Cosplay Chess

Ever wanted to see your favourite characters fight each other? Thanks to Cosplay Chess, now, you can! No one knows what might happen as players move their pieces across a giant board. 

For the 13th edition of Cosplay Chess, we have chosen not to use a specific theme. Instead, we are preparing an exciting storyline just for you.

Cosplay Chess is a theatrical performance event inspired by the giant chess game in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, where two players command “living” chess pieces. This event is planned ahead of the convention, but if some roles are still available on the day of the event, attendees who are comfortable with improvisation may be invited to participate.

Want to volunteer? Please send an email to the team at cosplaychess@otakustaff.net.

Rules

1. Application must be submitted using this form.
2. Applying to this event as a “Main Participant” is a commitment to take part if selected. If you are interested but cannot guarantee your availability, you may apply as an “Auxiliary Participant.”
3. Any cancellation must be communicated as soon as possible by email to cosplaychess@otakustaff.net. Unjustified cancellation may result in exclusion from future Cosplay Chess events.
4. Applicants must be able to communicate in French or in English.
5. Applicants under 18 years old must provide a signed waiver from a parent or legal guardian, which must be included with the registration form. Parents or legal guardians must remain reachable at all times in case of emergency.
6. Costumes and props must fit in a 36 × 36-inch square, which is the size of the chessboard tiles, and must comply with the convention’s Rules and Policies. Applicants must be able to freely move without assistance. Costumes cannot impede, obstruct or injure other players on the chessboard.
7. Props that can disperse, such as confetti, fake blood and petals, are not allowed. All props must also comply with the Props Policy (formerly known as the Weapons Policy).
8. Applicants must choose their character at the time of registration and cannot change it without approval from the Cosplay Chess team. 
9. At registration, participants must submit at least two (2) Attack Scenes and one (1) Elimination Scene, as these will be used to plan the combat sequences. Combat Scenes will be created by combining the Attack and Elimination Scene of the two characters facing each other on the chessboard. Participants are strongly encouraged to plan alternative attacks in case their piece is involved in multiple combats.
10. Assistance during Combat Scenes by one or more “Support Participants” is allowed. Support Participants must also complete the application form and will remain outside of the chessboard during performances.
11. Participants are required to attend the official rehearsal, which will take place the day before the event.
12. Participants must arrive at least two (2) hours before the start of the event on the due day (and not during the two [2] hours before the event).
13. Attending preconvention rehearsals is highly encouraged but not mandatory.

Failure to comply with the rules may result in expulsion and a possible ban from future Cosplay Chess events.

FAQ

Do I need to know how to play chess to participate?

No, applicants do not need to know how to play chess. However, participants must be able to follow coordinates, such as A1, G5 or H6, as this is how the Chess Players will announce the pieces’ movement during the event.

What can I cosplay?

You can cosplay any character from any source—anime, manga, video games, or even your own original character. Costumes do not have to be made by you, as this is not a cosplay competition. You may submit multiple characters during the application if you want to let the Cosplay Chess team choose the one that best suits them based on the scenario.

Costumes used in competitions, such as the Masquerade or World Cosplay Summit, may also be used in Cosplay Chess. However, please be aware that your costumes could be accidentally damaged during the event.

Do I need to be preregistered to Otakuthon to apply?

Unlike previous years, you do not need to be preregistered to apply. That said, if you are still unsure whether you will be able to attend Otakuthon or the Cosplay Chess event, please apply as an “Auxiliary participant”.

What are “Auxiliary Participants”?

An Auxiliary Participant is a new role intended for those who would like to participate in Cosplay Chess but cannot fully commit to being present—whether due to pending work vacation approval, uncertainty about travel, or waiting for the final convention schedule. Auxiliary Participants may be assigned minor roles only, such as appearances in Combat Scenes that do not require major acting or choreography.

How are piece roles distributed?

Between 24 and 32 participants will be selected to play pieces. Piece roles are assigned based on the potential of the character and on how likely you are to attend preconvention rehearsals. Cosplaying a popular character does not guarantee a major role on the board.

What are Scenes?

Scenes are short theatrical moments that occur when one chess piece moves to a square occupied by another. The term “Scene” includes Attack Scenes, Elimination Scenes and Full Combat Scenes.

• An Attack Scene is how your character initiates an attack on another.
• The Elimination Scene is how your character exits the chessboard after being defeated. This may include a “defeat” or “death” moment, but we strongly encourage participants to plan a smooth, creative exit rather than simply having a “dead” character stand up and walk away.
• A Combat Scene is a full sequence combining both attackers’ Attack Scenes (possibly mixed with a counter-attack) and the defeated character’s Elimination Scene. Injuring other participants or damaging costumes is strictly prohibited.

Examples of Scenes with Support Characters:

• Attack Scene: Naruto (from Naruto) uses Kage Bunshin no Jutsu (shadow clones technique), summoning multiple Support Participants also cosplaying Naruto.
• Attack Scene: Lucy Heartfilia (from Fairy Tail) summons Loki to fight in her place.
• Elimination Scene: After Zelda (from The Legend of Zelda) is defeated, Link runs to her side, lifts her up, and carries her off the chessboard while exclaiming, “Well excuuuuuse me, Princess!”

What are preconvention rehearsals?

Preconvention rehearsals are informal meetings held between June and August to practise various aspects of the performance, such as scenario, voice projection, confidence, combat scenes, death scenes and more. These rehearsals are not mandatory, but the Cosplay Chess team will prioritize participants who wish to attend in order to refine the theatrical aspect of the event.

Please make sure to check your emails on the days of preconvention rehearsal for any cancellation notices.

What information is required in the application?

The application form includes the following sections:

• Participant information:
  • Name of the participant,
  • Email address,
  • City of residence,
  • Signed waiver (if you are under 18),
  • Preferred language of communication (English or French),
  • Availability.
• Character information:
  • Name of the character,
  • Fandom of the character,
  • Picture of the character,
  • Short description of the character (or the cosplay, if personalized).
• Performance information
  • Choice of role between Main, Auxiliary and Support Character,
  • Piece(s) you would like to play,
  • How comfortable you are performing in front of an audience,
  • Your preference between a small, an average or a big role,
  • Combat Scene,
  • Attack Scene #1,
  • Attack Scene #2,
  • Elimination Scene.
• Event commitments:
  • How likely you are to attend in-person preconvention rehearsals,
  • Your commitment to participating in the official rehearsal the day before the event,
  • Your commitment to being present on the day of the event two (2) hours before it starts.

What is the deadline for registration?

Application will close on June 28, 2025, 9:00. After this date, additional applications may be accepted only if there are still slots available.

How do I know if I have been selected?

All applicants will be contacted by email as soon as the decision is made. Please ensure your contact information is up to date and check your emails regularly to stay in touch with the Cosplay Chess team.

I have been selected! What do I need to do before the convention?

Participants are expected to exchange emails frequently with the Cosplay Chess team in the weeks leading up to the convention. Failure to communicate within a reasonable timeframe may result in their removal from the event.

Participation in the preconvention rehearsals is highly recommended, though not mandatory. 

When will the Cosplay Chess event and official rehearsal take place?

The official rehearsal is scheduled for Friday, August 8, during the day. The Cosplay Chess event itself will take place on Saturday, August 9, from 12:00 to 14:00. Participants are expected to assemble at 10:00. We understand if some people arrive slightly late due to the convention opening its doors at the same time.

Please note that this schedule is subject to change. If any modifications are made, we will promptly share the updated information with you.

How can I contact the Cosplay Chess team?

The Cosplay Chess team can be reached exclusively via their official email: cosplaychess@otakustaff.net.

How do I communicate with other participants?

You can add your communication methods (such as your email address and your Messenger or Discord accounts) in the form if you wish to communicate directly with other participants. This information will be shared with all participants. For privacy reasons, we recommend creating an alias (see Outlook or Google guidelines). 

Upon selection, you will be granted access to a private Cosplay Chess Facebook group, which also includes participants from previous editions. Participation in the group is optional.

Please note that the Cosplay Chess team will not communicate through private messages (such as Messenger).