The Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest 2026 is now open, and if you enjoy writing funny poems—or even just making people laugh—this is one contest you should not ignore. This long-running, free contest is now in its 25th year, and it has become one of the most popular humor-poetry competitions in the world. Best of all? There is no entry fee.
Whether you’re a beginner, a seasoned poet, or someone who just likes to play with words, this contest makes room for everyone. You only need to submit one humor poem. It can be published or unpublished, old or new, silly or wildly creative. As long as it is funny and original, it counts.
If you want a chance to win up to $2,000, plus additional perks from writing tools like Duotrope and Chill Subs, this is your moment.
About the Wergle Flomp Contest
The contest is run by Winning Writers, an organization known for its reliable, high-quality literary contests and resources for writers. They are regularly featured on the Writer’s Digest list of 101 Best Websites for Writers, which makes this competition even more trustworthy.
The Wergle Flomp contest was created to celebrate humor in poetry—something that is often overlooked in the literary world. Serious poems get many contests. Funny poems? Not so many. This contest fills that gap by rewarding poems that make readers laugh, smile, or simply enjoy a clever line.
Because the contest is international, poets from all over the world participate, making it a fun and diverse event. Writers from most countries can enter, though the contest has a few restrictions due to U.S. government rules (entries cannot be accepted from Iran, North Korea, Crimea, Russia, or Belarus).
What You Can Submit
You may submit one humor poem between August 15, 2025 and April 1, 2026. Keep these details in mind:
- The poem must be funny, not serious
- It must be in English (but silly or playful “gibberish” is allowed)
- Maximum length: 250 lines
- Open to all ages
- Previously published poems are welcome
- No fee to enter
- Only one poem per person
They also make something very clear: this contest is for human-written poems. They generally do not accept poems written with the help of text-generating AI tools. But if you have used AI in a way that leads to really funny and surprising results, you can email them first to ask for approval.
What You Can Win
The prize list for the Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest is generous. Here is what you stand to win:
First Prize:
- $2,000 cash
- A two-year Duotrope gift certificate ($100 value)
- Five years of Chill Subs’ Best plan ($1,000 value)
Second Prize:
- $500 cash
- Two years of Chill Subs’ Best plan ($400 value)
Third Prize:
- $250 cash
- Two years of Chill Subs’ Best plan ($400 value)
Honorable Mentions (10 winners):
- $100 each
- One year of Chill Subs’ Best plan ($200 value)
Publication
The top 13 poems will be published online.
That means even if you don’t win first, second, or third place, you still have a strong chance of placing and being published.
Judging and What They Look For
The contest is judged by Jendi Reiter, an award-winning poet and editor, with assistance from Lauren Singer, another accomplished poetry expert. They have both shared advice in interviews about what makes a poem stand out.
From their comments, here are the main things they look for:
- Poems that surprise the reader
- Humor that feels fresh or unexpected
- Clever wordplay without being confusing
- A strong voice and personality
- Playfulness, creativity, and originality
They are not looking for mean-spirited humor or anything that puts people down. They prefer poems that show wit, imagination, and joy.
If you’re new to humor poetry, this contest is still a great fit. Winning Writers even provides helpful resources, including past winning poems, video tips, and a short checklist to guide you before submission.
Why You Should Enter
Here are a few reasons why this contest is worth your time:
- It’s free. Most contests charge fees, but this one doesn’t.
- It’s fun. You get to write something playful instead of serious.
- The prizes are amazing. Both money and long-term writing tools are included.
- Beginner-friendly. New poets have won before.
- Worldwide entries. You’re part of a big creative community.
- Publication opportunity. Being published on a major writing website is great exposure.
If you’ve ever wanted to try humor poetry, now is a wonderful time.
Deadline and Results
The deadline to submit is:
April 1, 2026 (yes—April Fool’s Day, very on-brand).
Results will be announced on August 15, 2026.
Final Thoughts
The Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest is one of the most welcoming and enjoyable contests available today. It encourages writers to have fun, take risks, play with language, and explore humor in creative ways. Whether your poem is witty, sarcastic, clever, or joyfully ridiculous, your voice is welcome.
With no entry fee and thousands of dollars in prizes, this is a rare chance for writers to express themselves without pressure. If you have a poem that makes people laugh—or if you’ve been meaning to write one—this is your chance to shine.
Visit the official Wergle Flomp contest page today, read the full guidelines, and submit your funniest poem before April 1, 2026. Don’t miss out on this free opportunity to share your humor with the world.
