Anime St. Pete 2025 once again transformed the historic Coliseum in St. Petersburg, Florida, into a vibrant hub of Japanese animation and pop culture. This year’s event featured an exciting lineup of voice actors, a spectacular cosplay contest, and a wide array of vendors and food trucks.
Voice Actors Take the Spotlight
Fans had the chance to meet and get autographs from a fantastic lineup of celebrity guests. The convention welcomed some of the most recognizable voices in anime. Attendees were thrilled to meet Brent Mukai, known for his roles as the sinister Gyokko from Demon Slayer, and Apoo from One Piece. The event also featured a Pokémon celebration with two of the franchise’s most beloved voice actors, Michele Knotz, who voices iconic characters like Jessie and Piplup, and Bill Rogers, best known as the voice of Brock. Other notable guests included Benjamin Stegmair, known for his role as Iharu from Kaiju No. 8, and Tyson Rinehart, who voices Itaru “Daru” Hashida in Steins;Gate.
A Spectacle of Cosplay Excellence
The heart and soul of any anime convention is the cosplay, and Anime St. Pete did not disappoint. The halls of the Coliseum were a testament to incredible craftsmanship and dedication. The cosplay contest was a main event, with competitors showcasing their stunning, handmade costumes for a chance at top honors.
The judging panel for the contest included special guest and renowned cosplayer mystick_cosplayer, a prominent figure in the Five Nights at Freddy’s fandom known for her detailed and often spooky animatronic cosplays. She was joined by Cosfay, who brought her own incredible creations to the show. Cosfay, previously featured on a viral channel for her gender-swapped mermaid cosplay that garnered over 8.5 million views, once again wowed the crowd. She debuted a spectacular take on two classic Disney villains: Hades from Hercules and the Genie from Aladdin. Her costume featured a unique and breathtaking RGB hoop skirt smoke dress, which created an ethereal and dramatic effect that perfectly captured the essence of both characters.
A Culinary Adventure
In addition to the visual feast of cosplay, attendees were treated to a delightful array of food trucks that catered to every craving. The Asian-inspired food truck “I Wanna Wok” was a popular choice, serving up an assortment of delicious dishes. Another standout was the Takoyaki tent, which offered authentic Japanese street food and smelled so good. The savory aroma of the grilled octopus balls filled the air, drawing long lines of hungry convention-goers.
A Vendor’s Paradise
Beyond the guests and cosplay, the vendor hall was a treasure trove of geeky goods. From independent comic book publishers showcasing their latest work to stalls filled with collectibles like Funko Pops and vintage toys, there was something for every collector. Artists and creators had their booths set up, selling custom prints, pins, and other unique merchandise, giving attendees a chance to support the indie community.
Anime St. Pete 2025 was a fantastic weekend filled with fandom, creativity, and community. It was a true celebration of anime and all the art that it inspires.
