We are opening a themed call for humorous speculative stories and poems of up to 100 words (including the title) that begin with “An Alien Walks into a Eurocon…” It is open to everybody, regardless of whether they attend the convention or not.

Please send us – if you dare! – your entries written in English to writing.competition {at} metropolcon {dot} eu in the body of the email before 23:59:59 CEST on June 19, 2026. One entry per participant. Make sure to include your preferred pen name as well. The winner and the runners-up will be contacted via the sender’s email address before the beginning of the convention.

A jury of particularly humorless fans will select ten contenders that have managed to make them smile. Then, these finalists will be presented to a special guest who will flip a coin … scratch that … who will choose the winner and runners-up. Results will be announced at the convention – check the program closer to the con for further details.

Your information will not be shared with outside parties. You may be asked for permission to use your work in promotional materials & to post the winning entries on the metropolcon website.

Please note: AI/generative tools are prohibited, and the muse of speculative fiction told us in fairly certain terms that she will curse you for life if you cheat!

Best of luck!

(Idea: Valentin, team support: Alexa & Claudia)