Animazement

Theme for 2025 is TBD.

ONLINE applications for 2025 will open on TBD.

Feel like your costume doesn’t fit the theme? Apply anyway! We always try our best to make any costume fit within the theme. Apply now and don’t miss your chance to be a part of this entertaining event!

Please read the rules below before applying and please make sure to answer the form carefully so we have all the correct information. Hope to see you Memorial Day Weekend!

1. You do not need to have any knowledge of chess in order to play. Your movements will be directed by one of two chess masters.
2. You have to apply to take part in chess. This event is not first come, first serve. The Cosplay Chess Director will make the final decision on who will take part in the actual event.
3. The Cosplay Chess Team will pick your final position on the chess board and what team you are on. This will not be revealed until the practice session.
4. Costumes are selected based on the following criteria: craftsmanship, easy recognition, and most importantly a high quality description of your character’s various actions.
5. This is a theatrical event; priority will be given to cosplayers who stay in character the entire time.
6. Entries can be from any source (for example manga, video games, pop culture, etc) but Original Characters are NOT accepted.
7. The same costume may be worn for Cosplay Chess and the Masquerade.
8. Costumes do not have to be made by the applicant.
9. You may apply more than once if you have multiple costumes.
10. You are allowed to have an assist character to aid your attack or death scenes. Be sure to include the same information in the application for your assist.
11. You must have the ability to freely move on your own without assistance in your costume.
12. All costumes must follow the con rules, general policy and weapon policy and be appropriate.
13. All applications must be fully filled out. Any missing information will result in a dismissal of your application.
14. A photograph of YOU IN YOUR costume must be submitted with your application. You WILL NOT be considered if you do not have this photograph attached.
15. Participants in the event are to avoid any physical contact that might hurt or damage a cosplayer in any way. If you are a problem you will be removed from the event immediately.
16. Participants MUST attend the MANDATORY Cosplay Chess practice session. This will take place Saturday. If you do not show up, you will not be in the chess match. Important details that all participants will need to know will be covered during this time and this will give you an opportunity to practice your attack and deaths.
17. Participants MUST arrive to the match an hour early for check in and set up. If you are not there your spot WILL be given to an alternate.
18. If you happen to be unavailable after applying, it is your responsibility to write an email to the Cosplay Chess team to notify them. An unjustified absence at the game will result in your exclusion in subsequent Cosplay Chess events.
19. We will be taking applications up until a week before the convention. You will receive a confirmation email if chosen. You must send back a confirmation email securing your spot in the match no later than one week after the acceptance letter has been sent out. Failure to send this confirmation email will result in your spot being given to another applicant.
20. There will be at convention sign up on Friday. There will be spots saved for at convention sign up.
21. The match will be on the Sunday of the convention. Be sure to have your room check out plan sorted out before the match.
22. Masks are optional for 2023.
23. IMPORTANT NOTE: ​Animazement cosplay chess has a no bullying/harassment policy. Any unsportsmanlike or inappropriate behavior will have you banned from the match. It is at the discretion of the Cosplay Chess team to determine whom is chosen and not. We try hard to integrate everyone as best as we can. However any negative behavior to the staff, audience, or participants is unacceptable. If you have any concerns about a fellow participant or audience member, please report to an official Animazement staff member or Cosplay Chess team member for assistance.