Creators Street and Epiko Con, in collaboration with the Telangana Government, ICA Indian Comics Association, Forbidden Media & Entertainment Association of India (MEAI) and Telangana VFX Animation and Gaming Association (TVAGA) and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India have announced the WAVES Cosplay Championship.

Billed as the country’s most prestigious cosplay competition, it, according to an official government statement, aims to empower India’s growing cosplay community by providing a world-class platform for participants to showcase their skills, creativity and passion for pop culture.

The finale is expected to have about 100 finalists presenting their cosplays live on the WAVES 2025 stage in Mumbai. The participants will be judged by industry experts, international guests and cosplay professionals.

The categories open for the competition include Indian mythology, pop culture, anime, manga, DC, Marvel, etc.

The cosplay championship, part of WAVES to be held in Mumbai May 1-4, aligns with India’s expanding entertainment and AVGC-XR sector, encouraging self-expression and innovation in costume design, performance and character portrayal, the official statement added.

Not only winners and participants will gain global exposure, but also a chance to take home prize money of more than Rs. 1,50,000. While the online registration process opened on March 28, the submission deadline is April 7.