Are You The Next Great Voice in Free Speech Comedy?

Punching Up's "Truth in Comedy" Competition is searching for fearless comedians willing to challenge convention, expose absurdity, and defend individuality through humor.

Whether you are a professional comic, a first-time comedian, or simply attending the festival, we're looking for comics who can:

• Make audiences laugh hard
• Think independently
• Push back against state narratives
• Use satire to reveal deeper truths
• Bring originality, courage, and sharp perspective to the stage

Grand Prize

• $500 Cash Prize
• Trophy Presented on the FreedomFest Main Stage
• Featured Performance Spot in the Punching Up Comedy Show with Rob Schneider

Audience Favorite Award

Audience voting recognition from the FreedomFest Main Stage

Best Original Punching Up Jokes

Top 10 joke writers recognized from the FreedomFest Main Stage

Application deadline is July 1.

Share a YouTube or Vimeo link to 7-10 minutes of stand-up set filmed in front of a live audience.

Your set must be original. No plagiarism. No crowd-work sets.

You must agree to your content and likeness being used in promotional efforts (with credit given).

You'll be judged and selected on quality, originality, delivery, audience response.

Selected comedy competition participants will be provided with a complimentary FreedomFest conference pass. Participants will be scheduled to compete on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at Caesars Forum Las Vegas. Winner(s) will be announced on the main stage on Wednesday, July 8 and will have the opportunity to perform with Rob Schneider at the Punching Up Comedy Festival showcase that night. 

Hotel and travel not provided. Application fee is non refundable. Additional opportunities to speak, appear on stage, and participate in social and other events may be possible.

Please Note: For any live performance, it's important to know your audience. When comedians ask us about our audience's temperament, we recommend erring on the side of clean language for this event.