What is The Combine?

We are kicking off National Poetry Month 2024 with our all-ages open showcase of literary and performance skills, The Combine. This year we are turning the heat up as we challenge all youth and adults to compete for $10,000 in cash and prizes. You can test your knowledge of hip-hop or poetry trivia, recite a famous monologue or song lyric from memory, give the crowd your best 17-syllable haiku‌ or test your freestyle skills in the cipher.

The Combine is an all-ages annual decathlon of specific wordsmithing and performance events, giving participants the chance to test their skills in various areas such as writing, freestyle ability and public speaking, which will be evaluated by peers, mentors and coaches. All League members (YPL’s, Ambassadors, Academy students & Slam Team Members) are encouraged to participate in this WBL showcase. Events will allow contenders to not only accumulate cash prizes and points, but to showcase talent, and build community.

THE COMBINE 2024 CATEGORIES AND AGE GROUPS

HEAD TO HEAD HAIKU
Adults and JV

OTHER PEOPLE’S POETRY
Adults and JV

FREESTYLE COMPETITION
All-ages

COMPLIMENT BATTLE
All-ages

WORDS BEATS & LOVE POETRY SLAM
All-ages

TRIVIA CHALLENGE
All-ages

Any questions dop@wblinc.org