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David McLean

The best Edinburgh Fringe jokes down the years and how tastes have changed

Comedian Masai Graham has been crowned with the award for the best joke at this year's Edinburgh Fringe.

The Black Country gag merchant scooped the Edinburgh Comedy Awards title, which is sponsored by TV channel Dave, with a rib-tickling pun about pasta.

Graham, who last won the award in 2016, was judged to be the best again this year after delivering the line: “I tried to steal spaghetti from the shop, but the female guard saw me and I couldn’t get pasta”.

READ MORE: The 10 best Edinburgh Fringe jokes of 2022 as voted by judging panel

It's the thirteenth time Dave has sponsored the annual award, which has been on ice for the past two years due to the coronavirus pandemic.

We thought it'd be fun to dig out the previous 10 winners of the coveted best joke title and see how this year's Masai Graham effort stacks up against the rest. Judge for yourself whether or not comedy was better back in the day than now or vice versa.

Dave's Joke of the Fringe winners 2010-2022

2022: Masai Graham

‘I tried to steal spaghetti from the shop, but the female guard saw me and I couldn’t get pasta.’

2019: Olaf Falafel

‘I keep randomly shouting out “Broccoli” and “Cauliflower” – I think I might have Florets.’

2018: Adam Rowe

‘Working at the job centre has to be a tense job: knowing that if you get fired, you still have to come in the next day.’

2017: Ken Cheng

‘I’m not a fan of the new pound coin, but then again, I hate all change.’

2016: Masai Graham

‘My dad has suggested that I register for a donor card. He’s a man after my own heart.’

2015: Tommy Tiernan

‘Two flies are playing football in a saucer. One says to the other: “Make an effort, we’re playing in the cup tomorrow.”’

2014: Tim Vine

‘I’ve decided to sell my Hoover… well, it was just collecting dust.’

2013: Rob Auton


‘I heard a rumour that Cadbury is bringing out an oriental chocolate bar. Could be a Chinese Wispa.’

2012: Stewart Francis

‘You know who really gives kids a bad name? Posh and Becks.’

2011: Nick Helm

‘I needed a password eight characters long so I picked Snow White and the Seven Dwarves.’

2010: Tim Vine

‘I've just been on a once-in-a-lifetime holiday. I’ll tell you what, never again.’

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