Sam Nicoresti Makes History as First Transgender Winner of Edinburgh Comedy Award
Edinburgh, Scotland – Sam Nicoresti has been crowned the winner of the prestigious Edinburgh Comedy award, frequently enough dubbed the “Oscar of comedy,” for their show Baby Doomer. This landmark win marks Nicoresti as the first transgender comedian to receive the award in its history, following previous near-misses for Jordan Gray in 2022 adn Eddie Izzard over three decades ago.
Nicoresti, a Birmingham-based stand-up, accepted the £10,000 prize with a characteristic joke, revealing a promise to their partner – the win will help fund their upcoming wedding. The winning show, based on a humiliating experiance in a department store changing room, resonated with audiences and critics alike.
“[Our 2025 winners] capture the spirit of comedy right now: bold, brilliant and deeply connected to audiences,” said Nica Burns, director of the comedy awards. “In different ways, they’ve each created shows that feel utterly of this moment, sparking laughter while saying something lasting.”
rising Stars Recognized
The awards ceremony, hosted by last year’s winner Amy Gledhill and featuring a hilarious performance by former winners Adam Riches and John Kearns (as their alter-egos, Ball and boe), also celebrated emerging talent. Ayoade Bamgboye took home the £5,000 best newcomer award for Swings and Roundabouts, a show that brought the London-born, Nigeria-raised comedian to tears with joy.
The Victoria Wood award, recognizing those who embody the spirit of the Fringe, was presented to Comedy Club 4 Kids, celebrating their 20th anniversary of bringing stand-up to young audiences.
A Win for Representation and Fresh Voices
Nicoresti’s victory is notably significant, coming after a year that saw Cat Cohen’s critically acclaimed Broad Strokes surprisingly overlooked by the shortlist. Nicoresti’s show, a shift towards high-joke-count stand-up after previous success with more experimental work, tackles life as a trans woman with “joy, playfulness and self-irony.”
The win signals a growing recognition of diverse voices within the comedy landscape and underscores the Edinburgh Fringe’s continued importance as a platform for groundbreaking talent.
Key Takeaways:
* historic Win: Sam Nicoresti is the first transgender winner of the Edinburgh Comedy Award.
