With a over 3,300 shows to choose from across 265 venues at this year's feast of culture, there’s something to be said for opting for performers who have a winning record – and there’s no bigger prize in British comedy than the Edinburgh Comedy Award.
Launched in 1981, the award is presented to the comedy show judged to have been the best at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and is recognised as the most prestigious comedy prize in the UK.
Formerly known as the Perrier Award, it is designed to promote acts that have yet to become household names, so comedians judged to have ‘star status’ are not eligible - for instance if they have a show on a major television channel or can regularly fill a 500-set venue.
The first winners were a talent-packed Cambridge Footlights featuring Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Tony Slattery and Emma Thompson, while other names catapulted to fame by the award over the years include Steve Coogan, Jenny Eclair, The League of Gentlemen, Dylan Moran, Al Murray, Tim Key, and Emmy-winning Baby Reindeer star Richard Gadd.
A Best Newcomer Award was added in 1992, followed by a Panel Prize in 2006 - for those who have made a particularly special contribution to the Fringe Festival.
Here are all 17 winners you can see in Edinburgh this year.
13. Joe Kent-Walters
Joe Kent-Walters took home the Best Newcomer Award last year in character as demonic working men club owner Frankie Monroe. Joe Kent-Walters is back - as is Frankie - in this year's followup 'Frankie Monroe: DEAD!!! (Good Fun Time)'. Expect a pub quiz and plenty of audience interaction at the Monkey Barrel from July 28-August 24. | Contributed
14. Tape Face
It's been 20 years since a little-known mime called The Boy With Tape On His Face arrived in Edinburgh - taking the first step to global superstardom. Since then New Zealander Sam Wills has reached the final of America's Got Talent, had huge headlining runs in Las Vegas, toured the world, and changed his name to Tape Face. He also won the Edinburgh Comedy Award Panel Prize in 2012. He's back in Edinburgh to celebrate the anniversary, performing the first show he brought to the city at the Pleasance Grand from July 30-August 10. | AFP via Getty Images
15. Funz and Gamez
Led by Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee Phil Ellis, twisted children's show (that's just as much fun for adults) won the Panel Prize in 2014. Now the gang are back for 'Funz and Gamez rebootz' at the Monkey Barrel from July 28-August 10. | Contributed
16. John Kearns and Adam Riches
What's better than one Edinburgh Comedy Award Winner? TWO Edinburgh Comedy Award winners! For three nights only John Kearns are in character as Michael Ball and Alfie Boe at the Pleasance Grand from August 14-16. This is one double act we can't wait to see. | Contributed