General information

The World Cosplay Summit was launched in 2003 by the Japanese television station TV Aichi to promote cosplay outside of Japan. With the support of the government’s “Cool Japan” initiative, the WCS was intended to bring together cosplayers from all over the world in Nagoya.
Today, the WCS is an international cosplay championship with participants from 42 countries around the world. Participants must first qualify in one or more preliminary rounds in their respective countries.

Austria has been in the preliminary round since 2018 and has also been in the final since 2019. The Austrian preliminary round takes place at AniNite. The winning team of the preliminary round will travel to Nagoya (Japan) the following year to compete in the final in front of tens of thousands of fans. An experienced jury, supported by mangakas (e.g. Hiro Mashima), well-known musicians (e.g. Ichiro Mizuki, May’n, Kenji Nojima) game producers (e.g. Yoko Taro) anime voice actors (e.g. Toru Furuya) will select the winners in various categories as well as a WCS Grand Champion.

However, the WCS finals competition is only one part of the multi-day event. The cosplayers experience almost two weeks full of parades, stage performances, press appointments and official visits to Nagoya’s state and city representatives.

More information on the topic on the Wikipedia page of the World Cosplay Summit

IMPORTANT

The WCS final will take place in Nagoya/Japan in July/August 2026. It is essential that you can also take part there!

Conditions of participation

• Participation is only possible in teams of 2.
• You must be present on the day of the competition.
• If you are unable to attend the award ceremony, please report to the information stand and leave your contact details.
• Prizes willNEVERbe forwarded abroad!
• The entry form must be filled outCOMPLETELY.
• By registering, you give us permission to stream the performance live and use the videos later.
• Shorts or “safety pants” must be worn under skirts or dresses.
• Obviously violent or pornographic images will be disqualified.
• Last minute registrations on site areNOTpossible.
• Violations of the competition rules can lead to exclusion from the competition!

Rules and regulations

Before registering, please read the stage guide and the set of rules before registering.

If you have any questions, please use our contact form

Registration

Registration will begin shortly.
Registration deadline 01.08.2025, 23:59

We look forward to your registrations!