The World Series of Comedy is a stand-up comedy event for comedians of all experience levels. The season begins with weeklong, live Satellite contests held across the United States and Canada, all leading up to a national comedy festival known as The Main Event, held each September.

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The Main Event features 101 qualifying comedians, along with a full week of comedy seminars, panels, networking events, and social gatherings. These events bring together comedians, comedy club owners, managers, and bookers from across North America, creating a unique environment where performers and decision makers can connect in person.

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Now entering its 17th year, The World Series of Comedy has quickly become one of the largest and most respected comedy festivals in the country. The event is designed not only as a competition, but as a career-building opportunity, helping comedians gain exposure, industry contacts, and real booking opportunities.

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The World Series of Comedy was first held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 2003 at a local comedy club. After running a second contest in 2004 at the request of a club owner, President and CEO Joe Lowers realized the concept had long-term potential. After moving with his family to Las Vegas, he began developing plans for a yearly festival modeled after the contests he had created in Pennsylvania.

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“I worked on the idea of the festival every year, writing it out and working through the details. In 2010, it finally happened,” said Lowers. Since then, the event has been described as a competition, a festival, and a job fair. All three descriptions are accurate.

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Comedy club owners and bookers serve as judges for the contests, instructors for workshops, and panelists for industry discussions. Throughout the week, social events are scheduled to give performers and producers a relaxed setting to connect. One of the most valuable components of the festival is the annual Meet and Greet during The Main Event, where comedians can visit booths hosted by comedy clubs from across North America, share their materials, and discuss potential work.

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In preparation for the Satellite contests, the World Series of Comedy judging panel reviews more than 500 comedy submission videos each year. Forty comedians are selected to perform at each Satellite location, and the top 101 comedians from all submissions advance to compete in The Main Event.

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Because the festival functions as a weeklong job fair for comedians and club management, the prizes awarded are actual employment opportunities. As much as  50 weeks of paid stand-up comedy work provided by participating clubs are awarded to the first, second, and third place finalists. In addition, the First Place winner receives a recording deal with WSOC Records.

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While the competition itself draws attention, Lowers says the most rewarding outcome is seeing comedians who do not win still succeed. “Seeing comics who didn’t place still end up getting work because they were seen or met the right people is what this festival is really about.”