Launched in 2003 by Japanese television station TV Aichi, its main focus is to promote the international exchange of Japanese culture, manga and anime. The championship debuted in 2005 and has been held annually since, with participants hailing from 40+ countries and across 6 continents.
Explore our Past Representatives section to learn about the talented cosplayers who have represented our country at the World Cosplay summit over the years. Discover their costumes, performances, and achievements, celebrating the creativity and passion that define each year’s participants.
@jinxiecosplay as Princess Zelda & @neon.okami.cosplay as Link
@kinpatsucosplay as Mordred & @kombokittern as Arthur
@iambakasakura as Rosette & @Yamaki_cosplay as Chrono
@pamikin_ as Yuri Kozukata & @frostykity as Inori Minomori
In 2018, South Africa became the first country on the continent to compete in the largest cosplay event in the world - World Cosplay Summit (WCS). August of that year saw @Jinxiecosplay and @Neon.okami.cosplay travel to Nagoya, Japan to take on teams from dozens of countries on cosplay’s biggest stage.
Since then, South Africa has sent three more teams to compete at the WCS Championship event, two more to compete in WCS partner events at Gamers8, and one more to compete in the global video competition during lockdown. Now comes your chance to be South Africa’s next representative team!
2025 will see 33 countries fighting it out in the world’s premiere cosplay and skit competition. The South African Regional Qualifier will take place at Comic Con Cape Town on Saturday May 3rd, with the winning team heading to Japan in August to take on the world’s best.
Have any questions or need some help? Reach out to us and we are glad to Assist!
WeCosplaySA is a non-profit company (NPC) whose mission is to elevate cosplay in South Africa by supporting, developing, and growing an inherently diverse and creative community, and providing opportunities to showcase their skills and talents on local and international stage.
