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AniMatsuri 2024 and the era of the very first event of its kind in Estonia may be over but we still have a list of this year’s winners to reveal! We thank everyone who participated in the cosplay and cosplay photo competitions, the art competition, created AMVs, and tested their knowledge of all things Japan in the quiz. Next up, this year’s top! Cosplay photos taken by Kirill Dogadajev. All rights reserved by the authors of their respective photos, videos, and art. COSPLAY AniMatsuri Travel Prize Going to Vienna: Kauks god (Viktor, “Arcane”) Travel prize runner-up: Lolly (Ada Mesmer, “Identity V”) The Nordic Cosplay Championship Going to Sweden: Yugoro (Dehya, “Genshin Impact”) NCC runner-up: Arsigida (Vash the Stampede, “Trigun Stampede”)

Attention, AniMatsuri attendees! Your health and safety are our top priorities. If you’re feeling unwell or showing any symptoms of illness, please stay home and take care of yourself. Don’t worry about the ticket money because, if you fall ill and can’t attend, we’ll refund your ticket! It is recommended to wear a mask at the festival due to the high number of people in an enclosed room. Let’s protect each other and ensure a fun festival for everyone! Stay safe!

Hey, anime and Japanese culture fans! We have fantastic news! The AniMatsuri festival program is ready and available on our website! Explore our diverse range of workshops, panels, presentations, and competitions designed to inspire and educate you. From cosplay tools and techniques to deep dives into Japanese culture, we have something for everyone! Hurry and check out the full schedule today! But a ticket early to secure your entry and get ready for an unforgettable weekend filled with knowledge, fun, and new friends. See you at AniMatsuri! Check out the program HERE.

The final cosplay photo judge is Strawtownhero aka Marcus Vall. “The time and place are the difference between success and failure. Understanding the interplay of light is the key to whether something is or isn’t. For roughly ten years, I’ve walked alongside light, camera in hand, with both portraits and landscape photography.” You can find them on social media:https://www.instagram.com/strawtownhero/https://www.instagram.com/cosplayarkivet/https://www.facebook.com/Strawtownhero/

Second up on the cosplay photo judge list is N8e (Kristof Nachtergaele)! Kristof Nachtergaele aka N8e picked up a camera in 2006 and stumbled into a convention the year after that, discovered cosplay and stuck around. Photography is still a hobby that evolved from just a camera with built-in flash to dragging a truckload of flashes with him for shoots. He still finds it amazing that this hobby lets him meet people from all over the world and people still come over to shoot with him at conventions. Find him on instagram:https://www.instagram.com/knachte/

Our first cosplay photo judge is Chris Kon Photo! Chris Kon has been dedicated to capturing the artistry of the cosplay community through visually striking photography. Inspired by various forms of art, he enjoys experimenting with different themes and lighting techniques to create unique and engaging images. Constantly striving to improve and perfect his craft, Chris focuses on bringing fresh perspectives and creativity to each photoshoot. Find him on social media:https://www.instagram.com/chriskonphoto/https://www.facebook.com/ChrisKonPhoto

Last but not least, meet our third cosplay competition judge Caiva! “I’m Caiva, and I began my cosplay journey in the 2010s. I’ve always had an affinity for crafting costumes with delicate details, various props and interesting textures. For the past seven years, I’ve been active in the competitive scene around Europe, both as a contestant and a judge.” Photo: Marquad Photography Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caivacosplay/

Meet our second cosplay judge, Element Fox! “I have been cosplaying for over 8 years. I used to work as a 3D artist before becoming a graphic designer. My broad interests have helped me learn a lot about different materials and techniques. Whether it’s sewing, 3D printing, patterns, EVA, or leather, I always try to expand my skills in all areas. I love sharing my knowledge with others and enjoy attending conventions in different countries, contributing to the global cosplay community.” Social media: https://www.instagram.com/element_fox/ https://www.facebook.com/ElementF0X/about

Our first cosplay judge is here! Elvea is a cosplay veteran from Sweden with over a decade of cosplay experience. You’re most likely to find her on stage, both as a competitor and as a host of competitions and cosplay festivals. Notable accomplishments are being master of ceremonies at the Nordic Cosplay Championships for many years, placing second runner up in the Swedish Cosplay Championships of 2020, representing Sweden in World Cosplay Summit 2019, running Sweden’s only cosplay-centric podcast and acting as a representative for the Swedish cosplay community on TV, radio and other media. As an older cosplayer she’s a champion of making sure cosplayers are compensated for their work and respected for their craft. Photo by: LoviJ Instagram: