• No prior knowledge of chess is required to participate. All movements will be directed by one of two Chess Masters during the match.

• Participation requires submitting an application. This event is not first-come, first-served. Final selections are made by the Cosplay Chess Director.

• The Cosplay Chess Team will assign each participant’s team and board position, which will be revealed during the practice session.

Costume Requirements

Costumes will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Craftsmanship

• Ease of character recognition

• A detailed description of your character’s actions and performance

Additional costume guidelines:

• Entries may come from any existing source (anime, manga, video games, pop culture, etc.).

• Original Characters (OCs) are not permitted.

• Costumes do not need to be made by the applicant.

• The same costume may be used for Cosplay Chess and the Masquerade.

• Applicants may submit multiple applications if they have more than one costume.

• Participants must be able to move freely and independently in their costume.

• All costumes must follow convention rules, general policy, and weapon policy, and must be appropriate.

Performance Expectations

• Cosplay Chess is a theatrical performance event. Priority may be given to participants who remain in character throughout the match.

• Participants may include an assist character to help perform attack or death scenes. If using an assist character, please include the same required information for them in your application.

• Participants must avoid physical contact that could damage another costume or harm another cosplayer.

Application Requirements

• Applications must be fully completed. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

• A photo of you wearing your costume must be included with your application. Applications without a photo will not be considered.

• All participants must attend the mandatory Cosplay Chess practice session on Saturday.

• Important match details will be covered during this session, and participants will practice their attack and death scenes.

• Participants who do not attend practice will not be allowed to participate in the match.

Match Day Requirements

• Participants must arrive one hour before the match for check-in and setup.

• If you are not present at check-in, your spot may be given to an alternate.

• The Cosplay Chess match will take place on Sunday of the convention, so please plan your hotel checkout or travel arrangements accordingly.

Application Timeline

• Applications will be accepted until one week before the convention.

• Selected applicants will receive a confirmation email.

• You must reply within one week of receiving the acceptance email to secure your spot.

• If confirmation is not received within that time, your spot may be offered to another applicant.

At-Convention Sign Ups

• Limited in-person sign-ups will be available on Friday during the convention.

• A small number of spots will be reserved for these sign-ups.

If You Can No Longer Participate

If you become unavailable after applying, you must notify the Cosplay Chess Team by email.
Unexplained absences may result in exclusion from future Cosplay Chess events.

Code of Conduct

Animazement Cosplay Chess maintains a strict no bullying or harassment policy.

• Unsportsmanlike or inappropriate behavior may result in removal from the match.

• Participant selection is at the discretion of the Cosplay Chess Team.

• Negative behavior toward staff, audience members, or fellow participants will not be tolerated.

If you experience or witness concerning behavior, please report it to an Animazement staff member or Cosplay Chess team member for assistance.