Past Champions
Three years of poems, poets, and Southwest Regional Champions.
Since Chicharra's inaugural competition in 2024, poets and teams from across the country have come to Albuquerque to compete, connect, and fill rooms with extraordinary poetry. Here's a look back at the champions and finalists who have helped write the history of the Chicharra Poetry Slam.
2026 - Year Three
Year three brought poets from across the country to Albuquerque for three days of competition, community, and poetry. It all culminated before a packed house at the historic Lobo Theater, where an extraordinarily close Champions Stage included a tie-breaking final round in the team competition.
Congratulations to our 2026 Southwest Regional Individual Champion, Artist JoeMac, and our 2026 Southwest Regional Team Champions, Verbal Slap!
2026 Final Standings
After an incredible three days of competition, community, and performance, here are the final standings, including the winners, placements, and amended standings/placements for every poet and team.
Final
2025 - Year Two
Chicharra's second year brought nearly 80 poets from more than 30 cities to Albuquerque, expanding both the competition and the community around it. After two days of fierce and generous poetry, Black Chakra became Chicharra's first two-time Southwest Regional Individual Champion, while Spotlight Poetry claimed the 2025 Southwest Regional Team Championship.
2025 Final Standings
After two days of fierce and lovely competition, here are the final standings for each poet and team. The top 4 poets and top 4 teams are our Finalists, who competed on the Champions Stage on Saturday, March 22.
2024 — THE INAUGURAL YEAR
It started here. Chicharra's first competition brought poets and teams together in Albuquerque to compete for the festival's inaugural regional titles—including a tie for second place in the Team competition.
Congratulations to 2024 Southwest Regional Individual Champion Champion Black Chakra and 2024 Southwest Regional Team Champions Ghost Phantom of Phoenix, Arizona.
