Cosplay, Community, and Passion from Egypt
Cosplay is more than costumes — it’s a journey, a voice, and a community.
In this mini interview, we sit down with Maggie Elmanesterly, widely known as Pikachan Cosplay, a talented cosplayer and influencer from Egypt, who has been active in the cosplay scene since 2016.
عن المنصة Pikachan Cosplay
- Real Name: Maggie Elmanesterly
- Cosplay Name: Pikachan Cosplay
- Country: Egypt
- Experience: Since 2016
Maggie’s cosplay journey began with her very first character — Pikachu. That first cosplay not only inspired her name but also shaped her identity within the cosplay world. What started as a simple costume quickly turned into a long-term passion for creativity, performance, and craftsmanship.
Thoughts on the Arab Cosplay Community
When asked about the Arab cosplay community, Pikachan shared an honest and powerful perspective. She believes that Arab cosplayers deserve more recognition and support, especially since many events focus heavily on international guests rather than local talent.
Despite the challenges, she highlighted the positive growth of the community:
“We are growing each day, fighting against old mindsets. It’s not easy, but if we stand together, we can achieve something great.”
— Pikachan Cosplay
Message to the Community
Pikachan encourages cosplayers across the Middle East and North Africa to support one another, stay united, and continue pushing the scene forward. Visibility, collaboration, and mutual respect are key to building a stronger future for Arab cosplay.
She also shared her hope to be invited to more events across the Middle East and expressed appreciation for platforms that spotlight Arab creators.
Competitions & Achievements
Over the years, Pikachan has participated in numerous competitions and earned several titles, including:
1st Place – Re:Zero (2017)
3rd Place – Maker Faire (2017)
4th Place – Heunicon Ace (2017)
Best Crafter – Insomnia League of Legends (2018)- 3rd Place – Glacticon (2018)
2nd Place – Egycon (2018)- 3rd Place – Violet Evergarden (Egycon 2019)
- 2nd Place – Insomnia Egypt (2019)
- Top 15 – Nexus فعالية, Saudi Arabia (2019)
- 3rd Place – Egycon (2020)
Top 15 – Wild Rift Online Competition (2021)
Final Words
Pikachan Cosplay’s story is a reminder that passion, persistence, and community support can turn a simple idea into an inspiring journey. Her voice reflects the dreams and struggles of many Arab cosplayers striving to be seen and celebrated.
Follow Pikachan Cosplay on social media to see more of her incredible work!