A Russian team won the World Cosplay Championship in Nagoya on Saturday by dressing up as characters from the popular game "The Legend of Zelda."

About 2,000 costume fans from about 26 countries and regions flocked to the city to compete in the final round of the popular contest, part of the World Cosplay Summit held annually since 2003 to give anime, game and manga enthusiasts a stage for their alter egos.

After emerging victorious from the preliminary rounds in each country, the competitors hit the stage, strutting and striking poses as the audience at the packed venue applauded.

Before the finals, however, the participants held a parade down a nearby street to show off their costumes.

"I like to have good fun, taking my mind off of everyday life," said Katsuichi Hattori, 46, who showed up as the main character from "Saint Seiya."