Spain 🇪🇸

DUO

We’re Rubén/Destrona2 (32) and Lander/Plus (27) and , a cosplay couple since 4 years ago and a sentimental couple since 6 years ago. We’ve been living together for 5 years aproximately, and both of us are from Bilbao, Basque Country.

How did you discover cosplay and what made you start in this hobby? How long ago?

Rubén: I discovered cosplay by causality, and I got deep into learning and getting better in this world wich I’m part from since 6 years ago.

Lander: My approach to cosplay was thanks to Rubén, when I started to meet him, we did a first skit of The Emperor’s New Groove, he was Yzma and I was Kuzko, in the Manga Fair of Bilbao. We won and since then we didn’t stop!

Why did you choose Alice Madness Return as your project for the ICL preselection? Is this your first time joining an international cosplay competition?

Rubén: I chose the Queen of Hearts because of the outfit elaboration, the multiple details and I wanted it to be pompous. This is my second time in an international cosplay competition.

Lander: We chose Alice Madness because Rubén had som sort of a base with his costume, and because we did this skit in the past, we only had to modify the outfits and skit from scratch. For me it’s my frist time in an international competition.

What does cosplay mean for you? And what is your favorite part of the hobby?

Rubén: Cosplay is a funny hobby I really enjoy. Since choosing the fabrics to the final skit. My favourite part is the moment when you see results of the customization progress.

Lander: Es something out of this world, many people think we’re weird because we do cosplay, but it’s something very funny and gratifying, and especially creative. My favourite part is to enjoy the hobby with my partner and to see the results of the progress.

Were you selected before the pandemic? If so, how did it affect your motivation and project for the finale? 

Rubén: Yes, we were selected before the pandemic. The motivation was still there in the beginning, and also in the end. But after two years I gained weight and the outfit I started to prepare didn’t fit so we had to start from scratch again.

Lander: Yes, we were selected before the pandemic. The motivation was still there but not in the same level as in the beginning

What do you expect from the experience?

Rubén: I want to enjoy the company of the other teams, and I want to enjoy this experience since it’s very difficult to get it.

Lander: I want to enjoy everything to the maximum, to meet other cultures and to enjoy the experience.

Have you decided your project for the finals in Madrid? Can you give us a clue?

Yes we’ve decided our project.

We’re going to be the heroine and the villain.

Describe the cosplay community in your country using five words.

Familiar, expensive, funny, friendly, diversity.

You can follow Destrona2 Plus on:

https://www.instagram.com/destrona2pluscosplay/?hl=es

SOLO

Juggernaut, 30 years old. I love doing props comissions for other people in Chimera, a workshop I share with three friends. I love big  baddie characters with a big heart.

How did you discover cosplay and what made you start in this hobby? How long ago?

My first contact with cosplay was when I was very little when my grandmother made me costumes for carnivals. Years later I discovered that it was quite an art but it was not until four years ago that I decided to be part of the world instead of being a fan from the stands.

Why did you choose Fl4k as your project for the ICL preselection? Is this your first time joining an international cosplay competition?

I fell in love with the character as soon as the first Borderlands 3 trailer came out, but felt like I didn’t have enough skill to do him justice. That motivated me to want to improve and grow as a cosplayer. This is my first international cosplay contest and I’m glad I made it here thanks to Fl4k.

What does cosplay mean for you? And what is your favorite part of the hobby?

For me, cosplay is my way of paying tribute to characters from series/games/etc that I admire through passion and discipline. I really like to follow (or try to) processes that are as orderly and efficient as possible. Incredible as it may seem, my favorite process is sanding 3D pieces over and over again until I get the polished finish needed for a good job. I even find it therapeutic.

Were you selected before the pandemic? If so, how did it affect your motivation and project for the finale? 

I was selected just before the lockdown started. The fact is that I had already had my own confinement to finish my preselection cosplay on time, so the first months of the pandemic were especially hard. That’s why my initial intention was to use the same cosplay in the finale. But when the finale was postponed I decided to start a new project. Unfortunately, I underestimated the mental exhaustion that the pandemic caused and I had to give up on that project to tackle one more in line with my strengths.

What do you expect from the experience?

Being selected as a representative of Spain has been a real pride. I have been working on the project that I will take to the final for many months and I really want to show it off. But I also know that the level is going to be very high, there are many talented colleagues among the participants. That is why I am content that my friends and fellow cosplayers can feel that I represent them in conditions, win or lose.

Have you decided your project for the finals in Madrid? Can you give us a clue?

The project is decided and ALMOST finished. What I can say about it is that it is an armor and not exactly small.

Describe the cosplay community in your country using five words.

Talent, passion, dedication, competitiveness and discipline.

You can follow Juggernaut on:

www.instagram.com/juggernaughtty

www.twitter.com/Juggernaughtty

Team Spain was selected at Japan Weekend Madrid (February 2020)