On August 31 at the Malthouse Theatre, 12 of the nation’s sharpest school-aged comic acts battled it out at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s Class Clowns National Grand Final for their chance to be crowned the most hilarious teen act in the country.

The resounding winner was South Australian comedian Tom Matthews, who walked away with the Class Clowns trophy, a novelty human-sized cheque, $1000 in cash plus another $1000 for his school, St Johns’ Grammar in Adelaide.

Judges for the day included comedians Cal Wilson, Lawrence Mooney, Peter Helliar and Executive Producer at Southern Star Entertainment Anthony Watt. After much deliberation, it was Matthews that won the judges over.

Runner Up was awarded to Elaine Watkins from Vermont Secondary College in Victoria, with third place going to Velvet Winter from Robina State High School in Queensland.

Judge Cal Wilson said of the Final, “I am exhilarated by the standard today, just really excited by the talent. It was a treat to be able to come and see it.”

Emcee Harley Breen said of winner Tom Matthews, “I think he was fantastic. He genuinely gave me a belly laugh from the side of the stage. An unfairly talented youth.”