ABEMA to Exclusively Livestream the '47th ABC Owarai Grand Prix 2026' Finals for Free; 583 Acts Including M-1 Standouts Yoneda 2000, Mezon, Mame Teppo, and Shoga Neko Enter

ABEMA, the "new future television," has decided to exclusively livestream the finals of the 47th ABC Owarai Grand Prix 2026 for free.

The ABC Owarai Grand Prix is a gateway contest for young comedians broadcast annually by Asahi Broadcasting Television. Originating from the 1980 "ABC Manzai and Rakugo Newcomer Contest," it was renamed the "ABC Owarai Newcomer Grand Prix" in 1989 and adopted its current name in 2012. Past winners and participants include legendary figures who now lead the Japanese comedy world, such as Downtown, Ninety-nine, Nakagawake, Masuda Okada, Football Hour, Chidori, Kamaitachi, and Shimofuri Myojo. It is positioned as a major turning point in a comedian's career. Last year, Evers, who demonstrated their ability by taking 4th place in the 2024 M-1 Grand Prix, won the 46th championship with overwhelming stand-up comedy.

Known as a "mixed martial arts tournament of comedy" where manzai, skits, and stand-up are all welcome, the ABC Owarai Grand Prix is in its 47th year. A total of 583 young comedians, 41 more than last year, have entered from across Japan. This year's competition features M-1 Grand Prix finalists such as Yoneda 2000 and Mezon, as well as Mame Teppo, Shoga Neko, and Zerocaran, who left a strong impression in the consolation rounds. Additionally, talented performers who have succeeded in other contests, such as ytv Manzai Newcomer Award winners Kuuzen Meteo and Guro, and NHK Kamigata Manzai Contest winner Tatoeba Honoo, are participating. Furthermore, with the participation of groups such as Dow 90000, Kotake Seigikan in his final year of eligibility, recent "ONE CHANCE 2026" champion Ichigo, and past finalists Kingyo Bancho, this year is expected to be a high-level battle of elite talent.

The semi-finals, featuring comedians who survived the harsh qualifiers, will be held on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at ABC Hall. Details regarding the finals broadcast date and time will be announced at a later date. Further information will be released sequentially on ABEMA's official social media and the ABC Owarai Grand Prix official website, so please stay tuned.