The Philippines’ biggest anime and cosplay convention just dropped its full guest list — and it is massive.
Cosplay Mania 2026: Dazzling Diamond 💎 runs October 2–4 at SMX Convention Center Manila. The lineup includes HOLOSTARS, Hololive talents, anisong artists, celebrity cosplayers, and VTubers — all on one stage across three days.
Here is everything you need to know about the Cosplay Mania 2026 guest lineup — every name, every day, every detail.
What Is Cosplay Mania 2026 — The Philippines’ Biggest Anime & Cosplay Convention
Cosplay Mania is not just another fan event. It is the flagship convention of Cosplay.ph Organization, Inc. — the organization behind the Philippines’ most comprehensive annual ACG (Anime, Comics, Games) event calendar.
The 2025 edition drew over 20,000 attendees across three days and occupied four halls at SMX. The 2026 edition — themed Dazzling Diamond — is shaping up to be even larger, with 300+ confirmed booths across a 9,130 sqm convention area.
Cosplay Mania 2026: Dazzling Diamond — Dates, Venue & Key Facts
| Detail | Info |
| Event Name | Cosplay Mania 2026: Dazzling Diamond |
| Dates | October 2 (Fri) – October 4 (Sun), 2026 |
| Hours | 10:28 AM – 8:00 PM daily |
| JAM Concert | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM each night |
| Venue | SMX Convention Center Manila |
| Address | Seashell Lane, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City 1300, Metro Manila |
| Organizer | Cosplay.ph Organization, Inc. |
| Ticketing | TicketMAX — cosplayph.ticketmax.ph |
| Ticket Price | PHP 500 – PHP 1,500 |
| Social | X: @CosplayManiaPH | Facebook: cosplayph |
Why Cosplay Mania Is the Crown Jewel of the Cosplay.ph Event Calendar
Cosplay.ph runs six conventions per year — each carrying a gem-themed name that fans recognize instantly.
The 2026 lineup includes Cosplay Carnival (Eternal Emerald) in March, FanFes (Tranquil Topaz) in May, ACX (Radiant Ruby) in July, and CosMeet (Shimmering Sapphire) at Okada Manila on October 24–25. Each event serves a different segment of the community.
Cosplay Mania is the crown jewel — the fourth and largest event of the year. The Dazzling Diamond theme signals brilliance, prestige, and a celebration of the community at its peak.
The Cosplay Mania 2026 full guest lineup was officially announced during ACX 2026: Radiant Ruby on July 18–19 — continuing the tradition of using the ACX weekend as the stage for the biggest reveal of the year.
From SM Megamall to SMX Manila — How Cosplay Mania Grew Since 2008
Cosplay Mania started on October 12, 2008 at SM Megamall’s Megatrade Hall 3 — a single room, three main activities, and a cosplay competition that drew roughly 6,000 people.
In 2010, the convention moved to its permanent home at SMX Convention Center Manila. That same year, it introduced the Tournament of Champions (TORCH) — the first nationwide cosplay competition in Philippine history.
In 2013, attendance hit approximately 23,000. By 2025, the event occupied four full halls at SMX. What began as a grassroots cosplay gathering is now a fully international-scale production. That growth is what makes the Dazzling Diamond edition so significant.
Cosplay Mania 2026 Full Guest Lineup — Every Name Confirmed
The Cosplay Mania 2026 guest lineup is the largest in the event’s 18-year history.
It spans anisong artists, Hololive VTubers, HOLOSTARS talents, independent VTubers, voice actors, and celebrity cosplayers — a breadth of ACG content that very few conventions in Southeast Asia can match.
JAM Concert Artists by Day: Nami Tamaki, Hololive & MindaRyn + ZAQ
The JAM Concert — Japanese Anime Music — runs from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM each night at SMX. Each day features a completely different set of performers.
Day 1 (Friday, October 2): Japanese artist Nami Tamaki performs as part of her Nami Tamaki Live 2026 Starbound Tour. Known for iconic anime theme songs including Believe and Realize from Mobile Suit Gundam SEED, Nami Tamaki is one of the most beloved anisong artists in the Philippine fan community.
Day 2 (Saturday, October 3): Ayunda Risu (Hololive Indonesia) and Momosuzu Nene (Hololive JP) take the stage together. Both are beloved Hololive talents with strong Southeast Asian fanbases. This is the highest-demand night of the three-day event for VTuber fans.
Day 3 (Sunday, October 4): MindaRyn and ZAQ close out Cosplay Mania 2026. MindaRyn is a Thai-Japanese anisong artist known for her anime tie-up songs. ZAQ is a critically acclaimed Japanese singer-songwriter whose discography includes themes for Chunibyo, Cop Craft, and Fractale.
HOLOSTARS at Cosplay Mania 2026 — The Full Confirmed Roster
HOLOSTARS has the largest single group representation at Cosplay Mania 2026. Seven HOLOSTARS English members are confirmed:
| HOLOSTARS Guest | Group |
| Machina x Flayon | HOLOSTARS EN — TEMPUS HQ |
| Banzoin Hakka | HOLOSTARS EN — TEMPUS HQ |
| Jurard T. Rexford | HOLOSTARS EN — TEMPUS HQ |
| Octavio | HOLOSTARS EN — TEMPUS HQ |
| Gavis Bettel | HOLOSTARS EN — TEMPUS HQ |
| Axel Syrios | HOLOSTARS EN — TEMPUS HQ |
| Josuiji Shinri | HOLOSTARS EN — TEMPUS HQ |
This is one of the largest HOLOSTARS appearances at a Southeast Asian convention in 2026. For fans in the USA, Cosplay Mania 2026 represents a rare opportunity to see multiple members at a single in-person event.
VTuber Guests: Féileacán Cú, Crimzon Ruze, Goldbullet, Thames & More
Beyond the HOLOSTARS roster, Cosplay Mania 2026 features a strong independent and agency VTuber presence:
| VTuber Guest | Key Note |
| Féileacán Cú | Day 1 (Oct 2) ONLY — merchandise pre-order available |
| Crimzon Ruze | Multi-day guest |
| Goldbullet | Multi-day guest |
| Hiroto Kuramasu | Multi-day guest |
| Thames | Multi-day guest |
Féileacán Cú is the most time-sensitive guest on the entire lineup. Appearing only on Day 1 (Friday, October 2), fans who want to meet this VTuber must plan specifically for the opening day. Merchandise is also available via pre-order through the official site.
Cosplay Stars & Voice Actors: Diana Garnet, YingTze, Prestonles & the All-Star Avenue
Diana Garnet — a voice actress and musician — appears exclusively on Day 3 (Sunday, October 4). Merchandise pre-order for Diana Garnet is available through the official event site.
YingTze is a Malaysian cosplayer with a massive following across Southeast Asia and international cosplay circuits. Prestonles is a celebrated cosplayer and content creator with merchandise pre-order available now.
The All-Star Avenue — Cosplay Mania’s dedicated meet-and-greet zone — features 40+ All-Stars in 2026. The standout duo highlight this year is DemiBear x Chanel Yui.
Tickets include a blind booster collectible cosplay card — a random character card bundled with physical ticket purchases. Available at Hobby Kaikan, cabinet HK-175 for fans who could not attend earlier sale windows.
Day-by-Day Breakdown — Who’s Performing & Appearing Each Day
Planning which day to attend Cosplay Mania 2026 is the most important decision you will make. Each day has a different concert performer, different guest schedules, and different time-sensitive appearances.
Day 1 (Friday, Oct 2): Nami Tamaki Starbound Tour & Féleacán Cú (Appearing This Day Only)
Friday, October 2 is the most strategic opening day in Cosplay Mania history.
The JAM Concert features Nami Tamaki performing as part of her Nami Tamaki Live 2026 Starbound Tour. For fans of early-2000s anime soundtracks and classic anisong, this is a concert performance not to miss.
Féleacán Cú appears on Day 1 only. This is the single most important scheduling fact for VTuber fans attending the event. If you want to meet Féleacán Cú, buy a Day 1 ticket. There is no alternative day.
Friday also offers the lightest crowd of the three days. Exclusive merchandise — from the official booth pre-orders and the blind booster ticket system — is at its freshest on opening day.
Day 2 (Saturday, Oct 3): Ayunda Risu + Momosuzu Nene — Hololive Takes the Stage
Saturday, October 3 is the highest-energy day of Cosplay Mania 2026.
The JAM Concert features Ayunda Risu (Hololive Indonesia) and Momosuzu Nene (Hololive JP) performing together on the same SMX stage. For Hololive fans in the Philippines and across Southeast Asia, this is a landmark shared appearance.
Saturday carries the heaviest general attendance of the three days. Convention wisdom from past Cosplay Mania editions suggests arriving by 10:28 AM opening time on Saturday — crowds build rapidly through the midday hours.
The HOLOSTARS members and other multi-day guests are also active across the convention floor on Day 2. All-Star Avenue meet-and-greet schedules are worth checking in advance on the official Cosplay Mania 2026 site.
Day 3 (Sunday, Oct 4): MindaRyn, ZAQ & Diana Garnet Close Out Dazzling Diamond
Sunday, October 4 delivers the most musically diverse closing day of any Cosplay Mania in recent years.
The JAM Concert closes with MindaRyn and ZAQ — two anisong artists whose combined discography spans major anime titles across the last decade. It is a fitting final night for a convention themed around the brilliance of a diamond.
Diana Garnet appears exclusively on Day 3. Like Féleacán Cú on Day 1, Diana Garnet’s Day 3-only schedule creates a must-attend dynamic for her fanbase. Pre-order merchandise is available for fans who want to prepare before arriving.
The TORCH (Tournament of Champions) finals — the national cosplay competition — typically reaches its most intense stage on Day 3, with final rounds and championship announcements drawing large crowds to the competition stage.
TORCH, All-Star Avenue & What Makes Cosplay Mania Unique
Two things set Cosplay Mania apart from every other convention in the Philippines — and most conventions in Southeast Asia.
What Is the TORCH Competition at Cosplay Mania 2026?
TORCH stands for Tournament of Champions — the oldest and most prestigious cosplay competition in the Philippines.
Introduced in 2010, TORCH was the first nationwide cosplay competition in Philippine history. Regional qualifiers are held across the country — in cities including Cagayan de Oro, Clark, Davao, Cebu, and Manila — before the national finals play out on the Cosplay Mania main stage.
What makes TORCH distinctive is its structure. It is not a single-day walk-on competition. It is a multi-city qualification system that functions like a national sports league — complete with regional elimination rounds, judging criteria spanning craftsmanship, performance, and character accuracy, and a championship stage that draws thousands.
All-Star Avenue: 40+ Guests, Blind Booster Tickets & Exclusive Merchandise
The All-Star Avenue is Cosplay Mania’s answer to the traditional VIP meet-and-greet system — but built specifically for the community’s creators.
Cosplayers, idol groups, performers, and content creators operate dedicated booths along the All-Star Avenue. Fans can browse, purchase merchandise, get autographs, and take photos with their favorite creators in a structured format.
In 2026, the All-Star Avenue features 40+ All-Stars — the largest roster the event has ever hosted. The standout duo highlight is DemiBear x Chanel Yui.
Blind booster tickets add another layer of exclusivity. Physical tickets include a random collectible cosplay card — making the physical ticket itself a collectible item. Available at Hobby Kaikan cabinet HK-175.
How TORCH Winners Represent the Philippines at Anime Festival Asia (AFA)
TORCH winners do not just receive a trophy at SMX Manila. They go on to represent the Philippines internationally — competing against national cosplay champions from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia at Anime Festival Asia (AFA).
According to asiapopfests.com: “Past winners have gone on to represent the Philippines internationally through Cosplay Mania’s long-running partnership with Anime Festival Asia (AFA)… In past years, Philippine representatives have actually won that regional competition outright.”
This transforms TORCH from a local competition into an international qualifying event. The TORCH champion at Cosplay Mania 2026 will carry the Philippine flag to AFA — and historically, that flag has come home with gold.
Tickets, Venue & How to Attend Cosplay Mania 2026 From the USA
For US-based fans of Hololive, HOLOSTARS, or the Philippines anime convention scene, Cosplay Mania 2026 is a genuinely accessible destination — if you plan ahead.
Cosplay Mania 2026 Ticket Prices & How to Buy via TicketMAX
Cosplay Mania 2026 tickets are sold exclusively through TicketMAX at cosplayph.ticketmax.ph.
| Ticket Type | Price Range |
| Day Pass (Exhibition) | PHP 500 – PHP 1,500 (~$8 – $26 USD) |
| JAM Concert Access | Included in select tiers — check TicketMAX listings |
| 3-Day Pass | Check TicketMAX for bundled options |
The Philippine Peso to USD rate makes Cosplay Mania remarkably affordable for American visitors. Even the highest-tier ticket costs under $30 USD — a fraction of what comparable convention tickets cost at events like Anime Expo Los Angeles.
Booth slots have closed. As of September 1, 2026, Cosplay.ph issued a “last call” with only 9 booths remaining out of 300+. For visitors, tickets are still on sale.
For Meet & Greet access to specific guests — including HOLOSTARS members — check the official site for separate M&G ticketing, as these are typically sold separately from general admission.
SMX Convention Center Manila — Venue Size, Layout & What to Expect
SMX Convention Center Manila is located at the Mall of Asia Complex, Seashell Lane, Pasay City 1300. It offers 17,170 sqm of leasable space across 4 exhibition halls capable of hosting up to 18,000 people.
Cosplay Mania 2026 occupies a 9,130 sqm convention footprint. Inside you will find:
- Standard exhibit booths from anime, gaming, and hobby brands
- All-Star Avenue for creator meet-and-greets
- Food booths for meals and snacks throughout the day
- JAM Concert stage for evening performances (6:00–8:00 PM)
- TORCH competition stage for cosplay championship rounds
Planning Your Trip: Getting to SMX Manila at the Mall of Asia Complex
SMX Convention Center Manila is one of the most accessible convention venues in Metro Manila.
- MRT Line 1 (LRT-1) — Baclaran Station, then jeepney or tricycle to MOA (~10–15 min)
- UV Express and P2P Bus — direct services from Makati, BGC, and Ortigas to MOA
- Grab (ride-hailing) — most reliable for international visitors; drop-off directly at SMX entrance
- Taxi from NAIA — approximately 15–25 minutes; NAIA is only ~5 km from MOA
For US visitors flying into Manila: Terminal 3 (NAIA-3) handles most international carriers. From NAIA-3, SMX Manila is reachable by Grab in approximately 15–20 minutes.
The Philippines sits 12–13 hours ahead of US time zones. If you are coordinating with fans back home, factor in the time difference. A 10:30 AM Manila event start is late evening the previous day on the US East Coast.
FAQs
Who are the top 10 cosplay girls?
The top cosplay personalities recognized internationally include a mix of competitive cosplayers, content creators, and convention regulars. Names consistently recognized in the global cosplay community include YingTze (Malaysia — attending Cosplay Mania 2026), Enako (Japan), Alodia Gosiengfiao (Philippines), Jessica Nigri (USA), Kaname (Japan), Reika (Japan — past Cosplay Mania guest), Linda Le (Vampy Bit Me) (USA — past Cosplay Mania guest), DemiBear (appearing at Cosplay Mania 2026), Chanel Yui (appearing at Cosplay Mania 2026), and Prestonles (appearing at Cosplay Mania 2026). The global cosplay community spans every region — and the Philippines, Japan, Malaysia, and the USA consistently produce the most internationally recognized cosplay talent.
Who will be at the anime expo in 2026?
Cosplay Mania 2026 — the Philippines’ equivalent of a flagship anime expo — features a confirmed guest lineup including Nami Tamaki, MindaRyn, ZAQ, Ayunda Risu, Momosuzu Nene (anisong and Hololive artists), HOLOSTARS EN members including Gavis Bettel, Banzoin Hakka, Machina x Flayon, Jurard T. Rexford, Axel Syrios, Octavio, and Josuiji Shinri, plus VTubers Féileacán Cú, Crimzon Ruze, Goldbullet, Thames, and Hiroto Kuramasu, alongside cosplay guests YingTze, Prestonles, DemiBear x Chanel Yui, and voice actress Diana Garnet. The event runs October 2–4, 2026 at SMX Convention Center Manila. For the US-based Anime Expo Los Angeles 2026 guest list, check anime-expo.org directly.
Who are the hottest cosplayers on Instagram right now?
The most followed and recognized cosplayers on Instagram in 2026 include creators who blend costume craftsmanship with strong social media presence. Names consistently trending include Enako (Japan’s most followed cosplayer), YingTze (Malaysia — attending Cosplay Mania 2026), Alodia Gosiengfiao (Philippines), Jessica Nigri (USA), DemiBear and Chanel Yui (both at Cosplay Mania 2026). The cosplay scene on Instagram has shifted significantly toward VTuber character cosplay, gaming IP cosplay (Genshin Impact, Blue Archive, Honkai), and anime-accurate builds — reflecting the same trends driving conventions like Cosplay Mania 2026 to expand their VTuber and gaming content programming.
Which country has the most cosplay?
Japan is widely considered the origin and global hub of cosplay culture — the word itself derives from the Japanese term kosupure (コスプレ), coined in the 1980s. Japan hosts the largest cosplay events by density, including World Cosplay Summit in Nagoya, which draws national teams from over 40 countries annually.
The Philippines is recognized as one of the strongest cosplay nations in Southeast Asia — and one of the most competitive globally. Philippine teams have won international cosplay championships through Cosplay Mania’s TORCH competition and their longstanding partnership with Anime Festival Asia (AFA). The USA, China, Thailand, Malaysia, and Brazil also have massive, highly organized cosplay communities. By sheer volume of events and per-capita participation, Japan and the Philippines consistently rank at the top of the global cosplay conversation.
Conclusion
Cosplay Mania 2026: Dazzling Diamond is the biggest edition yet — and the guest lineup proves it.
Seven HOLOSTARS members. Hololive on stage. Nami Tamaki’s Starbound Tour. MindaRyn and ZAQ closing the weekend. Plus 40+ All-Stars, the TORCH national cosplay championship, and a convention floor with 300+ booths across 9,130 sqm at SMX Convention Center Manila.
For American fans of Hololive, HOLOSTARS, anisong, and Philippine cosplay culture — October 2–4 in Manila is a weekend worth building a trip around.
Tickets are on sale now at cosplayph.ticketmax.ph. The convention sold out its last booth slots in September. Don’t wait on tickets.
Abroy John is the Founder and Editor of Asia Pop Fests, where he covers
entertainment news and events from across Asia. He focuses on accurate,
up-to-date reporting on the region’s festivals and pop culture.
