Charlie Roettger Crowned Winner at Acme’s Funniest Person Contest

The 34th Annual Funniest Person Contest at Acme Comedy Club concluded on Wednesday, with **Charlie Roettger** of St. Paul emerging as the champion. This competition is renowned across the Midwest for showcasing emerging comedic talent. Roettger, a 25-year-old office administrator, expressed his astonishment at winning, recognizing the potential impact on his future in stand-up comedy.

“This is an incredible notch in my belt,” Roettger said after the event, surrounded by supportive family and friends. “I’m just a little overwhelmed. I didn’t expect this to happen.” His self-deprecating routine, which humorously highlighted his “hippie physique,” captivated both the judges and the audience.

Celebrated Comedians Support New Talent

Acme Comedy Club consistently features established comedians to judge the competition, and this year was no exception. High-profile names such as **Chad Daniels**, **Kelsey Cook**, **J. Elvis Weinstein**, and **Pete Lee** lent their expertise to the event. Lee will also perform at Acme throughout the weekend, adding to the excitement for attendees.

The contest included a special appearance by **Tom Segura**, who joined via Zoom during a pre-show dinner to reconnect with Acme’s owner **Louis Lee** and others associated with the 2017 documentary “I Need You To Kill.” The documentary followed Acme favorites on a tour across Asia, highlighting the club’s significance in the comedy scene.

Local comedians, including **Greg Coleman**, **Lily Meyer**, **Nate Abshire**, **Joey Hamburger**, **Bryan Miller**, and the 2020 winner **Lisa Evanson**, were also present to support the contestants, fostering a strong sense of community.

A Promising Future for Roettger

Roettger’s victory comes with a **$1,000** cash prize and valuable opportunities for future performances at Acme. This recognition positions him alongside other successful alumni of the contest, such as **Mary Mack**, **Nick Swardson**, and **Tommy Ryman**, who have transitioned to professional stand-up careers after winning.

In a related contest held at **Gambit Brewing** in St. Paul, **Jethro Trogo**, 41, from Eagan, took home first place, also receiving a **$1,000** prize. While this contest is less recognized than its counterpart across the river, it showcases the growing talent pool in the region.

As the comedy scene continues to thrive in the Midwest, Roettger’s win at Acme underscores the importance of platforms that nurture emerging comedians. With fresh talent like Roettger taking the stage, the future of comedy in the area looks promising.