M-1 Grand Prix to end after this year

Yoshimoto Kogyo announced on Sunday that this is the last year for its M-1 Grand Prix comedy competition. The news was revealed at a press conference held just after the semifinal round for this year’s contest.

This is the 10th year of the M-1 Grand Prix, which was established in 2001. Thousands of professional and amateur comedy duos have entered the competition every year, aiming to boost their careers by reaching the finals and ultimately taking the top prize. The past winners, from newest to oldest, have been: Punkbooboo, NON STYLE, Sandwichman, Tutorial, Black Mayonnaise, Untouchable, Football Hour, Masuda Okada, and Nakagawake.

Yoshimoto Kogyo hinted at the possibility of a new event to replace the competition.

This year’s M-1 Grand Prix had 4,835 entries, the most ever in its 10-year history. The field was narrowed down to 24 duos for the semifinals, and 8 advanced to the final round. Three of the teams have been in the finals before: Haraichi (2nd consecutive year), KNIGHTS (3rd consecutive year), and Waraimeshi (9th consecutive year). The other five are all appearing in the finals for the first time: Canary, Jaru Jaru, Slim Club, Ginshari, and Peace.

The final round will include one more duo, chosen on the day of the competition. That last-chance competition will be broadcast live on TV Asahi on December 26 starting at 4:00pm, followed by the finals at 6:30pm.

Source:
Oricon