The state champions of all German-speaking countries compete against each other – the national showdown of Poetry Slam, two evenings in Berlin
Poetry Slam has become an established stage format in Germany. Each federal state crowns its champions, joined by representatives from Austria, Switzerland, and South Tyrol. The Grand Prix Deutschland brings them all together in Berlin – 14 to 16 state champions, one weekend, a single trophy. Whoever wins here is considered the 'Champion of Champions' for the following year.
The semi-final takes place on Friday evening at the Pfefferberg Theater on Schönhauser Allee in Prenzlauer Berg. The atmosphere there is intimate, stone walls, beer service, slam vibes. The final on Saturday is held at the Renaissance-Theater on Knesebeckstraße in Charlottenburg – a classic Berlin private theater in the style of the 1920s. The contrast is intentional: from underground charm to an elegant stage setting.
Unlike many slams, the Grand Prix uses digital live voting: the audience submits their scores via a web app. This eliminates the traditional 5-person jury; the audience decides directly. Between the performances, there is moderation, musical interludes, and breaks for voting.
The organizer is the Berlin slam collective Kiezpoeten, which has been at the forefront of the German scene for years. Kiezpoeten organizes slams year-round in several Berlin venues and is considered the most important stage for young spoken-word talents. The Grand Prix is the highlight of their annual calendar.
For two evenings at the end of October 2026, Berlin will transform into the secret capital of spoken word. The state champions of all German-speaking countries – Germany, Austria, Switzerland, South Tyrol – will face each other in the classic knockout system, judged by the audience.
The semi-final kicks off on Friday, October 23rd, at the Pfefferberg Theater. The winning slam poets will advance to the final on Saturday, October 24th, at the Renaissance-Theater – a classic Berlin private theater with a distinguished stage. Between performances, there will be moderation and music; the audience votes live via web app each round.
The list of competing state champions will be published in early October 2026 at kiezpoeten.com.
Subway U2 Senefelderplatz, then a 5-minute walk via Schönhauser Allee.
Subway U1 Uhlandstraße or S-Bahn Savignyplatz, each about a 5-minute walk.
Advance sales via Reservix; festival tickets for both evenings available with a discount. Slam card holders receive discounts, severely disabled persons' passes are recognized.
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Pfefferberg Theater (Halbfinale) + Renaissance-Theater (Finale)
Schönhauser Allee 176, 10119 Berlin