Greetings, Esteemed Readers!

I know it’s been a long time coming, but a change has finally come.

After spending months and long hours pouring over the poetic brilliance that comprises the poems of this year’s contest, we are finally ready to reveal our winners.

Out of 19 submissions and six dope semifinalists, we have settled on our top three.

And I want to thank all of you again for your participation. This contest doesn’t exist without your support!

So, without further chitter-chatter, please help me congratulate Season 8 YAPC Winners 2026!!

Congratulations to YAPC 2026!!!

#1: Michael Brooks for “Blades”
@_iammikeb

#2: Unique Rutherford for “America Gives a Eulogy at the Fune”
@UniqueandTheLittleTreehouse

#3: Adegoke Adeola for “Grammar of Prey”
@iamchildprodigy

Be sure to head on over to Instagram and show these poets some love! They’ve worked hard and waited patiently for their moment.

Also, be on the lookout for their live interviews and special blog post features. We cannot wait for you to read and listen to the poems that blew us away this year, as well as the inspiration behind them.

I also want to take a moment to thank this year’s team for all their help. Hosting a contest is a lot of behind-the-scenes work. While the contest submissions ended back in June, I’ve been working since then. (And really won’t be finished until after the interviews.) Everyone who contributed in some way helped me get through this process, and I appreciate their brains:

• Sculpted Roses Company led by Joshua “Roses” Clark
• The Ink Refill led by BrinwiththePen
• Zephaniyah Services led by Estefania Lugo
• Sunday Jones Productions led by Sunday Jones
• The Poet Life led by Christoph Jenkins

And if you’ve been following from the beginning, you know we did not always have a website, but we do now! Head on over for updates and ways to sponsor future contests. www.yecheilyahsannualpoetrycontest.org/