip-Hop Professional Dance Association, and a senior choreographer at the Latvian School Youth Song and Dance Festival. She continues to grow not only in Latvia but internationally as well, traveling and developing herself through dance camps and masterclasses.


At WinterCon X, Anete Vanceviča joins the K-pop Contest jury, bringing a mentor’s perspective shaped by years of teaching and genuine care for dancers. For her, the most important thing is that performers come with joy, motivation, and shining eyes - because success always starts with love for what you do.

Pugoffka

Ukraine
Photographer / Cosplayer

Pugoffka is an internationally experienced cosplayer and photographer from Ukraine who understands cosplay from every angle - in front of the camera, behind it, and through the craft itself.

She began her photography journey in 2009, and since then has completed thousands of photoshoots and appeared as an invited guest at more than 70 international events worldwide.

Beyond photography, she creates her own costumes - from EVA foam armor to detailed painting and wig styling - and runs a dedicated photo studio for cosplayers, constantly developing new sets and creative environments. She also shares her expertise through workshops, inspiring creators to refine their skills and vision.

At WinterCon X, Pugoffka will join the Photo Cosplay Contest jury and will be available for photoshoots throughout the event days. A limited photo zone will be open at specific times - so prepare your best look and stay tuned for details!

aleksander.photo

Austria
Photographer

Alex is a cosplay photographer from Austria with a distinctive visual signature - atmospheric, clean, and deeply immersive.

With over a decade inside the cosplay community, Alex has continuously refined his craft, developing a style that balances strong composition with cinematic mood. His work has taken him to conventions and creative projects around the world, where his images have gained international recognition.

Over the years, his photos have won international awards and been featured on the social media channels of various game studios. Constant growth is at the core of his process, pushing each shoot further than the last.

At WinterCon X, aleksander.photo will join the Photo Cosplay Contest jury and will be available for photoshoots during the event days. A limited photo zone will be open at specific times - so prepare your best look and stay tuned for details!

N8e

Belgium
Photographer

N8e is a Belgian photographer whose passion for cosplay began behind the lens - and has taken him to conventions across Europe.

Known offstage as Kristof Nachtergaele, he discovered the world of cosplay in 2007 through a colleague, picked up his camera, and never looked back. What started as a local hobby quickly turned into a creative pursuit that’s led him to capture some of the biggest contests and most striking cosplays across the continent. With flash photography, N8e captures each shot with clarity and impact.

At WinterCon X, N8e will join the Photo Cosplay Contest jury and will be available for photoshoots during the event days. A limited photo zone will be open at specific times - so prepare your best look and stay tuned for details!

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