AN international cosplay competition will be held at Bahrain Comic Con for the first time next month, putting the country, once again, on the global map.
The much-awaited convention will feature two cosplay competitions – a local one which will be open to all interested members of the public, and the Middle East Cosplay Summit (MECS) for the best cosplayers in the region.
According to organiser and managing partner at DALLAH, Salman Bukhari, participants from 21 countries have registered so far for the MECS, with more expected in the coming weeks.
“In 2022, we had more than 100 cosplayers at the convention,” Mr Bukhari told the GDN.
“This year, we already have 50 registered, with more expected to join soon. We expect people to sign up on the day as well, so it is looking very promising.
“We also expect fans from the GCC, Middle East, Asia and even countries from Europe and North and South America to attend.”
As revealed on social media, four acclaimed judges with decades worth of experience – Majed Alkanderi, Eda Karadogan, Melodi Kizilgun, and Anya Dogari – have been lined up to evaluate competitors and determine the MENA cosplay champion.
Mr Alkanderi (@majed_cosplay), a Kuwaiti star, has been participating in conventions around the world.
Ms Karadogan (@eda.karadogan) from Türkiye is famed for her role as Lilith from Diablo IV, and has been cosplaying since 2012. Her compatriot Ms Kizilgun (@kizilgunmelodi) will judge using her 14 years’ worth of experience.
Bahrain-based Moldovan cosplayer Anya Dogari (@anyadogari) will also be taking the judge’s seat, after having won the competition two years running.
Mr Bukhari expressed confidence in the panel members, who, according to him, are well-respected in the international cosplay scene.
“We are confident we chose among the best of the best for the job,” he told the GDN.
He also had a message for the competitors.
“Pull out your best gear and enjoy,” he said.
“It is all about having a good time, meeting people, exchanging information and tips. Overall, just relax, let loose, and bring out the best in you and whatever character you dress as.”
He also expressed his appreciation to everyone involved in making the upcoming convention the best it can be.
“Not just the judges and cosplayers, but also the vendors, gamers and fans ... they all are a huge part of this event,” he said.
“Without them, none of this would be possible. Especially the fans, they are the reason we strive to be bigger and better, and they are the reason my brothers Khalid, Saud and I, do this.”
The competition will take place on the sidelines of the convention at Bahrain International Circuit on October 6 and 7.
Registrations are open.
This year’s BCC is being held under the patronage of Supreme Council for Youth and Sport first deputy chairman, General Sports Authority chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
The GDN earlier reported that Andrew Lawrence Cooper, best known for his roles on the hit zombie show The Walking Dead and superhero movie Shazam!, will be taking part in Bahrain Comic Con. He will be joining Lochlyn Munro (Riverdale), Alexander Ludwig (Vikings) and Carolina Ravassa (Overwatch) at the popular convention.
For information, participants can visit @bahraincomiccon, where they can register using a link.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))