Festivals - Japan Expo 2025 : Extreme Cosplay Gathering (ECG) Final – A Spectacle of Passion, Craftsmanship & Innovation

By Mulder, Villepinte, Parc des Expositions, 05 july 2025

Japan Expo 2025 reached its crescendo on the evening of July 5, 2025, with the much-anticipated finale of the Extreme Cosplay Gathering (ECG), once again hosted on the grand Ichigo Stage at Villepinte’s Parc des Expositions. Now in its 13ᵉ edition, the ECG continues to serve as the most prestigious cosplay competition in Europe, if not globally, and this year brought together elite representatives from 19 different countries, each with their own unique cultural twist on performance and fabrication. The venue, packed from floor to rafters, pulsed with energy as fans, press, judges, and fellow cosplayers cheered the competitors, transforming the final into an arena of imagination, talent, and global unity. What unfolded was not simply a series of skits, but an opera of fandom, where the marriage of painstaking craftsmanship and live performance formed the foundation for unforgettable moments. From elaborate mech suits to flowing gowns stitched with hand-dyed silks, each costume told a story—and the audience lived it with them.

The sheer scale and diversity of the performances were a masterclass in how far cosplay has come as an artform. Participants performed in duos, trios, and ensembles, each act crafted with theatrical arcs, synchronized choreography, and stage effects that rivaled professional productions. One particularly unforgettable anecdote emerged from a French team whose mechanized dragon wing suffered a spectacular failure mid-performance—only for the performer to deftly adapt, converting the glitch into a comedic aside that both charmed the crowd and impressed the jury with their quick thinking. These unscripted moments, while brief, encapsulated the spirit of ECG: where flexibility, charisma, and showmanship matter just as much as detailed sewing or armor builds. The high stakes meant that every movement was rehearsed to perfection, yet the human element always shone through—proving once again that cosplay is as much about emotional storytelling as visual spectacle.

Backstage, the mood was an infectious mix of tension and camaraderie. Shared laughs over last-minute wig fixes, emergency repairs with hot glue, and motivational chants reverberated behind the curtains, as revealed by the event’s official Instagram and X (Twitter) accounts. A brand-new category introduced this year, the “Best Wig” award, recognized the rising importance of hairstyling and wig design in modern cosplay. Contestants took the challenge to heart, with one Spanish finalist reportedly traveling with an entire suitcase devoted solely to styling tools and color blends. Another major development was the inaugural Sustainability Award, which drew loud applause during the announcement. The winning entry featured an ethereal forest spirit ensemble composed entirely of recycled materials, from biodegradable leather-look armor to 3D printed plant-based resin accessories—an environmental statement that left a mark on the audience and the judges alike. The jury itself was a formidable lineup of internationally recognized professionals including seasoned costume designers, previous ECG winners, prop-making influencers, and textile historians—whose combined eye for technical accuracy and stage presence ensured that no detail went unnoticed.

The award ceremony itself was a moment of emotional triumph for many. In a delightful twist, the gold medal went to the French delegation, who delivered a rousing performance steeped in folklore-inspired martial arts choreography. With intricate puppet-like armatures, traditional fabrics, and an original score, their routine drew a standing ovation. Though the names of the winning cosplayers have yet to be officially released, they are already the subject of thousands of social media posts and tribute videos. Their victory was proudly echoed on X. This home victory was particularly sweet considering last year’s dominance by the Czech duo Tery and Kate Tyler, who set an incredibly high bar with their dramatic interpretation of The Witcher. Second place this year was claimed by a North American duo known for their laser-precise combat choreography and pristine armor builds—each plate and joint painstakingly aged to cinematic standards. Third place went to a skilled group from Asia who enchanted the audience with their elegant retelling of a classic myth using high-speed costume transformations and shadowplay.

More than just a contest, the ECG continued to affirm its role as a cultural summit, a melting pot where craft meets passion and where every stitch, contour, and monologue speaks to countless hours of unseen dedication. This was further reinforced during the ECG retrospective masterclass held the following day. In a talk led by ECG founder and longtime event director Benjamin, attendees were given a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the evolution of the competition. He emphasized how what began as a European initiative had organically expanded into a global phenomenon. He also spoke candidly about the increasing need for sustainable practices, emotional support structures for performers, and the future incorporation of tech-based cosplay solutions—like LED reactive fabrics or AR-assisted storytelling—into future shows. Benjamin’s words reminded everyone that while ECG remains rooted in craftsmanship, it constantly evolves with the community it serves.

Ultimately, the Extreme Cosplay Gathering at Japan Expo 2025 didn’t just celebrate the best in costume play—it celebrated humanity’s drive to connect, to imagine, and to express ourselves beyond the limits of language or origin. It served as a vibrant reflection of how cosplay continues to blur the lines between high fashion, fan culture, and performance art. As this year’s confetti settled and the final curtain call echoed through the halls of Villepinte, it became clear that the ECG’s heart beats stronger than ever. With whispers already circulating about expanded performance categories, more interactive fan-vote features, and an even greener approach in 2026, the ECG remains the gold standard for what cosplay competitions can aspire to be—a space where innovation thrives, passion radiates, and magic is made real, one costume at a time.

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Photos : Boris Colletier / Mulderville