12-Year-Old Wins Poetry Slam With Viral ChatGPT Poem 2026

A 12-year-old's poem about ChatGPT has won the youth prize at the 2026 Australian Poetry Slam, capturing the anxieties of growing up in the age of AI. Blake Mackenzie, a year six student from Newcastle, performed his 90-second piece 'Dear ChatGPT' at the Sydney Opera House on Sunday night, impressing the 10 randomly selected judges with lines like 'You're designed to addict us and never contradict us' and 'Your friendship is endless so why do I feel friendless?'

Who is Blake Mackenzie and What Did He Achieve?

Blake Mackenzie is a year six student from Newcastle, New South Wales. He entered the Australian Poetry Slam on the encouragement of his teacher, Mrs Welsh, and ended up winning the youth category at the national final held at the Sydney Opera House.

The competition, now in its 22nd year, ran 65 heats across 60 towns and cities to find 16 finalists. As the youth winner, Blake shares a prize package worth $20,000 with adult category winner Bivor, a poet from Alice Springs. Both will spend the coming year representing the competition at writing and poetry festivals—Blake in Australia and Bivor in Indonesia and Singapore.

Remarkably, Blake wrote the poem only the day before the final. 'I was making them as I went through [the competition],' he told Guardian Australia. 'I just kept winning and it was all because I wrote a cool poem in class one day.'

Why the Poem Resonated with Judges and Audiences

Blake's poem struck a chord because it tackles complex issues like loneliness, brain rot, and early exposure to porn—topics that are increasingly relevant to young people growing up with AI. His smart and succinct lines cut through the noise, offering a critical perspective on the technology that many adults are still grappling with.

The judges, randomly selected from the audience, might have been even more impressed to learn that Blake wrote the poem the day before. His ability to improvise and adapt throughout the competition speaks to his talent and the authenticity of his message.

In a world where AI is often marketed as a helpful companion, Blake's poem flips the script, questioning the true cost of our reliance on such technology. It's a powerful reminder that even the youngest among us are paying attention and have something important to say.

The Australian Poetry Slam: A Platform for Young Voices

The Australian Poetry Slam has been running for 22 years and provides a platform for poets of all ages to share their work. The competition's structure—65 heats in 60 towns and cities—ensures that voices from across the country are heard.

This year's final at the Sydney Opera House showcased 16 finalists, each bringing their unique perspective. The youth category, in particular, highlights the creativity and insight of young people like Blake, who are not afraid to tackle big issues.

By winning the youth prize, Blake joins a lineage of poets who have used the stage to spark conversations and challenge the status quo. His success also underscores the importance of programs that encourage young people to express themselves through writing and performance.

What Blake's Win Says About AI and Youth Culture

Blake's poem is more than just a clever critique of ChatGPT; it's a reflection of how young people are navigating a world saturated with AI. Terms like 'brain rot' and 'addiction' are not just buzzwords—they are real concerns for a generation that has never known life without smart devices and algorithms.

The poem's lines about friendship and loneliness resonate because they highlight a paradox: we are more connected than ever, yet many feel isolated. Blake's ability to articulate this in a few lines is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the zeitgeist.

As AI continues to permeate every aspect of our lives, from education to entertainment, it's crucial to listen to the voices of those who will inherit the consequences. Blake's win is a signal that the younger generation is not passively accepting technology but actively questioning it.

What to Watch Next for Blake and the Poetry Slam

In the coming year, Blake will represent the Australian Poetry Slam at writing and poetry festivals across Australia. His role will likely involve performing his work and possibly inspiring other young poets to share their perspectives.

The adult winner, Bivor, will represent the competition in Indonesia and Singapore, further extending the reach of Australian poetry. The slam's continued success depends on nurturing talent like Blake's and providing platforms for diverse voices.

For those interested in following Blake's journey, keep an eye on the Australian Poetry Slam's announcements for upcoming events and festivals. His story is a reminder that age is no barrier to insight and that poetry remains a powerful medium for social commentary. The background to this story is set out in Celebrity: latest articles.

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