Because in a world of comedy competitions…why not have one more?!

Let's be real, The next great comedian is already out there. And we want to find them.

Submissions are closed

Entries closed at 11:59 pm Pacific Time on September 4th, 2026 · Regional showcase lineups are announced September 11th, 2026

Last year, more than 1,500 comedians entered, and finalists Eeland Stribling, Juan Nicolon, Chris Renois, Jamal Russell, Sean Jordan and Mitch Burrow all walked away with a lot more people knowing who they were than when they started. Check out last year's winners here.

So we're doing it again.

We're bringing back the competition — a nationwide search to help us, and millions of comedy fans, discover the next great comedian.

At Don't Tell, we love introducing amazing comedians to the world. And the truth is, there are incredible comics performing everywhere that we may never get the chance to see. So Cash App is helping us do something about it.

Thanks to our sponsor, Cash App

Shoot your shot.

$35$1

Entry fee when you pay with Cash App

Cash App believes talented comics already spend enough money chasing stage time, so they helped make this competition accessible to everyone. And not only is entry $1 — we will cover travel for all comedians who advance to the regionals and finals.

The Basics

More detailed answers in our FAQ

What?!
We're hosting a comedy competition across the country to find the best comedians who everyone should know about.
How does it work?
Submit a 3 minute set by 11:59 pm Pacific Time on September 4th, 2026 and pay the $1 entry fee to be considered for one of our regional showcases. The winners from each regional showcase will come to LA for our finals weekend.
What's the deal with regions?
The goal of the competition is to find great comics from all over the country. Thus, the regions! You can enter where you're from, where you started comedy, where you've spent much of your comedy career, or where you currently reside. See our regions.

The Schedule

  1. September 4th, 2026 Submissions close at 11:59 pm PT
  2. September 11th, 2026 Regional showcase announcement
  3. September 18th – 19th, 2026 Regional showcase round
  4. October 23rd – 24th, 2026 Semi-finals & finals weekend in Los Angeles

The Prize

$5,000

Grand prize

Plus a Don't Tell Comedy Taped Set that will live on the Don't Tell Comedy YouTube channel.

$2,500

Runner-up

Plus a headlining set on a future DTC show.

$1,000

Third Place

All comedians who make the semi-finals will have at least one clip appear on DTC socials.

That's a wrap on submissions.

Thank you to every comedian who entered. We're watching every tape, and regional showcase lineups are announced on September 11th, 2026.

See last year's winners

Questions? Email competition@donttellcomedy.com

Presented in partnership with Cash App