The Moth Poetry Prize 2025

The Moth Poetry Prize 2025 is now open for entries!

The Moth Poetry Prize 2025 : The Moth Poetry Prize, one of the biggest prizes in the world for a single unpublished poem has been recently announced for entries inviting anyone over 16 to participate.

➜ Short description

The Moth Poetry Prize, organized by The Moth , an international arts and literature magazine based in Ireland, is one of the biggest prizes in the world for a single unpublished poem.

Poems may be on any subject. There is no line limit.

Entries must be entirely the work of the entrant and must be original, never have been published or self-published (in print or online) or broadcast.

You can enter as as many poems as you like.

Entries must be in English.

This year's judge is Ishion Hutchinson.

The shortlist will be announced in March 2026 and the four shortlisted poems will appear in the Irish Times online. The winner will be announced at a special award ceremony online in the spring of 2026.

➜ Who may enter?

The competition is open to anyone aged 16 or over.

➜ Prize:

➜ 1st prize: €6,000
➜ 3 runner-up prizes of €1,000
➜ 8 prizes of €250 for commended poems

➜ Entry fees:

The entry fee is €16 per poem.