Funniest Person in Austin 2008: Crowning Krug

As of April Fool's Day, 99 comics were jostling for the title of Funniest Person in Austin – a new record for Cap City Comedy Club's annual contest, now in its 23rd year. It took seven weeks to winnow the oversized deck of jokers down to a dozen, and another few hours on Monday, May 19, for the 12 to be whittled to one. After the final punch line was delivered, the last laugh belonged to Eric Krug, a comic who only made his first trip to the mic in November 2005 but who quickly found his comedic voice and has become a standout at stand-up. This writer wasn't at the finals, but if Krug's set was anything like the one in the semis – I'm still chuckling over his "college boy" insults and the game show Tupac or Anne Frank? – the win was well-deserved. In addition to the cheesy crown and cape traditionally bestowed on the winner, Krug receives $1,500. Congratulations to him, second-place winner Jeremy Neal, and third-place winner Dale Alexander.

If you want to catch the new FPIA in action, he'll be headlining at the Velveeta Room Friday & Saturday, June 6 & 7, 9:30 & 11:30pm, and at Cap City June 10-14, hosting the Mish Mash Show with David Huntsburger Tuesday-Wednesday, then opening for Josh Blue Thursday-Saturday. For more information, visit www.capcitycomedy.com.