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.
The award 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.
A Best Newcomer Award was added in 1992, followerd by a Panel Prize in 2006 for those who have made a particularly special contribution to the Fringe Festival.
But sometimes the losing nominees go on to be more successful than many of the winners, with a place on the shortlist enough to catch the attention of influential agents and producers.
5. Alan Davies
Alan Davies may now be well known for a string of successful television shows, but in 1994 the judges preferred Aussie double act Lano and Woodley. Photo: Stuart C. Wilson
6. Romesh Ranganathan
In 2014 John Kearns became the first person to win the main award after previously claiming Best Newcomer, beating future television star Romesh Ranganathan in the process. Photo: Tim P. Whitby
7. Armstrong and Miller
Comedy duo Alexander Armstrong and Ben Miller were nominated in 1996. The eventual winner was Dylan Moran who went on to create and star in Black Books, but Armstrong and Miller went on to enjoy huge success both together and apart. Photo: Tristan Fewings
8. John Bishop
John Bishop was a little-known club comedian when he was nominated for the award in 2009, losing out to comedy poet Tim Key. He would go on to become one of the most recognisable faces on television, starring in everything from his own standup specials to Doctor Who. Photo: Jeff Spicer