World Cosplay Summit Malaysia 2027 National Championship

The WCS MY National Championship 2027 is the official Malaysian qualifying event for the World Cosplay Summit — the world's most prestigious cosplay competition held annually in Nagoya, Japan.

• Organiser: Thinkbig Sdn Bhd (Noizu Studio)
• Date: Sunday, 4 October 2026
• Venue: Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre (PJPAC)
• Format: 2-person cosplay performance competition
• Prize: Winners represent Malaysia at WCS 2027 in Nagoya, Japan

• Registration is completed online via the official registration form.
• A RM 100 registration fee per team is required to confirm participation (non-refundable).
• All communications will be via email and an official WhatsApp participants group.
• Participants must respond to organiser messages within 48 hours.
• Late responses or non-responses may result in slot forfeiture.
• All decisions by organisers and judges are final and binding.

• Teams of exactly 2 persons — no solo or trio entries.
• Both members must be Malaysian citizens or Permanent Residents.
• Minimum age: 15 years old on event day.
• Neither member may have previously represented Malaysia at the World Cosplay Summit.
• Costumes must be primarily handmade by the participants.
• Source material must be from Japanese pop culture: anime, manga, games, or tokusatsu.

• Both team members must participate in ALL stages of the competition: registration, costume check, rehearsal, and performance.
• On-stage helpers are not permitted. Off-stage assistants may assist during costume changes or prop setup only.
• Both members must be present backstage at least 30 minutes before their performance slot.
• Replacement of team members after registration is not allowed except in medically certified emergencies.

• An official orientation/briefing session will be held prior to the event (online or in-person).
• At least one rehearsal at PJPAC is provided to all competing teams.
• Backstage access is provided for setup, costume check, and warm-up on competition day.
• An LED screen is available on stage — teams are encouraged to submit background video in advance for testing.
• Organisers are available via WhatsApp for pre-event enquiries.

• A mandatory costume and props inspection is conducted on the morning of competition day.
• Safety officers will assess all props for hazards including sharp edges, metal components, and functional mechanisms.
• Any props deemed unsafe must be removed or modified before the team may proceed.
• Costumes must allow both performers freedom of movement as assessed by officials.
• Teams failing safety checks will not be permitted to perform until issues are resolved.

• Registration Opens: March 2026
• Registration Closes: 30 June 2026 (or when slots are filled)
• Shortlist Announcement: July 2026
• Document Submission Deadline: August 2026
• Rehearsal(s) at PJPAC: September / October 2026
• Competition Day: Sunday, 4 October 2026
• WCS World Finals: Nagoya, Japan — 2027 (date TBC)

Ensure you have the following ready before competition day:

• ✅ Completed registration form (both team members)
• ✅ Payment of RM 100 registration fee + receipt
• ✅ Full-body costume photos (front & back, per character)
• ✅ Character name & source material (title, publisher/developer)
• ✅ Background video file (1080p MP4/MOV, 16:9) — if used
• ✅ Music/audio file (copyright-free or original)
• ✅ Skit summary / script in English or Japanese
• ✅ Props list for safety inspection

• Treat all participants, judges, organisers, and audience members with respect and professionalism.
• No offensive, political, discriminatory, or sexually explicit content in performances or costumes.
• Any attempt to sabotage other teams' equipment, props, or performance will result in immediate disqualification.
• Social media posts must not defame other participants or the event.
• All decisions by judges and organisers are final and non-negotiable.

See the FAQ for Joining WCS Malaysia Competition section below for answers to common questions. For enquiries not covered, contact firdaus@thinkbig.com.my or WhatsApp Aedyl at +6019 924 0967.

The official WCS MY 2027 National Championship Rules & Regulations were last updated on 13 November 2025.

Key updates from the previous year's rules:

• AI-generated materials are now explicitly prohibited.
• Weapons policy has been tightened — all props undergo mandatory inspection.
• Minimum age updated to 15 years (previously 18).
• LED screen confirmed as standard stage equipment.

All participants must read and acknowledge the full rules document before registering. Visit worldcosplaysummit.my for the official PDF.

The competition uses a 200-point scoring system:

• Costume Judging: 100 points
• Stage Performance Judging: 100 points

Scores from all panel judges are averaged. In the event of a tie, the judging panel will deliberate for a final decision. Audience votes are not counted toward the score.

• Construction Quality (40 pts): Materials, craftsmanship, finishing, and structural integrity
• Visual Accuracy (30 pts): Faithfulness to the source character design
• Creativity & Impact (20 pts): Unique interpretation, visual wow factor
• Overall Presentation (10 pts): How the costume integrates with the performer's portrayal

• Choreography & Synchronisation (30 pts): Coordination and timing between both performers
• Character Portrayal (30 pts): Embodiment of each character's personality and story
• Stage Presence (25 pts): Confidence, energy, and audience engagement
• Skit Storytelling (15 pts): Narrative clarity and beginning-middle-end structure

• A pre-stage close-up costume inspection is conducted by dedicated costume judges.
• Judges may ask participants to pose, turn, or demonstrate specific costume features.
• Lighting conditions during costume check are standardised for consistency.
• Reference photographs are taken during inspection for use in final judging deliberations.
• Both team members' costumes are assessed independently and as a pair.

• Performances are judged live on stage by the full judging panel.
• Scoring sheets are submitted immediately after each performance.
• No re-dos or additional time will be permitted once a performance ends.
• In the event of technical failures (sound/lighting), re-performance may be granted at the organiser's discretion.
• Judges may not communicate with participants during the competition.

• Costumes must be primarily handmade — at least 60% created by the participants themselves.
• Store-bought base garments are allowed only if significantly modified.
• AI-generated designs and 3D-printed parts are prohibited.
• Metal components, sharp edges, and projectile-capable props are strictly prohibited.
• Costumes must comply with PJPAC venue rules and allow safe, free movement.
• Logos or illustrations from WCS or other IPs require written permission or license.

• Music: Must be copyright-free, original, or properly licensed. Commercially released tracks are not permitted.
• Video format: 1080p, 16:9 aspect ratio, MP4 or MOV
• Duration: Total performance (including music) must be 3–5 minutes
• Submit all files at least 2 weeks before the event via the organiser's shared folder.
• An LED screen (1920×1080px recommended) is available on stage for background video.
• Video files will be tested at rehearsal — technical issues discovered on competition day are the team's responsibility.

All props categorised as "weapons" (swords, guns, spears, shields, etc.) must comply with the following:

• Must be made of foam, EVA, plastic, fibreglass, or similar non-metal materials
• Must have no sharp edges, points, or operational mechanisms
• Must pass the safety inspection on competition day
• Metal props of ANY kind are strictly prohibited
• Functional replicas — even purely decorative ones — are not allowed
• Liquid-dispensing, fire-producing, or smoke-generating props require advance written approval

The WCS Malaysia competition is a national-level, professional cosplay performing art competition where the winning team represents Malaysia at the World Cosplay Summit finals in Nagoya, Japan. WCS is held annually and brings together the top cosplay teams from over 40 countries to compete for the title of World Cosplay Champion.

Participants must:

• Be Malaysian citizens or Permanent Residents
• Be at least 15 years old on competition day
• Hold a valid passport for potential international travel
• Not have previously represented Malaysia at the World Cosplay Summit
• Compete as a 2-person team

• 1st Place (Champion): Right to represent Malaysia at WCS 2027, Nagoya, Japan — with competition fees and event participation covered
• 2nd Place: RM 800 cash prize
• 3rd Place: RM 500 cash prize
• Best Costume Award & Best Performance Award (sponsored trophies)

Additional prizes may be announced subject to sponsor confirmation.

The WCS MY National Championship requires a 2-person team — solo entries are not accepted. If you wish to compete as an individual, please refer to the WCS MY Solo Arc competition, held on the same day at PJPAC.

• Costumes must be primarily handmade by the participants (at least 60% self-made)
• Characters must be from anime, manga, video games, or tokusatsu
• Both costumes must come from the same source material
• AI-generated designs, components, or props are prohibited
• Previously award-winning costumes (local or international) may not be reused

Yes — there is a RM 100 registration fee per team (non-refundable). Payment confirms your slot. WCSMAP members may be eligible for a fee waiver — contact the organiser for details.

Yes. Teams must perform a skit of 3–5 minutes showcasing their characters and costumes.

• Skits must be in English or Japanese. Other languages require translated subtitles for judges.
• The skit must prominently feature characters from the source material.
• Content must be family-friendly — no explicit, offensive, or discriminatory material.

You may use costumes entered in other competitions, provided they have not previously won awards in any cosplay competition, whether local or international. Award-winning costumes are strictly prohibited. Costumes entered but not awarded in other contests are permitted.

Yes! We encourage participants to document and share their costume-making process on social media. However, please avoid revealing your full performance or skit to preserve the surprise for judges and audience on competition day. When in doubt, check with the organisers before posting.

Yes, subject to the following conditions:

• Music: Must be copyright-free or original. No commercially released tracks.
• Props: Must pass safety inspection. No metal, sharp edges, or functional weapons.
• Effects: Smoke, fire, water, and powder effects require advance written approval.
• An LED screen is available on stage for background video.
• No small confetti (pieces under 2 cm). Large confetti (≥2 cm, max 100 pieces) allowed.

Yes — previous WCS MY National Championship winning teams are subject to a 2-year cooldown period before they may compete again. Past participants who competed but did not win are welcome to enter again, subject to all other eligibility criteria.

• Costume Craftsmanship (30%): Construction quality, accuracy, and detail
• Stage Performance (30%): Choreography, synchronisation, and charisma
• Character Accuracy (20%): Faithfulness to source material
• Overall Presentation (20%): Storytelling, impact, and audience connection

The WCS MY National Championship 2027 is held at Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre (PJPAC) on Sunday, 4 October 2026. The venue is located in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, with ample parking and public transport access.

Click the Register for WCS MY 2027 button at the top of this page to access the online registration form. Registration closes 30 June 2026 or when slots are filled — whichever comes first. Early registration is strongly recommended as slots are limited.

AI may be used as a reference or concept tool (mood boards, colour palettes, initial sketches), but AI-generated costume components, designs, or props that are directly reproduced are strictly prohibited. The costume must reflect the participants' own craftsmanship and creativity. Judges are trained to identify AI-generated outputs.

Absolutely! Follow Noizu Studio on Facebook and Instagram (@noizustudio) and visit worldcosplaysummit.my to connect with the WCS MY community. Past contestants regularly share tips, reflections, and behind-the-scenes content.

Reach us through any of the following:

• Email: firdaus@thinkbig.com.my
• WhatsApp: Aedyl +6019 924 0967
• Messenger: Noizu Studio
• Website: worldcosplaysummit.my