The M-1 Grand Prix 2024 final saw the rise of the duo Reiwa Roman as they captured the championship title and the accompanying prize of 10 million yen, repeating their victory from the previous year.
This year's event was held on December 22, 2024, at the ABC Hall in Osaka, Japan, marking another thrilling chapter in what has become one of the most revered comedy competitions across the nation.
The night was electrifying as three finalists—Reiwa Roman, Batteryz, and Shinku Jessica—took to the stage, each showcasing their unique humor and flair. The final round featured head-to-head performances, where Reiwa Roman's energetic comedy managed to sway the nine-member jury, resulting in five votes for their performance. Batteryz earned three votes, and Shinku Jessica secured one.
With this victory, Reiwa Roman not only retained their title but also established their place among Japan’s most celebrated comedians. "I’m so glad I could share the stage with such talented comedians and give my all," expressed Reiwa Roman member Takahira Kuruma following their win. His partner, Matsui Kemuri, shared similar sentiments, reflecting on the joyous experience of competing again at such high stakes.
Their performance tallied up to 850 points during the finals, pushing them past Batteryz, who scored 861 points during the earlier rounds, and Shinku Jessica, who garnered 849 points. Despite coming second, Batteryz also provided noteworthy moments on stage, having entered the contest with high expectations after positioning themselves at the forefront early on.
The judges for this year's competition included renowned figures from the comedy scene, such as Young Shota from the popular duo Audrey, and other heavyweights like Natsuki and Nobuyuki B. Their feedback on the performances added depth to the show, with Young Shota remarking, "It really was well executed and I think all finalists performed admirably."
Indeed, the atmosphere was charged with excitement, cheering and laughter from the audience who had come to witness the comedic sparks flying. The event drew over 1,330 participants at the onset, showcasing immense talent and proving just how competitive the M-1 Grand Prix has become.
This prestigious title is not just about the laughs; it signifies prestige, and for many, it can be the turning point of their careers. The significance of the M-1 Grand Prix stretches beyond Japan, as the event has helped to propel many comedians to fame both domestically and internationally.
Achievements aside, Kuruma commented on the emotional weight of the experience: "Winning means repeating the joy I felt last year and carrying on the legacy," capturing the hearts of many with his humility.
The competitive nature of the finals, characterized by heartfelt performances and intense scoring, underlines the dedication all finalists have toward their craft. Kemuri noted how important the thrill of the competition was stating, "We felt passionate about giving our best performance—it's exhilarating!"
Rewa Roman's victory not only solidifies their place as the best comedians of this year but also leaves audiences eagerly anticipating what the future holds for them. The question now remains—can they produce another captivating routine after two consecutive championships? An excitement looms over next year's contestants, who will be inspired by the standards set this year, hoping to bring fresh energy and talent to the stage.
With the final results concluded and the laughter still echoing, it's clear the M-1 Grand Prix remains as significant as ever within the comedic fabric of Japan, setting the stage for many more memorable performances to come.
