Since 2003, cosplayers from around the world have gathered in Japan in order to determine who is the best of the best at the World Cosplay Summit. Starting as a weekend event, the competition has grown over the years and now spans multiple days with competitors taken on tours of locations around Japan before participating in a two-day long event to crown a grand champion. This year was absolutely no exception.
This year was the largest in the history of the competition, with 40 different countries and regions sending representatives to Japan to compete, including newcomers to the contest; Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Trinidad and Tobago.
The teams aiming for the top prize had to work very hard to even get that far into the process as they first had to qualify in their home countries through local competitions. After getting to Japan, there was no guarantee that they would get the chance to perform for the judges as they first had to get through a preliminary round held in Tokyo, before getting to travel to Aichi for the final round. There they competed in front of a panel of special judges, including the 2018 winners from Mexico. In the end, though, brand new champions were crowned and lifelong memories were made.
Coming in first place this year was team Australia with their Monster Hunter World cosplay.
Second place went to the United States with their Bloodborne cosplay.
And finally, third place went to France with their Legend of Zelda cosplay.
As for the special corporate-sponsored prizes, the winners were:
- Air Asia Award – Team China
- Futaba Award – Team Chile
- Bioré Award – Team USA
- Brother Award – Team Germany
A very hearty congratulations to this year’s winners!
Think you have what it takes to compete with the best in the world? Check out the official website for more information on how you can qualify for next year’s competition!
Photos © World Cosplay Summit
