Here are some things you’ll need to know as a performer to successfully qualify for the Albuquerque Poetry Slam Team and Individual Championships.
The Qualifying Slam for the Albuquerque Poetry Slam Team, ABQ Women of the World Championship, and City Championship is Poetry & Beer.
- Slams must be open to the public, must have an open sign up, and not censor the poets in any way.
- A qualifying slam must be at least 2 rounds.
- A qualifying slam must have at least 3 judges and no more than 5 judges.
- A qualifying slam must have at least 5 poets slamming.
- Qualifying slams follow the point system.
- A 3 minute poem or Head to Head Haiku is at least 2 out of 3 haiku and is used to break ties at qualifying slams.
Poets can earn points at each slam
- First Place – 4 points
- Second Place – 3 points
- Third Place – 2 points
- Participation– 1 point
How to qualify for the Albuquerque Poetry Slam Team Grand Slam:
- Poets who earn a minimum of 10 points throughout the season.
- Poets who place in the top 12 overall rankings.
- Poet who wins the Last Chance Slam.
- Team Qualifying Season runs from October – April.
- All qualified poets are eligible to compete in the Grand Slam.
- If more than 13 poets qualify, semifinal slams will be held prior to the Grand Slam.
How to qualify for the Albuquerque Women of the World Championship:
- Self-Identified Women will earn points and rankings, in addition to Team Qualification.
- Top 10 ranking Women at the end of the season are eligible to compete in the Championship Slam.
- Women of the World Qualifying Season runs from August – December.
- Poets with tied ranks for the final spot are all eligible to compete in the Championship Slam.
How to qualify for the Albuquerque City Championship:
- Top 10 ranking poets at the end of the season are eligible to compete in the Championship Slam.
- Win the Last Chance Slam.
- City Championship Qualifying Season runs yearlong and resets in October..
- Poets with tied ranks for the final spot are all eligible to compete in the Championship Slam.
Eligibility:
- Poets must follow the rules of Poetry Slam.
- Poets must respect our Non-Discrimination & Equal Opportunity Policies.
- Respect ABQ Slams’ zero tolerance for sexual assault, harassment, online harassment, larceny, violence, or threats of violence.
- Poets declared for rival slam teams are welcome to perform at regular monthly shows, however they must consider themselves ineligible for ABQ Slams official tournaments, Last Chance Slams, and City Championships for that slam season.
- Poets bound by any conflicts of interest with rival slam teams or their organizational bodies must consider themselves ineligible for ABQ Slams official tournaments, Last Chance Slams, and City Championships for that calendar year.
