About the Pageant

What's the story behind the Shoggoth + smiley face?

Our mascot comes from a fascinating tech industry meme that captured Silicon Valley's imagination and went mainstream after New York Times technology columnist Kevin Roose spotlighted it in May 2023. The Shoggoth (a mysterious creature from science fiction) represents the complex, sometimes unpredictable nature of AI systems, while the friendly smiley face represents how these powerful technologies are made accessible and helpful to humans. We embrace this duality that Roose so perfectly described:

At Barnum.AI, we recognize this fundamental truth about artificial intelligence: beneath every user-friendly interface lies something far more complex and powerful. By adopting this symbol, we commit to making advanced AI concepts accessible while never losing sight of their profound implications for humanity's future.

For more, see Roose’s NY Times story, Why an Octopus-like Creature Has Come to Symbolize the State of A.I.

What is the Shoggiest Geek Alive Pageant?

Think of it as the ultimate AI innovation competition where brilliant minds tackle humanity's biggest challenges. Contestants face 12 elimination challenges that showcase their technical prowess, creativity, and ethical understanding of AI. The competition culminates in a live finale in San Francisco where our final ten compete for a $1 million prize and the coveted title of Shoggiest Geek Alive. Please see official rules, plus terms and conditions.

When does the pageant take place?

The competition began on January 16, 2025. The first of twelve monthly elimination challenges will be announced on March 27. Our spectacular live finale happens in San Francisco on March 26, 2026, where we crown our winner.

How is this different from typical tech competitions?

We combine the technical rigor of advanced AI development with the drama and excitement of reality TV. Each challenge tests different aspects of AI innovation while being broadcast to a global audience, with public voting playing a key role alongside expert evaluation.

Participation

Who can enter?

U.S. residents aged 18 or older can register. You'll need to complete our entrance evaluation, which varies in difficulty based on when you register. Early registrants face an easier entrance exam and pay lower entry fees.

Do you think you have what takes to be the Shoggiest Geek Alive?

What does it cost to enter?

Registration fees are tiered based on when you enter:

• Innovators (January 16 - March 27, 2025): $45 entry fee

• Early Adopters (March 28 - June 19, 2025): $75 entry fee

• Early Majority (June 20 - September 11, 2025): $125 entry fee

• Late Majority/Final Entry (September 12 - December 4, 2025): $200 entry fee

• Last chance to qualify for finals (must complete Challenges 10, 11, and 12)

First 100 registrants receive exclusive Innovator Elite status with additional benefits. See Entry Fees & Schedule for full details.

What special benefits do First 100 Innovators receive?

• Innovator Elite status includes:

•  24-hour early access to challenge details

•  Priority media interview consideration

•  Custom contestant profile page

•  Reserved Plus-1 seating at SF finale

•  Lifetime SGA alumni event access

How does the entrance exam work?

You'll need to complete our entrance evaluation within 48 hours of registration. The exam difficulty increases with each pricing tier:

•  Innovators: Basic entrance exam

•  Early Adopters: Intermediate exam

•  Early Majority: Advanced exam

•  Late Majority: Expert exam

•  Laggards: Master level exam

What resources do contestants need?

Contestants must provide their own computing resources and development environments. You'll need reliable internet access to participate in challenges and submit your work through our platform.

Competition Structure

How do the challenges work?

Each challenge runs approximately two weeks, focusing on different aspects of AI development and innovation. Challenge details are revealed only at the start of each phase, and all work must be completed independently within specified deadlines.

How does judging work?

Each challenge is scored out of 100 points: 75 points from domain expert judges and 25 points from public voting. Judges rotate for each challenge based on the specific domain being tested. The bottom 20% of contestants are eliminated after each challenge.

What happens if I make it to the final ten?

You'll participate in our live finale in San Francisco on February 26, 2026. This event determines who takes home the $1 million prize and becomes our Global Ambassador for AI.

Prizes and Benefits

What does the winner receive?

The champion receives $1 million (subject to taxes), the title of "Shoggiest Geek Alive," and a one-year position as Global Ambassador for AI. Winners receive dedicated press team support to maximize their platform.

What is the Global Ambassador for AI role?

As Global Ambassador AI you'll represent the future of AI innovation at major events and in media appearances. This ceremonial position lets you shape public discourse about AI while maintaining your regular job or research.

What rights do I maintain over my work?

You retain ownership of your pre-existing intellectual property and individual challenge solutions. The company receives a non-exclusive license to broadcast, promote, and archive your competition work. For commercial opportunities arising from your solutions, you'll need to notify us within 12 months and provide a 90-day discussion period for potential partnership opportunities. For more detailed information, please see Terms and Conditions.

Watching and Engaging

How can I watch live pageant finals in San Francisco?

All challenges and events stream live on YouTube, making it easy to follow along and participate in public voting. Viewers help shape the outcome through their votes while learning about cutting-edge AI innovation.

Who are the judges?

Each challenge features different expert judges selected for their domain expertise in that challenge's focus area. Judge panels rotate throughout the competition to ensure deep knowledge of each challenge's specific requirements.

How does public voting work?

You have real power in shaping AI's future through our voting system. Public votes count for 25 points out of each challenge's 100-point total score, with the remaining 75 points coming from our expert judges. Every vote matters as contestants tackle challenges that could revolutionize how AI serves humanity.

More Questions?

Email us at info@barnum.ai or call 512-222-9946. We're here to help you embrace the shoggothic future of AI innovation!