The Major Problems Comedy Tour Contest at St. Marks Comedy Club

THE STORY

New York comedian Lil Mo and Brooklyn brothers Alexis and Danny Carabaño, owners of St. Marks Comedy Club, have partnered on the Major Problems Comedy Tour Contest. Open to comics from anywhere, it offers the winner a tour feature and the chance to become a passed comic at St. Marks, eligible for future club spots.

The larger story is the current state of comedy in NYC. Comics often need to be officially “passed” by a club before receiving regular stage time, yet talented performers can work for years without a real opportunity to prove themselves. The partners want to change that narrative with an organic path based on merit.

WHY LIL MO IS DOING IT

Lil Mo’s own path was unconventional. Brooklyn-born and Queens-raised, he started working in his family’s HVAC business at 14, then spent decades in construction, engineering, and project management. During the 2020 lockdown, he began spotlighting neighborhood businesses and ultimately promoted more than 500. He first took a stand-up mic on December 14, 2024, sold out four shows in his first week, and built the WANTED Tour to 152 dates across the United States and Canada.

HOW THE CONTEST WORKS

Eligibility and submissions: Open to any comic; submit a 3-5 minute stand-up clip by August 9 at 11:59 PM ET

Live competition: September 1-12 at St. Marks Comedy Club in NYC

Final round: Finalists must be ready to perform a full 20-minute set

Grand prize: The winner becomes a passed comic at St. Marks and chooses a Major Problems Tour city to open for Lil Mo; flight and hotel are covered

61 SHOWS   |   40 DATES   |   23 CITIES   |   23 VENUES

The tour runs from October 2, 2026 through February 27, 2027, with stops including New York Comedy Club Stamford, Laugh Boston, Comedy at The Carlson, and Comix at Mohegan Sun. One spot at a respected room like this could change an undiscovered comic’s career.

SOCIAL STORY AND MEDIA ACCESS

Lil Mo will document the submissions, live rounds, winner’s preparation, and first tour appearance. Publications and writers can cover the competition, meet the comics, interview Lil Mo, Alexis, and Danny, and follow the effort to change how comics earn opportunities in New York.

“I came into stand-up with exposure many great comics have worked years to earn. Now I am excited to use what I built to give back and give one of them a real shot.” – Lil Mo

Contest: Contest details   |   Tour: Tour schedule   |   About: About Lil Mo