O. Henry Pun-Off World Championships

Austin wordplay championship with two contests: Punniest of Show, a prepared 90-second routine, and PunSlingers, spontaneous head-to-head rounds. Thirty-two contestants compete in each and places are drawn by lottery, which opens March 1, 2027. There is no separate youth division, so students compete alongside adults.

Offered by O. Henry Museum. Competition for high school students in Austin, Texas, USA. Format: In-person. Cost: Free. Grades 9–12. Deadline: rolling or not yet announced.

Fields: Humanities

Key facts

Who can apply: High school students in grades 9 to 12. It takes place in person in Austin, Texas.
Cost: Free to take part.
Dates: Applications open March 1, 2027.

Info checked September 2026.

Questions about O. Henry Pun-Off World Championships

When do applications for O. Henry Pun-Off World Championships open?

Applications open March 1, 2027.

Is O. Henry Pun-Off World Championships free?

Yes. O. Henry Pun-Off World Championships is free to take part in.

Who can apply to O. Henry Pun-Off World Championships?

High school students in grades 9 to 12. It takes place in person in Austin, Texas. Age, residency and citizenship rules are on the official page.

Official program page

More academic competitions for high school students