SACC 2026 Cosplay Competition

Rules & Regulations

The competition

Date

Saturday, 24 October 2026

Show-time

3 PM - 7.30 PMRoll-call between 2-2.30 PM

Location

Gaming Stage @ The Sharjah Animation and Comic ConferenceAljada, Sharjah

Submission deadline

12 PM, October 15 2026

1. Competition Eligibility

The SACC 2026 Cosplay Competition is open to eligible participants who comply with these rules and the general event regulations.
Contestants who are 15 years old and above are eligible to enter the competition.
Each contestant may enter only one category and one costume.
Cosplay must be based on an existing published character from anime, manga, films, television, comics, or games. Original characters are not permitted.
Costumes should be primarily created or significantly modified by the contestant.
Purchased base items such as wigs, shoes, and small accessories are permitted.
Contestants may receive reasonable assistance with specialist or physically demanding work, but any significant third-party assistance should be disclosed during registration.
Participants under 18 must provide parental or guardian consent where required by the organiser.
All contestants must follow SACC event rules and instructions from event staff. Failure to do so may result in removal from the competition.
Submission Deadline is at 12 PM, October 15 2026.

2. Competition Categories

Total prize pool: AED 25,000

Best Duo

1st PlaceAED 6,500
2nd PlaceAED 4,000
3rd PlaceAED 2,500

Best Solo

1st PlaceAED 4,500
2nd PlaceAED 3,000
3rd PlaceAED 1,500

SACC's Choice

Male CosplayerAED 1,500
Female CosplayerAED 1,500

Prize allocation within each category will be determined and announced by the organiser. Prizes are subject to the organiser's prize-claim requirements.

3. Costumes & Props

3.1 Allowed Materials

Foam, craft foam, cardboard, thermoplastics and other lightweight costume materials.
Lightweight 3D-printed or resin components where safe and non-sharp.
Lightweight PVC and similar safe materials.
Unstrung or string-only bows, staffs, wands and lightweight oversized props.
Low-voltage LED lighting.

3.2 Prohibited Items

Real weapons or weapon replicas that could reasonably cause injury.
Metal, glass, heavy wood or other dangerous materials used as weapons or hazardous props.
Projectiles, functional bows, slingshots or similar devices.
Explosives, pyrotechnics, flammable materials or smoke-producing devices.
Laser pointers or high-powered light devices.
Liquids, powders, glitter bombs or other materials that may create a hazard or mess.
Any item that the organiser or venue considers unsafe or inappropriate.

Props should be lightweight and suitable for a public event environment. Oversized or potentially hazardous props may require prior approval and may be refused at the organiser's discretion.

4. Performance & Stage Rules

All costumes, performances, music, videos, skits and gestures must comply with SACC rules, UAE/Sharjah regulations and venue requirements.
Content must remain appropriate for a public, family-friendly event.
Profanity, discriminatory or offensive content, political or religious statements, nudity, sexual content, violent behaviour and other inappropriate material are prohibited.
Any audio or video used as part of a performance must be submitted for approval before the event.
Performances must remain within the time limit communicated by the SACC Cosplay Team.
Contestants must follow stage and backstage instructions. Disruptive, unsafe or disrespectful behaviour may result in disqualification.
The organiser reserves the right to stop or refuse any performance, costume or prop considered unsafe, damaging or inappropriate.

5. Judging Criteria

Entries will be judged using criteria appropriate to the category. Judges may consider the following (100 Points):

Character Portrayal30 pointsHow well does the cosplayer embody the character's personality, traits, and mannerisms?
Performance Quality30 pointsHow engaging and polished is the performance, including aspects like timing, movement, and interaction with props or other performers?
Storytelling and Creativity20 pointsHow effectively does the performance tell a story or convey a message, and how creative is the approach?
Crowd Engagement20 pointsHow well does the cosplayer connect with and engage the audience?

Note: Judges' decisions are final. Scoring ties will be settled via discussion.

6. Media Release

By participating in the SACC 2026 Cosplay Competition, contestants acknowledge that photographs, videos and recordings taken during the competition or submitted as part of their entry may be used by the organiser for event promotion, publicity, social media, websites and other event-related media, without additional compensation.

7. Contestant Responsibilities

Contestants are responsible for their own costumes, props and personal belongings throughout the event.
The organiser and venue are not responsible for loss or damage to unattended personal property.
Contestants must arrive at the designated check-in area at the time communicated by the SACC Cosplay Team.
Participants must comply with all event, venue and safety instructions.
The organiser may disqualify any contestant who provides false information, violates these rules, creates a safety risk or behaves inappropriately.

8. Prizes & Award Decisions

The total advertised prize pool for the SACC 2026 Cosplay Competition is AED 25,000.
Prize winners may be required to provide identification and complete any necessary documentation before receiving their prize.
Prizes are awarded at the organiser's discretion in accordance with the announced category structure.
The judging panel and organiser reserve the right to withhold an award where an entry does not meet the required standard or competition rules.
All judging and award decisions are final.

9. General

Registration and participation confirm acceptance of these Rules & Regulations.
The organiser reserves the right to interpret and enforce these rules to protect the safety, fairness and integrity of the competition.
The organiser may make reasonable amendments to operational details where necessary. Any significant changes will be communicated to contestants.
Location: Gaming Stage @ The Sharjah Animation and Comic Conference, Aljada, Sharjah
Date: Saturday, 24 October 2026
Show-time: 3 PM - 7.30 PM (Roll-call between 2-2.30 PM)
If you are unsure whether a costume, prop, performance or material is permitted, contestants should contact the SACC Cosplay Team before the event at anination.cosplay@gmail.com