Whether you’re crafting sonnets, experimenting with haiku, or exploring free verse, poetry competitions offer poets the chance to share their work, gain recognition, and connect with the literary community. Our curated list features poetry contests throughout the year, from international competitions with substantial prizes to niche contests celebrating specific forms and themes.
Our poetry competition directory includes opportunities for poets at every stage of their writing journey. You’ll find contests specifically for emerging poets, student competitions, themed poetry awards, and prestigious prizes judged by established poets and editors. Many competitions offer not just monetary prizes but also publication opportunities, mentorship, and the chance to build your portfolio.
Each listing includes essential details like submission deadlines, entry fees, prize amounts, eligibility requirements, and links to official guidelines. We regularly update this page to ensure you have access to current opportunities, helping you plan your submissions throughout the year and find competitions that align with your poetic style and career goals.
FYI: You can view other types of writing competitions (short story, flash fiction, essay, etc.) on our main Writing Competitions page.