Cosplay Senpai

Leading by example through positivity and acceptance.

Anime Expo is a strong advocate for the idea that Cosplay is all about having fun! No matter your race, faith, gender, sexuality, identity, age, or level of experience, Cosplay is for any and everyone!

The Cosplay Senpai Program highlights Cosplayers that have supported and uplifted the community with positivity both on and offline. Selected cosplayers are invited to the Cosplay Senpai Program to further influence the community with fun, passion, and acceptance through educational panels and discussions. When they are not at a workshop or panel, they are ready to answer questions, give advice, and talk to attendees.

Anime Expo Cosplay Senpais are typically found…

        • Giving back to the community by providing tutorials or other resources.
        • Promoting positivity online through meaningful dialogue about a variety of topics.
        • Actively engaging with the cosplay community in-person and online.
        • Maintaining a family-friendly feel with their representation through photos and content that would be comparable to a PG rating.

 

2027 Cosplay Senpai (Coming Soon)

Examples of Past Panels

Cosplay Senpai Round Table
Come meet our 2026 Cosplay Senpai! They'll discuss everything from their favorite techniques and proudest projects to some of their greatest cosplay/conventions fails. Ask them anything as they provide advice for newbies and veterans alike.

Cosplay Crash Course: From Idea to Execution
Presented by 2026 Senpai Mega Mite
This cosplay crash course breaks down the process from concept to completion. Topics include character selection, material choices, build planning, and key techniques to help create cohesive, well-executed cosplays.

Getting Started With Machine Embroidery
Presented by 2026 Senpai Dessi-Desu
Interested in adding some machine embroidered touches to your next cosplay project but not sure where to begin? Join Dessi-Desu to learn how to get started creating machine embroidery for your own cosplay projects! Dessi-Desu will discuss topics that include how to get started with digitizing, selecting hoops and stabilizer, and the variety of approaches to machine embroidery to inspire you with your next cosplay.

Ins and Outs of International Cosplay Competitions
Presented by 2026 Senpai Chikkupea
Are you a cosplay enthusiast looking to take the next step in your competitive cosplay career? Learn what it takes to achieve success in the preliminary and final rounds of the international competitive opportunities available from two-time USA representative and AX26 Cosplay Senpai Chikkupea.

Make your first helmet wig (they’re not as daunting as you might think)
Presented by 2026 Senpai Weichiadi
Intimidated by helmet wigs? Join Wei’s beginner-friendly ponytail wig panel to learn how to build a structured base, budget-friendly ponytail attachment/core, and select the right glue for each step. This class is ideal for cosplayers who've been eyeing a character but need a detailed walkthrough.

Wig Styling- From getting started to advanced techniques
Presented by 2026 Senpai Twinfools
Styling wigs can be hard! This panel, open to wig beginners and veterans alike, walks through basic styling techniques, advanced styling techniques, wig care and ways to troubleshoot difficult wigs.

Previous Senpai

2026

Chikkupea, Dessi-Desu, Mega Mite, Twinfools, weichiadi

2025

Akakioga, Luluko, Lutavia Cosplay, Johnny N’ Junker, Team Kirari Cosplay

2024

AllieCat Cosplay, AriNico Cosplay, Lady Luna of Light Cosplay, Tiffany Gordon Cosplay, Zavage Cosplay

2023

VEGA Cosplay, Jahara Jayde, NipahDUBS, Aicosu, UbersCosplay

2022

Echow Ecko, Jihatsu, Nomes Cosplay, Kaye Cosplay, Nyanbifairy, Project NAUTILUS, Phil Mizuno

2019

Amber Arden, Amber Kohaku Chan, Jihatsu, Kaye Cosplay, Kiss a Frog Cosplay, Little Sprite Cosplay, Nipah, Peyton Cosplay, Phil Mizuno, and Utahime

2018

Amber Arden, Amber Kohaku Chan, Joo Skellington, Kiss a Frog Cosplay (Alicia Renaé), Little Sprite Cosplay, QueersPlay, Steff Von Schweetz, Utahime

2017

Amber Arden, Corgi Cosplay, Dustbunny, Kiss a Frog Cosplay, Little Sprite Cosplay, Queersplay, Steff Von Schweetz, Stella Chuu

2016

Stella Chuu, Dustbunny, Joshua Hart, WindoftheStars, Aicosu, VAMPY BIT ME, Garnet Runstar, Steff Von Schweetz, Corgi Cosplay, Chocolate Covered Cosplay, Queersplay

2015

Aicosu, Chocolate Covered Cosplay, Chubear, Dustbunny, Futange, Garnet Runestar, Kiba the Corgi, VAMPY BIT ME, WindoftheStars

2014

Aicosu, Chocolate Covered Cosplay, Futange, Giada Robin, VAMPY BIT ME, WindoftheStars

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