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.
Here are the last 13 performers to have won the trophy - and what they've been up to since.
1. Amy Gledhill
Last year's hugely popular winner was Amy Gledhill, who was previously nominated as one half of sketch duo 'The Delightful Sausage'. Her win for 'Make Me Look Fit on the Poster' made her only the sixth solo female to lift the award. | Getty Images
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2. Ahir Shah
Ahir Sha's poignant, playful and politically-engaged show 'Ends' scooped the Edinburgh Comedy Award in 2023. He's returning to the Monkey Barrel this year with a work in progress show. | Getty Images
3. Sam Campbell
Aussie comedian Sam Campbell took the title in 2022 for his show simply entitled 'Comedy Show'. He became an all-time fan favourite on Channel 4's Taskmaster in 2023, winning his series. | National World
4. Jordan Brooks
English comedian Jordan Brookes took the comedy crown in 2019 for his show called 'I've Got Nothing'. The pandemic meant it would be three years before the awards would be held again, meaning Brookes became the longest reigning champion in history. He's continued to tour ever since, and is bringing his new show to Edinburgh this year. | Contributed