The Finnish Cosplay Champions 2016

Tomi Haapoja, known as Hapsucosplay won the Championship in 2016, held at GameXpo in Helsinki. Hapsu recalls the moment he heard he won: The announcements didn’t reach the dressing rooms but I remember someone calling out from the doorway, “Hapsu, you won!” and I was still just sitting in the chair completely stunned. It felt like having been hit on the head with a log. Once it sank in, I ran toward the stage. I was so excited and full of adrenaline that my hat flew off, and Miro gave it back to me just before I got on stage. I had put so much effort into the costume and performance, and it was rewarded in the best possible way.

Regarding future Finnish Cosplay Championships Hapsu tells us that even if he hasn't been seen on the Finnish Championship stage lately, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing in the works. Cosplay competitions in Finland are of such high quality that you really want to experience them more than once! I also really hope that bigger sponsors in the future realize the talent and dedication that goes into creating these amazing events—so we could provide top-level resources and venues for top-level creators!

Barbossa, my winning costume is neatly folded in the closet and the props are all intact. I did recycle the stage set, though—I mean, a whole ship’s wheel would’ve been a bit much for the living room. I haven’t worn Barbossa that often since the competition, maybe the emotional value is so high that I only want to wear it on special occasions. Not exactly for weddings or funerals, but definitely for group cosplays—or whenever I feel like raiding a few ships!

Photo: Nyymix

Ainocos, Ssnowbal and Rillaroro won the Finnish Cosplay Championship group category in 2016.

Ainocos says the Finnish Cosplay Champion -title has offered a certain credence when talking with people who don't know much about cosplay. They also point out that Finland and the whole world are full of talented cosplay artists who never compete.

We asked if the group would like to participate in the Finnish Cosplay Championship again. Ainocos says they’ve considered competing again as a solo or perhaps as a pair. Ssnowball would also like to participate in the future.

For the next champions Ssnowball shares a tip: “Practice and polish every single detail in your performance. You should record your practice and ask for feedback from your friends.”