Winners of the Humor Poetry Contest Announced
Winning Writers recently celebrated the remarkable talents of poets worldwide with the announcement of the 24th Annual Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest results. This year, an impressive number of 5,060 poets from diverse backgrounds participated, each bringing their unique flair to the realm of humor poetry.
First Prize Recognition
The coveted first prize of $2,000 was awarded to Jeff Carter from Belgium for his witty poem "There Was an Old Woman". This creative piece humorously retells a classic nursery rhyme, transforming it into an epic narrative that echoes the style of Paradise Lost. Infused with playful footnotes that offer fictional scholarly insights, Carter's work left the judges laughing and impressed. In addition to the cash prize, he was gifted a two-year subscription to Duotrope, valued at $100, acknowledging his outstanding achievement.
Spotlight on Second and Third Prizes
Following closely, the second prize of $500 was awarded to Julia Lichtblau from Brooklyn, NY, for her clever piece, "The Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 1939 (Revised)". This whimsical compilation humorously highlights quirky job titles from the past, showcasing her creativity and sharp wit.
Third place was claimed by AJ Layague from Laguna Niguel, CA, who penned "The Three Muscatels Go to the Races". His playful story features three elderly ladies seeking excitement outside their nursing home, ultimately finding themselves involved with a scheming mobster at the racetrack. Layague's humorous spin on relatable themes proved to be a delightful read.
Insights from the Judges
Jendi Reiter, the final judge, shared insights on the judging process, noting the frequent use of humor stemming from the contrast between mundane subjects and elaborate language. "The winning poems stood out for having a strong central concept and staying focused throughout," stated Reiter. Lauren Singer also contributed her expertise in evaluating the poems submitted.
Honorable Mentions and Participation
This year's contest also recognized twelve honorable mentions, each receiving $100. Among these talented poets were Stephen Dotson Dale, Sophie Develyn, Eddie Elizabeth, Madi Himelfarb, Kim Keough, Susan Kinsolving, Molly Lanzarotta, Jon D. Lee, Phil Maund, Mandy Shunnarah, Lynn Tan, and Carol Whitney Ward. Overall, a total of $3,950 in prizes was awarded, a testament to the event's dedication to celebrating poetic creativity and humor.
Find More About the Contest
For those looking to explore the winning entries and judges' comments, the top fifteen poems are available online at Winning Writers. The 2026 Wergle Flomp contest is currently accepting submissions free of charge until April 1, 2026.
Apart from the Wergle Flomp contest, Winning Writers also oversees several other prestigious competitions, including the Tom Howard/Margaret Reid Poetry Contest and the North Street Book Prize. Their contributions have earned them a spot on Writer's Digest's list of "101 Best Websites for Writers" in recent years.
Media Contact Information
For media inquiries, please reach out to Adam Cohen at 413-320-1847.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest?
The Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest is an annual competition celebrating humorous poetry, inviting entries from poets around the globe.
How many poets participated this year?
This year, the contest saw participation from 5,060 poets worldwide.
Who won the first prize in 2025?
Jeff Carter won the first prize of $2,000 for his poem "There Was an Old Woman".
When will the next contest be held?
The next contest will accept entries until April 1, 2026.
Can entries be submitted for free?
Yes, submissions for the Wergle Flomp contest are free of charge.
