The UK Pun Championships made a triumphant return to De Montfort Hall last night (Monday, February 9) showcasing the sharp wit and clever wordplay of some of the country’s finest punsters.
After a battle royale of puns, Adam Ernest Pickard emerged victorious, claiming the 2026 championship title.
Picture credit: UK Pun Championships
This year’s contest featured a strong lineup of comedians from across the UK, including Katie Pritchard, Louie Falls, Mary Cross, Nayim Ali, Paggy Gacheva, Richard Stott, and Richard Woolford. The event was hosted by celebrated comedian Jason Byrne.
Winner Adam Ernest Pickard expressed his delight after the event: “I think I just won the UK Pun Championship—unless this is a very elaborate prank, which is amazing, as I thought everyone was very strong, both physically and in terms of the wordplay,” he said. “This is probably the biggest gig I’ve ever done, so to win it as well—it’s great!”
The winning puns that helped Adam secure the title included:
- “The song Greensleeves was composed by Henry VIII. I’d play some of it here, but it’s not royalty-free.”
- “Only women can use the herbal dumbbells. Thyme waits for no man.”
- “I’ve compiled everyone who works at my local takeaway pizza place into a book. It’s my Domino’s Who’s Who.”
- “My friend and I paid a wizard to cast a spell so that Giorgio Armani would live forever. So when he died, we went back to the wizard and said, ‘We’d like Armani back.’”
Picture credit: UK Pun Championships
Part of the Leicester Comedy Festival—the largest comedy festival in Europe, featuring over 700 shows—these championships are a beloved highlight. Contestants perform in a real boxing ring, with the audience’s laughter and cheers determining who progresses to the next round. This year’s finals saw a tense pun-off between Adam Ernest Pickard and Louie Falls.
The winner received the legendary Championship Belt, a symbol of punning supremacy designed by Cornish comedian and 2019 champion Colin Leggo.
Michael Harris-Wakelam, CEO of Big Difference Company, the charity behind the festival, praised the event:
“The UK Pun Championships are a highlight for anyone who loves fast-paced comedy. The skill on display this year was outstanding. This event is a flagship of our festivals programme and celebrates and champions the art involved in great wordplay. Congratulations to all involved and to our worthy winner.”
