J-TSOON BURNING PUMPKIN FEST 2024 Cosplay Competition Rules

The J-TSOON:BPF Cosplay competition will take place on 2nd and 3rd of November, 2024 in Kultuurikatel, Tallinn, Estonia.

1. Nomination categories

Participants must carefully select their competition category based on the following criteria. All our categories are open to participants from outside Estonia as well, except qualifiers to international competitions. Below, you will find descriptions of each category for this year:

1.1. Craftsmanship (Solo): 

• The Craftsmanship (Solo) category focuses on the artistry and craftsmanship involved in creating a participant’s costume. Sewing, prop making, armor crafting,  makeup all these elements will be judged accordingly. Key qualities for these elements are attention to detail, skill and mastery. 
• 60% of the final score goes for costume construction and character likeness; 40% – on-stage performance.
• Only 1 person is allowed to perform on stage for this category.
• Performance duration of 60 seconds to 90 seconds.
• The Сraftsmanship category will only be available on Day 1 (Saturday) of the event.
• Participants must create their costume to be eligible for this category. Purchased or commissioned items should be mentioned to the judges. Basic items such as gloves, footwear, underwear and wigs can be store-bought.
• Participants must attend a morning Saturday prejudging session with our panel of judges.
  • Participants  will be given a set amount of time to do a verbal presentation of their  costume.
  • During this session, participants showcase the intricate details and craftsmanship of their  costume. 
  • Participants must be ready to discuss their  construction process with the judges.
  • Answer judges’ questions on how the pieces were made; what techniques they  used to create them; and what type of materials they used for their costume.
  • Participants are allowed to bring their  progress book or other progress describing materials to prejudging to showcase their progress. (not mandatory) Physical and digital materials are allowed. Neither judges or event organizers are responsible for the materials that are left to the judges. 
  • If participants fail to appear at a specified time for prejudging their  costume will not receive any points for costume construction.
• Prizes will be awarded to the top participants, including recognition for Craftsmanship (Solo).

1.2 Craftsmanship (Group):

• The Craftsmanship (Group) category focuses on the artistry and craftsmanship involved in creating the group’s costumes. Sewing, prop making, armor crafting, and makeup—all these elements will be judged accordingly. Key qualities for these elements are attention to detail, skill, and mastery. 
• 60% of the final score goes for costume construction and character likeness; 40% – on-stage performance.
• Only 2-8 people are allowed to perform on stage for this category.
• Performance duration of 90 seconds to 150 seconds.
• The Сraftsmanship category will only be available on Day 1 (Saturday) of the event.
• Participants must create their costume to be eligible for this category. Purchased or commissioned items should be mentioned to the judges. Basic items such as gloves, footwear, underwear and wigs can be store-bought.
• Participants must attend a morning Saturday prejudging session with our panel of judges. 
  • Participants will be given a set amount of time to do a verbal presentation of their  costume.
  • During this session, participants showcase the intricate details and craftsmanship of their  costume. 
  • Participants must be ready to discuss their construction process with the judges.
  • Answer judges’ questions on how the pieces were made; what techniques they  used to create them; and what type of materials they used for their costume.
  • Participants are allowed to bring their  progress book or other progress describing materials to prejudging to showcase their progress (not mandatory). Physical and digital materials are allowed. Neither judges or event organizers are responsible for the materials that are left to the judges. 
  • If participants fail to appear at a specified time for prejudging their  costume will not receive any points for costume construction.
• Prizes will be awarded to the top participants, including recognition for Craftsmanship (Group).

1.3. Performance (Solo): 

• The Cosplay Performance (Solo) category is dedicated to individual participants who want to shine on stage. This category provides a platform for solo performers to showcase their unique skills and portray their characters with passion and creativity. Whether it’s a dramatic monologue, a comedic act, or a choreographed routine, participants can bring their favorite characters to life as solo performers.
• Only 1 participant for the Performance (Solo) category.
• Performance duration of 60 seconds to 90 seconds.
• 80% from the final score is allocated for on-stage performance. This score will be based on creativity, stage presence, character portrayal, and audience engagement.
• A smaller portion, 20%, of participants’ score is allocated for costume. While costume quality is important, the primary focus in this category is on performance.
• Participants in the Performance category will no longer participate in the prejudging session.
• The judging of their costumes will take place solely during their time on stage. 
• Prizes will be awarded to the top participants, including recognition for Performance (Solo).

1.4. Performance (Group)

• Cosplay groups can participate in this category to create captivating group performances. Participants are encouraged to gather their fellow cosplayers and bring their characters to life as a team, whether it involves a themed skit or a synchronized performance.
• For Performance (Group), the group must consist of a minimum of 2 participants and a maximum of 8 participants.
• Performance duration of 90 seconds to 150 seconds.
• 80% from the final score is allocated for your on-stage performance. This score will be based on creativity, stage presence, character portrayal, and audience engagement.
• A smaller portion, 20%, of participants’ score is allocated for costume. While costume quality is important, the primary focus in this category is on performance.
• Participants in the Performance category will no longer participate in the prejudging session. 
• The judging of their costumes will take place solely during their time on stage. 
• Prizes will be awarded to the top performers, including recognition for Performance (Group).

1.5 Cosplay World Masters

• Cosplay World Masters (CWM) is a prestigious cosplay competition held annually in Portugal for talented cosplayers from around the world. CWM offers participants the opportunity to showcase their exceptional craftsmanship, creativity, and performance skills on an international stage.
• Competitors for CWM must be citizens of Estonia or hold permanent residency documents.
• Craftsmanship participants can opt-in for CWM awards without losing eligibility to compete for Craftsmanship awards.

For detailed rules and regulations regarding participation in the Cosplay World Masters competition, please visit the following link: https://j-tsoon.ee/cosplay/cwm/.

1.6 Europa Cosplay Cup

• The Europa Cosplay Cup (E2C) is an annual solo cosplay competition that gathers top cosplayers from across Europe in France. This new addition to our event lineup provides participants with a platform to showcase their outstanding craftsmanship, innovation, and performance abilities on an international stage.
• Competitors for E2C must be citizens of Estonia or hold permanent residency documents.
• Craftsmanship participants can opt-in for E2C awards without losing eligibility to compete for Craftsmanship awards.

For detailed rules and regulations regarding participation in the Europa Cosplay Cup competition, please visit the following link: https://j-tsoon.ee/cosplay/e2c/.

1.7. Spooky Mood

• The Spooky Mood category is a special category created to celebrate the atmosphere of the J-TSOON: Burning Pumpkin Fest event!
• This category is perfect for cosplayers who excel at creating eerie, haunting, or horror-themed characters and atmospheres. Participants in this category should focus on delivering a chilling and spooky aesthetic through their cosplay.
• Participants can choose to compete in either the Performance or Craftsmanship category.

1.8. Debut

• The Debut category is for cosplayers who are beginners, just starting their journey in creating costumes and performances.
• Only people who have previously participated in stage cosplay competitions no more than twice can participate in the Debut category.
• If participants choose to participate as a group of cosplayers, all members of the group must be debutants.
• People who have previously won an award in a cosplay competition cannot take part in the Debut category.
• Participants can choose to compete in either the Performance or Craftsmanship category.

2.    Costume rules & judging criteria

• Judges are not allowed to disclose details about the judging process or outcomes. We maintain a respectful environment, and any attempts at bribery will not be effective here.
• Pre-judging order and time will be predetermined before the convention, and a contestant list will be provided to all participants. Contestants must be prepared and available 10 minutes before their scheduled turn. It is essential for participants to adhere to the pre-judging order, as evaluations will take place strictly according to the assigned order and time.
• If a performer misses their prejudging spot without letting us know at least 2 hours before their  prejudging session, their costume will not be eligible for costume construction points in the final score.
• Participants can cosplay characters from both official commercial sources (Comic books, Manga, Anime, Cartoons, Movies, TV-shows, Musicals, Video Games, Books) and original works (fan art and original characters).To participate, person is required to provide a reference picture for their cosplay featuring a complete design. 
• The judging criteria consist of three main parts: accuracy, craftsmanship, performance:

1. Accuracy: This category evaluates how the costume and character portrayal match the source material. Judges will consider factors such as costume details or its size, colors, material textures and adherence to the original design.
2. Craftsmanship: Craftsmanship focuses on the quality and skill demonstrated in creating the costume. Judges will closely examine the construction techniques, wig-styling, materials choice, and the overall level of craftsmanship. Participants are encouraged to showcase their sewing, prop making, armor crafting, makeup, and other relevant skills. 
3. Performance: Performance criteria evaluate participant’s on-stage presentation. Judges will evaluate participant’s stage presence, charisma, character portrayal, creativity, and audience engagement. Whether participants are performing a skit, a monologue, or a choreographed routine, participants’ ability to bring the character to life on stage. 

• Cosplayers personal characteristics such as race, gender, medical conditions, age, weight, gender identity or any other personal quality will not be evaluated in any way or form.
• If a participant’s costume has a revealing design, such as a very short skirt, it is mandatory to wear opaque tights, leggings, or shorts underneath. Additionally, for costumes with side- and underboob exposure, participants  must wear a sports top or a bra for coverage. Costumes with an open back are permitted. Characters who are barefoot must use flip flops.
• In addition to main awards, there are going to be special prizes such as the Audience Choice, Debut, Spooky Mood, the Judges’ Favorites and sponsor prizes.

3. Stage rules

• Liquids, live fire, and reactive chemicals are not allowed. Small battery-driven smoke machines can be allowed, but must be approved by festival staff before the competition.
• The performance area must remain clean, and any materials used must be easily removable within 30 seconds after the performance. The use of glitter, confetti, or  any kind of powder is strictly prohibited.
  • Using any of the prohibited materials described above will result in disqualification.
• Performances must adhere to a standard of respect and decency. The use of obscenities, profanities, gestures encouraging violence, and pornography is strictly prohibited. Performances that go against cultural and/or social norms will not be permitted on stage. Please ensure that your performances are ethical and maintain an aesthetic and respectful tone.
• The prop can be placed anywhere on the stage and it is possible to test it during rehearsals.
  • Props can not damage the stage or be of any danger to other participants or audience.
  • Throwing objects onto the stage is strictly prohibited.
  • Throwing anything from the stage into the audience is strictly prohibited. This will result in disqualification, a 500-year ban, and a personal reprimand from the cosplay coordinator.
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• Audio file should be MP3 Format. (not less than 128kbps, 44kGz)
• Make sure that the audio is edited and customized for performance, the audio will stop when the allowed time of performance is over.

4.    Prop rules

• It is forbidden to carry real weapons. (metal swords with sharpened edges, knives, pepper sprays, guns, stunt guns, etc.)
• It is permitted to bring imitation weapons, non-functioning bows, throwing weapons made out of soft material.
• Realistic-looking weapons, including fantasy weapons, may be permitted for on-stage performances, but they cannot be carried in the venue’s public areas as part of your costume. The approval for the use of props/weapons will be determined by the cosplay stage crew
• Throwing objects off stage into the audience or towards the judges is strictly prohibited.

5. Application process

• Participants in the main cosplay competition cannot enter the K-pop competitions.

  • Please note that you can choose only one of the two main competitions — either KPOP or Cosplay. If you choose KPOP, you are still allowed to participate in the “Short Video” and “Photography” competitions. Cosplay main competition participants are still allowed to participate in the “KPOP in Public” online competition. Kindly choose according to your priorities.

• Participants are allowed to go on stage for their performance through a maximum of two applications per day. However, organizers do not take responsibility for ensuring consistent time management. Please plan your performances accordingly.
• As organizers, we reserve the right to limit the total number of performances to ensure a smooth event. 
• We will accept 88 entries into the cosplay competition across all categories, allocating to each category equal amount of time.
• We will take into account how correctly the application is filled, costume completion, progress photos, correct length and quality of the audio and clear description of the performance during the process of application consideration.
• All cosplayers will be required to provide a photo of at least 30% of the finished costume with their application. In case of bought costumes, cosplayers will be required to provide a photo wearing cosplay.
• If you are submitting fan art or an original character, a complete (full body) art reference must be provided.
• Dances are allowed if they fit the character narrative. This means that only submissions appropriate to the characters will be considered for the competition. 
  • For example, if you are portraying characters from The Last of Us, it is unlikely that Ellie and Joel would perform a K-pop dance.
• Organizers have a right to limit the amount of cosplays for specific fandom, to provide a smooth and engaging experience for our audience.

6. Organizational Matters Related to Performances

• All questions regarding music, lighting, and equipment during the performance must be clarified during the rehearsal. Changes during the competition will not be made, so attending rehearsals is strongly recommended. Rehearsal schedules and other organizational details will be provided after passing the selection for the competition.
• Participants must be backstage no later than 15 minutes before the start of the block they are performing in to notify the organizers of their presence in advance. After this, participants are not allowed to leave backstage for other reasons than performing on stage.  
• In each category, participants must choose a MAIN CONTACT person and provide their contact phone number as the primary one. This is necessary for timely communication with participants if their performance starts earlier or if they are not present at the appointed time, as indicated above. This rule applies to all participants, including Solos and Groups. Participants in the “Solo” category must specify themselves as the main contact.
• We also ask participants to inform the organizers in a timely manner if they  are unable to make it to the event and their allocated performance time before the start of the competition block. After the start of the competition block that they are in, the organizer has the right not to answer participants’ calls and messages due to the busy schedule.
• Please take these rules seriously. If a participant does not show up backstage at the appointed time, does not notify the organizers, and does not respond to their calls, they will be disqualified, and there will be no ticket refunds.

7. Tickets

• Participants in stage competitions, including the Solo Craftsmanship and Solo/Group Performance categories, are eligible for a special discount on a 2-day event ticket. 
• Ticket and discounts information will be sent to participants after they have been accepted to the competition.

8.   On-site registration

• All participants must arrive at the designated registration time, which will be provided in the email after your application is accepted. Lateness may result in exclusion from the list of performers. Registration time will be provided to participants who have passed the selection one week before the event.
• Before proceeding to the backstage area, all participants must complete their registration at the cosplay registration desk, where they will receive their badges.
• If, for any reason, you are unable to participate, please inform us promptly by contacting us at cosplay@j-tsoon.ee.

9.   Backstage Behavior

• Participants must maintain order backstage and in the dressing rooms.
• Every performer and group, regardless of the group’s size, can bring one registered in advance assistant to the backstage area.
• Respectful behavior towards staff and other Cosplayers and KPOP competition participants is mandatory.
• Changing clothes and leaving personal belongings is only allowed in specially designated dressing rooms for Cosplay participants. It is not allowed to leave items in KPOP dressing rooms or other areas not intended for this purpose (main hall, lobby, stairs, street, etc.).
• Being in the dressing rooms on days when you are not performing is prohibited.

9. Responsibility for personal belongings

• The organizers are not responsible for any lost items. We kindly ask participants to take good care of their valuables and not leave them unattended.

10. Procedure during and after the competition of the first and second day of the festival

• Please show respect not only to fellow cosplayers but also to the staff, volunteers, other participants, and all visitors of the convention.
• Participants must clear out their belongings from the dressing rooms at the end of their competition day. Even if participants are competing in both Performance and Craftsmanship categories, please ensure that nothing is left overnight to avoid cluttering the space.
• All participants must promptly vacate the premises after the conclusion of the event on the first and second day.

Participating in any form of cheating, rule-breaking, or disregard for the rules will result in disqualification from the future J-TSOON events.

Note: The organizers reserve the right to make changes to the rules and regulations of the competition to ensure fair judging, maintain order, and ensure the safety of all participants.

By applying to the competition the competitors agree to adhere to the rules.

For any additional questions, please reach out to our email cosplay@j-tsoon.ee.