Cosplay Competiton

Step into the spotlight and bring your favorite characters to life at the Malta Gaming Expo Cosplay Competition! Whether you're a seasoned cosplayer or a first-time competitor, this is your chance to showcase your creativity, craftsmanship, and stage presence. Prizes await the best cosplays!

Date: April 26th-27th, 2025
Location: Malta Gaming Expo, Radisson Blu Resort St. Julian's, Malta

Think you’ve got what it takes? Start preparing your best cosplay now and join us for an unforgettable competition!

Categories

Craftsmanship

  • Contestants must have made at least 70% or more of their cosplay themselves to be considered for Craftsmanship Category.
  • Contestants will go through a pre-judging session with the judges before the competition to ensure a fair evaluation.

Skit/Performance

  • This category is for individuals or groups who wish to perform a skit on stage.
  • Performances without craftsmanship are not eligible for awards.
  • To qualify for this category, at least 50% of the costume must be made by the contestant.
  • Maximum skit length of 2 minutes – timing must be managed in advance.
  • Contestants may submit their own audio for performances.

Exhibition

 

  • For those who do not wish to be judged but want to showcase their cosplay on stage.
  • Exhibition submissions are not eligible for awards.
  • Costumes can be store-bought or custom commissioned from other artists.
  • Normal tickets can be used for this category—please inform us on the day to be enlisted as an exhibitor.

 

Sign up






Once you submitted the form, please be sure to secure your place by purchasing the Cosplay Competition ticket.

Confirmed Judges

Andrea Agius

Known for his stunning portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow and his globally viral cosplay of King Baldwin IV from Kingdom of Heaven, Andrea Agius is a true master of character embodiment. His passion for costume design and dedication to bringing characters to life make him an incredible addition to our judging panel.

John Peel

A professional cosplayer since 2014, John has made a name for himself in the cosplay and fashion world, now owning his own fashion brand. He is renowned for bringing characters to life from some of the most beloved gaming and movie franchises, including Assassin’s Creed, The Witcher, and Star Wars.

With his keen eye for detail and expertise in costume making, John is sure to bring valuable insight to our judging panel. Get ready to impress!

Cosplay Contest Rules

Please review all the Cosplay Contest Rules and Regulations below:

  • Contestants must have made at least 70% of their cosplay to be considered for the Craftsmanship Category.
  • One entry per person: either a walk-on or a skit. You cannot do both.
  • Pre-judging will take place before the contest for Craftsmanship entries. Judges will assess the details and quality of each cosplay before stage performances begin.
  • Malta Gaming Expo's Cosplay Competition is an all-ages event. Content should not exceed a PG-13 rating.
  • No offensive language (racial or sexual slurs, profanity, etc.).
  • No sexual activity or implied contact is allowed.
  • Costume guidelines:
    • Attendees must wear attire that covers all areas normally covered by a swimsuit (nipples must be covered regardless of gender).
    • Footwear must be worn at all times.
  • Props & Stage Combat:
    • All costumes and props must follow cosplay safety, dress, and weapon policies.
    • No real weapons or live steel. Prop firearms must be visibly fake (e.g., orange tip) and cannot be pointed at the audience.
    • No fire, smoke, fog, dry ice, lasers, or pressurized gases or liquids.
    • No loose glitter, messy substances, or any props that could damage the stage.
    • Stage combat must be reviewed and approved by Cosplay Coordinators before the competition.
  • Contestants may not use stage time for political, religious, or other unrelated demonstrations.
  • Any contestant violating these rules may be disqualified or have their performance stopped.