International Poetry Competition July 2026
Open poetry contests
We run open poetry contests year-round, for poets everywhere. Enter for the chance to win $100 and be published in our online poetry magazine.
The Canto Poetry Prize
The theme is "Horizon", but we welcome loose interpretations. Get creative with it!
Enter themed poetry contest ➜July Poetry Contest
Enter your poems on any theme by the end of the month – it's up to you.
Enter monthly poetry contest ➜Frequently asked questions
Are there any restrictions on the length or form of my poem?
No – we welcome poems of any length and any form or style.
Can I enter both competitions at the same time?
Yes. The monthly contests and The Canto Poetry Prize are completely independent and you’re welcome to enter both simultaneously.
Can I submit the same poem to both competitions?
Yes, you can submit the same poem to both the monthly contests and The Canto Poetry Prize. Previously published poems are also welcome, and simultaneous submissions are accepted.
Is there a theme?
Our monthly contests are open theme, so you can enter a poem on any subject. The Canto Poetry Prize does have a theme for each edition, but we encourage poets to engage with it creatively rather than literally.
What language should my poem be in?
Poems must be written in English, though you’re welcome to include words or phrases from other languages.
How do I pay the entry fee?
The entry fee is paid by card at the time of submission.
How is the winner chosen?
All entries are read and judged by our editorial team.
When will I find out if I’ve won?
We’ll contact the winner within one month of the competition ending.
What happens to my poem if I win?
The winning poem is published on the Free the Verse website, but you’ll retain full copyright. By entering you grant us the right to publish your poem and to use it in associated marketing materials.
Quotes from winning poems
himself along the tar hands steady
on a lute dust on his shorts
If I’d eat him in case of some
apocalyptic event, or if he’d eat me
how can you learn to be a little good?”
It’s pretty
and I can’t
deal with traffic
