NextUp Comedy Award

Discover the next big thing with NextUp.

Every August, NextUp streams a hand-picked selection of the Edinburgh Fringe live to your sofa. Our members also decide the Biggest Award in Comedy - and any Fringe show can be nominated, not just the ones we stream.

See who's streaming Vote for the award

What the winner gets

A 2m 4cm inflatable trophy
A carry case
A hand pump
£500 prize money
The chance to record and release your show as a NextUp comedy special

To scale representation

VOTING IS OPEN

Only NextUp members can vote.
Not a member yet? Join below to have your say.

Join NextUp to vote

Previous winners

2025 - Ayoade Bamgboye

"I can't stress how honoured I am to receive the Biggest Award in Comedy, just being nominated was a dream and winning is something else entirely!

Thank you to everyone who's voted, to the other nominees whose work inspires me, to everyone who's come to my shows, I'll never stop saying thank you!"

2024 - Colin Hoult

"I was entirely overwhelmed by the love from the Nextup community when I won the award and equally overwhelmed by the sheer size of the bugger which I now use for my mobile bouncy castle business.

It really is the gift that keeps on giving.

Best of luck you creative geniuses."

2023 - Lindsey Santoro

"What on earth is going on? I am absolutely thrilled to bits!

As a daft commoner, I'm so elated that others find me funny rather than unhinged - it's a fine line and it's good to know I'm just about on the right side of it.

What am I meant to do with this giant trophy?

I'm going to have to leave my toddler in Edinburgh so I can wedge it in the car.

Thank you so much Next Up! Overjoyed!

What a wild ride this Fringe has been."

2022 - Jordan Gray

"Last year it was a genuine honour to win this ridiculous award.

Believe it or not, I took it on tour with me and developed quite a bond with this magnificent beast.

Good luck to all the entrants and whoever wins - prepare yourself for a new inflatable friend"