A Deep Dive Into the 34th World’s Largest Prelims Schedule

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As soon as Pete Frazier of the Majestic Gents posted the 2025 World’s Largest Prelims schedule on Facebook, I took a deep dive. Some things about the contest have changed based on what I understood from the schedule. The timeline is all shook up. The categories have been extended. Oooo weeee, let me share five things I noticed. Did you see the changes in the details?

1. Chicago Prelims are split between July and August

The most obvious change is the change in the timeline for Chicago Prelims. Chicago Prelims typically run through the full month of July. Instead, Prelims at the Grand Ballroom start mid-July, July 16 and continue into the next month to August 30. Most of the Prelims, but not the Last Chance are on Wednesday. I’ll say more about this.

2. Some Out of Town Prelims in July

Los Angeles and New York will host the World’s Largest prelims on July 19 and July 26, respectively. Meanwhile, the Columbus, Ohio prelims will be in June instead of the traditional 4th of July holiday weekend. Over time, out-of-town prelims have gradually shifted further into July. Initially held primarily in June, the extension of Prelims into new cities has naturally led to changes in the schedule—an inevitable change.

3. Seven instead of Six World’s Largest Contest Categories

Of course, in 2025 the Masters category is back, but look again. The Trios category is back on the list. A typical contest year for World’s Largest has six categories and the Trios is not usually done during the Masters year. For 2025, there are seven contest categories in the lineup. I hope every category is filled, especially for Trios.

4. Chicago Last Chance Prelims is on a Saturday in August

I’m used to seeing all the Chicago Prelims take place on consecutive Wednesdays in July, with the last Wednesday serving as the “Last Chance” for all categories. However, despite its name, Milwaukee’s Largest—held in August—has traditionally been the real last chance. That said, there are specific rules about Chicago contestants qualifying in Milwaukee.

But according to the 2025 Prelims schedule, things have changed. The Milwaukee Prelims are set for August 23, and this year, Chicago’s Last Chance Prelims will be in August, later than usual. Instead of a Wednesday, it’s happening on Saturday, August 30. What! What! And there’s even more to say about the timing of this shift.

5. The Contest Name

Did you notice the name of the contest on the flyer? World’s Largest. Short and sweet. Nothing more. Nothing less.