The M-1 Grand Prix 2024 final, held on December 22, showcased the best of Japan's manzai performers live on TV-Asahi. This year, the competition welcomed the highest number of entries since its inception, with 13,330 teams vying for the coveted title. The atmosphere was electric as ten teams, including previous champions and new faces, took the stage to deliver their unique comedic styles.
Among the contenders was Evers, making their debut in the finals. The duo, composed of Sasaki Takafumi and Machida Kazuki—both 32 years old—captivated the audience with their humorous take on leap years, where they depicted scenarios involving young love blossoming on February 29. Their act was not only entertaining but also thought-provoking, evoking nostalgia and laughter.
Evers scored 848 points, which placed them fourth out of the nine competing teams. Despite their commendable performance, they were met with disappointment, narrowly missing out on advancing to the final showdown against the remaining teams. "It was overwhelming for us to finally be here, and we really poured our hearts out on stage," Sasaki said after the performance, voice tinged with emotion. "We'll come back stronger next year!" he promised.
The judges' feedback echoed the sentiments of the audience, with many praising the complexity and creativity of Evers’ act. Hanawa Nobuyuki, one of the judges, commented, "It drew me in. Even predicting the development, it surpassed expectations. I was excited. It was today's highest score." He stressed how impressed he was with the duo's ability to navigate such intricacies within their routine.
Among the other participants was Reiwa Roman, who sought to claim their second consecutive title, battling seasoned rivals like Jock Rock and the up-and-coming Daitaku. Feedback poured in enthusiastically for all competitors, showcasing the thriving comedy scene within Japan and the fresh approaches each duo brought to their performances.
This year marked the 20th M-1 Grand Prix, bringing together manga enthusiasts and comedy lovers alike, each eager to see their favorites rise to the occasion. It’s worth noting the competition's esteemed judges, each one selected for their expertise and insight, provided valuable perspectives on performances, enhancing the viewing experience for fans at home.
Saki, another finalist, remarked, "Being part of such a landmark event with so many talented comedians is inspiring. Despite not winning the crown, we aim to make our mark on M-1 history." The support among the competitors was clear, with camaraderie evident, and hopes running high for next year’s comeback.
Despite the setback, Evers received considerable support on social media, with fans expressing their admiration for the duo’s style and delivery. Many fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to share their experiences, some noting: "I saw Evers for the first time, and I loved their comedy! I quickly became a fan!" Such sentiments are encouraging for the young comedians, as public and industry support remains pivotal to their continued success.
The M-1 Grand Prix continues to serve as more than just a competition; it is, rather, a celebration of comedy art, embracing both traditional and innovative humor forms. The event allows new talent to shine, maintaining the comedy community's vibrant pulse.
Where Evers landed closely follows the previous performances of notable competitors, signaling the endurance and evolution of manzai. With the immense participation rate this year being the highest ever, it reflects the growing popularity of this art form across Japan.
Overall, the results of M-1 Grand Prix 2024 will echo through the comedy circuits, setting the stage for new talent to emerge and seasoned performers to refine their crafts. The anticipation of next year's event has already begun, with Evers vowing to return and deliver even more captivating performances. This determination promises exciting developments for the comedy scene moving forward.
