The nation has been scoured, the contestants have been whittled down, and now it’s up to the public to help select who will make the final round of SiriusXM's Canada’s Top Comic. Announced on September 27 following a live standup showdown in Toronto, the winner of the annual comedy competition will nab $25,000, a Bell TV taping, and coveted slots at the Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal, JFL42 in Toronto, JFL NorthWest in Vancouver, and JFL Sydney.

The title was won by Vancouver's Gavin Matts in 2017, and of the 18 semi-finalists in 2018's Top Comic contest, six are from Vancouver—and with your votes, we can keep the crown in the city.

To help you in your voting, we're introducing you to the funnymen and women repping Vancouver in this year's Top Comic competition. Today, we meet Ryan Williams.

Forgettable college athlete turned comedian, Williams is one of Canada’s most exciting new comics. His high energy delivery and arresting wit make him a performer not to be missed. Williams has appeared at clubs and festivals across the country, and was recently featured on the Best of the West comedy-compilation album produced by JFL NorthWest.

Georgia Straight: How long have you been doing standup for? 

Ryan Williams: Six years so far. But vote for Ryan and we can have—say it with me—six more years! Six more years! 

GS: Why should people vote for you to advance to the final round of Canada's Top Comic?

RW: If elected, I will end homelessness by 2015.

GS: What’s your pre-show ritual?

RW: Overcoming crippling anxiety.

GS: What’s your favourite comedy venue in the city?

RW: Full Pint Comedy at the taproom at Granville Island Brewery (1441 Cartwright Street). It happens every Tuesday at 9 p.m., and admission is just $5. Also, any time at Little Mountain Gallery (195 Eats 26th Avenue).

GS: What would you do with the $25,000 if you won?

RW: Blow it all funding a web series filmed in Vancouver. Try and sell it as TV show. TV show gets bought. Hire people. More jobs. A vote for Ryan is a vote for jobs.

Public voting to determine the semi-finalists in the 2018 SiriusXM Canada's Top Comic competition is open online until August 17 at midnight. The six comedians who receive the most votes, as well as two wildcards, will advance to the final round in Toronto on September 27, when the winner will be chosen by a panel of judges.