EN
Hi there, cosplayers! Before you dive into the details, here’s a quick look at the essentials to get you started.
Applications will close on July 27, 2025 at 23:59.
Cosplay participants get a €15 discounted ticket, available only at the entrance.
No need to buy online - this ticket is required for stage performance and not replaceable with a regular one.
The stage size is 14 × 6 meters.
Bought costumes are allowed in the contest.
We accept characters from any officially published source - movies, games, anime, manga, cartoons, novels, or even historical figures and celebrities. You can also enter with original characters or your own redesigns of known ones.
One costume can only win one prize.
If you enter both Solo and Group categories with the same costume, only one of your performances can be awarded - the other prize will go to the next best participant or team. The only exception is the international contest runner-up nominations.
You can perform in the same costume no more than twice.
If your contest application isn’t accepted, you can still join the Cosplay Masquerade at the event. Please note: Masquerade participants don’t receive discounted tickets.
Act and perform as your favorite character - this is your moment to turn cosplay into a live performance!
If more than half of your performance is dance, you’ll be moved to the Cosplay Dance category.
Time Limits
Solo: up to 1 minute
Duo: up to 1 minute 30 seconds
Duos from two different countries automatically qualify for Joint International Performance!
Group (3-8 participants): up to 2 minutes 30 seconds
Dance in cosplay and light up the stage with energy and style.
Show off your moves, rhythm, and coordination - solo or as a team.
Max time: 1 minute 15 seconds (1–8 performers)
Got a non-contest idea? We’re open to unique performances.
Just email us at cosplay@unicon.lv and let’s talk!
Confetti and party poppers - just mark them during registration or, at the latest, during rehearsals.
Large props? Let us know in advance at cosplay@unicon.lv
One registered backstage helper is allowed per performance - only after your participation is confirmed. Helpers don’t receive discounted tickets and must not interrupt rehearsals or cause issues in the dressing room. Disruptive helpers will be asked to leave.
You can use the stage squad as props or helpers.
Helpers cannot overshadow the cosplayers - it must always be clear who are the main actors in the performance.
Using the same performance for both Cosplay and K-pop contests.
Using K-pop music in the Cosplay Dance category.
Performing in a cosplay that has already won an international contest.
Reusing a costume that was already performed at UniCon Latvia or WinterCon.
Microphones are not allowed during performance.
No pyrotechnics or open flames.
No spilling fake blood or glitter on stage (use in makeup is allowed).
No fragile materials like thin glass on stage.
No liquids on stage unless approved by the cosplay coordinator at the latest during rehearsal.
No swearing, offensive language, or suggestive sounds in audio or video material for use on stage.
Overly violent or suggestive performances are not allowed.
No sharp or dangerous objects that could injure others or damage costumes.
No real guns are allowed at the venue only cosplay replicas or airsoft. All guns are subject to being checked by security and must be unloaded and have an orange tip (if its a fictional crafted gun no need for the orange tip). Removal of the tip is only allowed during stage performance if approved by the cosplay coordinator or stage director.
Your performance will be scored by 3 international judges based on two main criteria:
Performance / Acting / Dance (10 points)
Judges will look at how well you present your character, the clarity of your story, and overall stage impact. For dance entries, focus is on sync, energy, and overall performance quality.
Cosplay Mastery (10 points)
Scored on the quality, detail, and overall appearance of your costume.
Pre-judging applies only if:
You selected “self-made” (at least 80% of your costume made by you).
You’ve submitted progress pictures or a progress book.
Please arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled time. Judges will examine your costume up close and ask questions about how you made it.
Cosplay Central Crown Championships
Baltic Qualifier - 1 place and runner up.
Tournament of Champions
Latvian Qualifier - 1 place and runner up.
Cosplay Performance (60% performance 40% cosplay)
Solo 1st, 2nd, 3rd place
Duo 1st, 2nd, 3rd place
Group 1st, 2nd, 3rd place
Cosplay Dance (70% performance 30% cosplay)
1st, 2nd, 3rd place
Best Show (85% performance 15% cosplay)
1st, 2nd, 3rd place
Additional awards
Best Joint International Performance - 1 place
Duos with participants from two different countries are automatically nominated!
Best Original Character - 1 place
For custom designs and original creations.
(To enter, select “OC” in the “Fandom” dropdown when applying.)
Participants will have a chance to try out for the for the Cosplay Central Crown Championships (СССС) - and win a fully paid-for trip to the Finals during MCM London in May 2026. A representative for the whole Baltic Region (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania) will be selected.
Applicants must hold a Latvian/Lithuanian/Estonian permanent residence, be 18+ and not be involved with the organisation of UniCon for at least 12 months prior to the selection.
Full requirements and judging details are available here.
To apply, mark “CCCC” in your performance application form.
Only solo performances can apply.
Participants with Latvian residentship will have a chance to try out for the Tournament of Champions (ToC) - and win a fully paid-for trip to represent Latvia in the Finals during YuniCon in Vienna, Austria on 31 October to 2 November 2025.
Applicants must hold a Latvian permanent residence, be 18+ and not be involved with the organisation of UniCon for at least 12 months prior to the selection.
Full requirements and judging details are available here.
To apply, mark “ToC” in your performance application form.
Only solo performances can apply.
Please make sure your Google Drive files are set to “Anyone with the link can view” so we can access them. We recommend putting everything in one clearly named folder. After the deadline, you’ll have a short window to update or add missing files.
We only accept .mp3 files.
If your file has a different format, please convert it before submitting. You can use this free tool or any converter you prefer.
Image Requirements
Please upload all required images in good quality and with a resolution of at least 1980×1080 (except for the background screen). If your files are too small or unclear, we may replace them. For original characters, your reference image will be shown to the audience - so it should clearly represent the character, not just a sketch or costume photo.
What to include
1. Character Reference (mandatory)
A clear image or concept art of your character - so judges can see what you're recreating. Example
2. Presentation Image (mandatory)
An image for the side screens next to the stage - it can be official art, a game shot, or any clear picture of your character. Example
3. Background Image (optional)
If you don’t want to have a background video, you can send a still image instead, or we’ll use a default one.
Recommended size: 2352 × 1344 (7 × 4 m).
4. Progress Photos (optional)
Show how you made your cosplay - from first steps to final result.
You can send up to two videos for your performance.
What to include
1. Performance Video (mandatory)
Record a video showing your full performance - no need to wear your cosplay, but act exactly as you would on stage. This video helps us decide who gets to perform at UniCon, so take it seriously and give it your best effort. Imagine you're already on stage, in front of the audience - show us your timing, movements, and energy!
2. Background Video (optional)
A video (or image) to be played on the screen behind you during your performance. Recommended size: 2352 × 1344 (7 × 4 m). If you don’t send one, we’ll use a default background.
By submitting your application, you agree to follow the full version of these rules and allow us to process your personal data in line with GDPR regulations - for competition management and statistics. We will never share your data with third parties or use it for other purposes.
The UniCon team reserves the right to reject or remove any participant without prior notice if they:
Break the event rules.
Break the laws of The Republic of Latvia.
Are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or carry such substances.
Show disrespectful or harmful behavior towards others.
Damage costumes, props, equipment, or venue property.
Wear an unfinished or inappropriate costume.
Participants may be banned from further cosplay competitions at UniCon and WinterCon events for a duration, at the administration’s discretion.
The administration reserves the right to remove any participant at any time, without prior notice or explanation.
You’ve made it to the final step - well done! Here are a few final things to know before you apply.
Application Confirmation
Upon applying, you’ll receive two emails:
1. An automatic confirmation email.
2. A second confirmation after our team reviews your submission.
If either is not received, please contact us at cosplay@unicon.lv
Make sure to:
Provide a correct and active email address in your application.
Check your inbox regularly - we might need to ask you questions or request file updates.
Stay in touch - it helps us process your application smoothly.
Don’t Miss the Deadline!
Please submit all your files by Sunday, 27 July 2025, 23:59. Incomplete applications won’t be accepted.
Got questions or updates? Reach out to us at cosplay@unicon.lv before the deadline to keep your entry on track.
Send your application and let the UniCon adventure begin!
Copyright © 2025 UniCon Group