Poetry Slam Rotterdam

Poetry Slam Rotterdam is a lively and vibrant community that has cherished Rotterdam's rich poetic tradition since 2002. What started as a passion project of several passionate Rotterdam poets has grown into a thriving movement that infuses the city with creativity and expression. Since 2019 there has been a new permanent team, determined to keep the torch of the Rotterdam Poetry Slam burning. Since 2022, we have operated as a foundation, driven by a deep commitment to guarantee and strengthen the survival of the Rotterdam Slam.

Our preliminary rounds take place at various locations, including our home base, the Reading Room Rotterdam West, and selected partner locations. Can't you join us? No problem! We stream our preliminary rounds live, so you can enjoy the poetic battle from home.

Poetry Slam Rotterdam is all about participation and sharing stories. We have been using poker chips to vote for many years. Although voting advice is given by an expert, it is ultimately the public that decides.

From 2022 we will also organize workshops, where creative minds come together to learn, share and grow. Of course slamming is a competition. Every year we crown the winners of our battle and our two finalists from the urban final will represent us at the NK Poetry Slam.

The latest editions have produced the following season winners:

2019: Ramona Maramis

2020: Ellen Oosterwijk

2021: Angelika Geronymaki

2022: McGregor Spalburg