The UK Pun Championships returned to De Montfort Hall in Leicester last night, celebrating the wit and wordplay of the nation’s finest punsters.
After a thrilling battle, on Monday, February 10, Will B. Found, was crowned the 2025 champion.
Photo credit: Tyler Bartlam
This year’s event saw an exciting lineup of contestants from across the UK, including Daniel Edison, Josh Faulkner, Mary Cross, Pauline Eyre, Stevie Vegas and Will B. Found. The event was hosted by Jason Byrne.
Winner Will B. Found commented, “It’s crazy! I didn’t expect to get into this competition, let alone win—so I’m pretty baffled, but it’s fantastic! I’ve always loved puns and cracker jokes growing up, but as a comedian, I don’t really trade in puns. I weave them into narrative sketch shows, so there are puns there, but they aren’t really at the forefront. So, I am happy to see they have bubbled over the surface at last!”
The winning puns that helped Will B. Found clinch the title included:
My cousin lost his job at the clock factory; it’s such a shame, as he was putting in all the hours.
Old McDonald has turned his farm into a massive corporation; he’s the Ee-i-CEO.
I thought my dad was a smart guy, but I asked if he knew what an eclipse is, and he said, “No, son.”
Whoever stole my copy of Microsoft Office, I will find out—you have my Word.
Photo credit: Tyler Bartlam
Leicester Comedy Festival is the largest comedy festival in Europe, and the UK Pun Championships have become a highly anticipated highlight of the county-wide program, which this year includes 720 shows across 72 venues. Comedians compete in the UK Pun Championships inside a real boxing ring, surrounded by a live audience.
Host Jason Byrne selected random topics, with contestants unleashing a salvo of puns on the themes. The audience’s laughter and cheers determined which puns advanced to the next round, leading to an ultimate showdown between the two finalists: Will B. Found and Daniel Edison.
The winner was presented with the iconic Championship Belt designed by Cornish stand-up comedian and 2019 champion Colin Leggo, the belt has become a symbol of punning excellence.
Michael Harris-Wakelam, CEO of the Big Difference Company, the charity behind the Leicester Comedy Festival, said: “Is there anything more quintessentially British than a pun? The UK Pun Championships are a highlight for everyone in the comedy community. The calibre of talent we saw this year was extraordinary. Puns are often seen as a niche comedy style, but their universal appeal is undeniable – they’re easy to love, easy to remember, and easy to join in on. It’s a true celebration of fun and wordplay!”
This year’s pun-testants were:
- Daniel Edison
- Josh Faulkner
- Mary Cross
- Pauline Eyre
- Stevie Vegas
- Will B. Found
