Model Expo Competition 2026

Otakuthon Model Expo will be hosting the Model Expo Competition this year!

This competition is open to everyone and all skill levels! Showcase the plastic modelling skills you’ve honed so far and get a chance to take the crown on one or more of our categories.

All anime-related plastic model types are accepted. See the rulesets below for more information. There will be plenty of prizes to be won!

PARTICIPATION RULESET

You must have a valid Otakuthon 2026 badge to participate.
A proxy is allowed to bring and submit entries on behalf of the creator.
You will have until Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 20:00 to submit your entry. Entry registration starts as early as 15:00 on Friday, August 7, 2026.
Registration area will be clearly indicated during the competition period.
After registering the entry, a preparation table will be available beside the photo booth. A photo will be taken in the photo booth in the registration area. This will be used to promote and show your entry during the competition period.
The participant or the proxy will be the only one allowed to hold and place the model on the display shelf for the competition.
An awards ceremony for the winning entries will start at 15:00 on Sunday, August 9, 2026. All participants are welcome to join the awards ceremony. We will not contact the winners beforehand.
Takedown begins at 16:00 on Sunday, August 9, 2026. All the entries should be retrieved during the final hour after the awards ceremony.
To avoid any unpleasant surprises, only the participant or the designated proxy will be allowed to take back their entry at takedown period.
Otakuthon and the Otakuthon staff are not responsible for all unclaimed entries at the end of the event on Sunday, August 9, 2026. The event area will be closed to the public at 17:00.

MODEL ENTRY RULESET

Maximum of two (2) entries per person and size should not exceed 50x50x50 cm (19.685x19.685x19.685 in.) each.
Bootleg products are not allowed. The entry will be disqualified and we will void any points or judging done on the entry.

There will be 7 competition categories:

Gunpla - Large Scale	Category is open to all Bandai Gunpla models. Large-scale Gunpla models are accepted as long as they are within the specified size restrictions. This is usually applicable for any Master Grade sized models and above, around ~20cm and above. Exceptions apply.
Gunpla - Small Scale	Category is also open to all Bandai Gunpla models. Small-scale models are accepted as long as they are within the specified size restrictions. This is usually within the standard High Grade sized models, around ~17cm and below. Exceptions apply.
Open Model	Category is open to all non-gunpla models. This could range from girl models, tanks, planes, etc. as long as it is derived from an anime or original series.
Fan Favourite	Category which will include all the models entered in the competition. Convention participants who pass by our event area will be able to vote for their favourite model.
Out-of-the-box	Models must be built using only the parts and materials provided in a commercially available kit, minus the decals, but stickers provided with the kit are allowed. Painting only the details, and not the whole kit. Judge’s note: around 30% maximum.
The Odd One	Category which will include all the models entered in the competition. This category is for the least-known kit to us. The kit you never knew existed or a kit “long forgotten”. The kit should not have been extensively modified from a regular kit into something that was never produced. It must have been in production at some point by a known manufacturer, such as Arii, Bandai, Imai, Takara, Volks, Wave, etc.
Flame of Youth	Category which will include all the models entered in the competition. Entrants under 18 years of age have the chance to win this category. The passion of the young ensures the future!

Be on the lookout for some surprise categories during the Awards Ceremony!

JUDGING RUBRIC - ALL CATEGORIES (except Out-of-the-box)

Main Category	Sub-Category	Description
IDEA Final Scoring Weight - 20%	Creativity - 5 points	We will judge the overall motif or theme of the model in this category as well as physical modifications on the kit.
IDEA Final Scoring Weight - 20%	Posing - 5 points	We will judge the visual appeal of the model in terms of poses in this category.
PAINTING Final Scoring Weight - 40%	Choice of colour/pattern - 5 points	We will judge the visual appeal of the colour palette and/or patterns applied in the model in this category.
PAINTING Final Scoring Weight - 40%	Painting Cleanliness - 5 points	We will judge the cleanliness and quality of the paint job of the entry in this category. Hand painted and airbrushed kits are judged on their cleanliness on equal terms.
CRAFTSMANSHIP Final Scoring Weight - 40%	Build - 10 points	We will judge the cleanliness of the non-painted aspects of the build in this category: Nubs, nub marks, seam lines, mould lines, sanding marks, file marks, cleanliness of the pieces, etc. Dioramas will be part of the judging for the whole entry.

JUDGING RUBRIC — OUT-OF-THE-BOX

Main Category

Description

Basics

Final Scoring Weight - 50% X/10

Your ability to follow the instruction manual and properly assemble the kit will be judged in this category.

Nub cleaning (Nubs, nub marks)
Proper assembly by following the manual

Advanced techniques

Final Scoring Weight - 30% X/10

The cleanliness of the build will be judged in this category: seam lines, mold lines, sanding marks, file marks, cleanliness of the pieces, etc.

Examples of advanced techniques:

Parts surface treatment (seam line removal, mould line removal, etc.)
Parts sharpening
Panel line deepening with chisels
Stickers and decals
Panel line wash
Top coat
Polishing clear parts using polishing compounds and sand papers
Painting details to match the manual’s reference image

Creative techniques

Final Scoring Weight - 20% X/10

These are bonus techniques that make your build stand out in our competition.

Examples of creativity:

Laser foil stickers for lens effects
Painting metallic details
Creative use of decals that are in line with the kit’s material and background setting. (e.g.: Don’t use Bandai logo decals on your kit.)
Choice of colours for your panel line wash
Choice of top coat finish on different parts to reproduce the intended finish of said materials

All categories are scored out of a total of 30 points.

Extra two (2) points will be given if a title is added to the model entry. Do remember that it has to be relevant to your piece. For example, the title “The Final Shot”; the entry should have an indication of a “Final Shot” through posing, motif, etc.

For any inquiries, please contact modelexpo@otakuthon.com with the subject [Inquiry] - Model Expo Competition.

Looking forward to seeing everyone at the event!

Welcome to Otakuthon 2026!

Registration is now open!