Comedy Battle & Expat Drinks: Newbie of the Year 🌟

This is a paid event, buy your tickets online: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1571040156399

Out of 160 aspiring stand-up comedians who entered this newbie competition, tonight we’ll discover who takes home the title of Big Fish: Newbie of the Year 2025.

After 240 sets and 24 shows across 3 venues, this year-long comedy contest culminates in its biggest final yet at the legendary Mezrab in Amsterdam.

Finalists this edition are:

Niels Wimmenhove
Alex Fletcher
Maria Zilincikova
Lais Andrejevaite
Omar Abreu
Joep Vermolen
James Vaughan
Anam Naqvi
Bianca Zwart

Throughout last year, we’ve been awarding Newbie of the Month to the best comics, chosen from 20 contenders over two rounds.

Now, it’s time to pick the Newbie of the Year—decided by the comedy scene itself: comedians, audience, and bookers. Let’s celebrate our amazing community!

The winner will receive a big fat cash prize and join the ranks of past champions Adi Parmar and Kristina Jak.