The Black Box Improv Tournament returns in 2010. Eight comedy teams enter, but only one will win this elimination-style comedy showdown.

During each show, teams will battle for survival — and for the ultimate prize, a chance to open The Big Show at this year’s Black Box Comedy Festival on Saturday, Sept. 18. Audience members will decide who moves on as the tournament advances. Several of Atlanta’s stand-up comedians will perform before the final round.

The Black Box Improv Tournament will be held July 23-24 at Under the Couch, located on the second floor of the Student Center at Georgia Tech. The first two rounds start at 8 and 10 p.m. on Friday, July 23. The semi-finals will be held Saturday, July 24, beginning at 8 p.m., followed by stand-up comedy and the finals at 10 p.m.

The Black Box Improv Tournament leads up to the 2010 Black Box Comedy Festival, now in its seventh year. Since 2004, the festival has grown to become one of the largest comedy festivals in the Southeast, bringing together improvisers and comedians from all over the United States. The festival will take place Sept. 15-19 on the Georgia Tech campus.