It was a battle of the Marks at the 2009 Yuk Yuk’s Laugh Off and in the end… Mark won.

Mark Little, that is, a geeky comic who now has a good reason for dropping out of grad school. In a close race, he won $25,000 and a chance at comedy stardom with his outstanding and risky set.

Runner up and winner of a year’s supply of mac and cheese went to Mark Forward, who had the audience in stitches with his off kilter routine about hampsters and reincarnation.

Yuk Yuk’s founder and CEO Mark Breslin kicked off the show with his darkly humourous intros, always original and edgy. He kept it moving as he introduced the top comics in the contest - all of whom had breakthrough sets.

“For the fourth year running, we have a Canadian winner,” Breslin said. “It goes to show how much comedy talent we have in this country and why I believe it’s the export that will get us out of the recession.  In terms of talent, my money was on one of the Marks to win.”

Mark Breslin and Yuk Yuk's Laugh Off winner Mark Little (photo: Marko Shark)

We also want to give a special shout-out to our judges for this evening: Ashley Olivia, talent coordinator for The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien; Celia Joseph, researcher and comedy booker for The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson; Bruce Hills, chief operating officer for Just for Laughs; and Michelle Daly, director of content for The Comedy Network.

Another great Laugh Off is over. Til next year, good night everyone and keep those laughs rolling!