Brussels resident wins Belgian Championship Poetry Slam

During the fourth Belgian Championship Poetry Slam on Saturday in Muntpunt, 17 Belgian poets competed for the title of Belgian champion. The participants, made up of both Dutch- and French-speaking poets, were each given three minutes to convince the jury of their poetic prowess, using only word and performance.

The jury selected Simon Raket (pictured) of Brussels as the winner. The 40-year-old took home first prize following a thrilling tie with Martijn Nelen. In a third round between the two, Raket convinced the jury with his text, Speakeasy Club.

Raket's win qualifies him for the European Championship Poetry Slam in Estonia on 21 November.