Registration
Registration for competing poets opens on May 1st, 2025 and closes at 11:59 PM on May 31st. Registration to compete is first come, first served. Register early to ensure your spot in the competition. Once all 12 slots are filled, registration will be closed.
Rounds & Time Limits
Round One: 12 poets, each poet has 3 minutes and 25 seconds to spit.
Top 6 poets from Round One advance to Round Two
Round Two: 6 poets, each poet has 2 minutes 45 seconds to spit.
Top 3 poets from Round Two advance to the Final Round
Final Round: 3 poets, each poet has 2 minutes to spit.
Please note: These time guidelines will be strictly enforced. They are meant to serve as a challenge to poets to bring their very best work and performance that they can. Every second counts. Judges will reframe from judging any part of the performance that goes beyond these time limits.
Judging Criteria
Poets will be scored on the following criteria:
Poetic Craft: Word choice, rhythm, rhyme, structure of piece.
Performance: Energy, confidence, emotion, body language.
Content: Is there a clear powerful message coming across in the poem?
Cash Prizes
The top 3 poets will be going home with cash prizes. Upon registration, each poet will submit a $20 registration fee. This contributes to the final prizes for the evening. The pot will be split between first, second, and third place.
1st Place: $120
2nd Place: $72
3rd Place: $48
Are you more than just a poet? Are you poetry? Come prove it at I Am Poetry: A Slam Experience.