Who'll be the last comic standing?

You never know what will happen at the Seattle International Comedy Competition. A monthlong stand-up smackdown, it started Wednesday and continues in venues all over Western Washington (plus one date at Whitman College), culminating with finals at the Comedy Underground on Nov. 25.

Unpredictability is the key word — and that extends to the careers of the comedians who have participated since the elimination-style contest first took place in 1980.

Quick-witted stand-up Rod Long beat Christopher Titus 20 years ago. Titus went on to star in an eponymous sitcom, and these days, he is featured in the ABC drama "Big Shots." Meanwhile, the winner, Long, decided to remain in Seattle to focus on stand-up, photography and his children.

"Titus is really successful," Long said. "I laughed out loud when I saw he has a new series ['Big Shots']. Good for him. He's very good. It worked out for him. I stayed here and that's been my Achilles' heel, but I'm all right with that."

Comedy Competition producer Ron Reid recalls when Patton Oswalt ("King of Queens") and Brian Posehn ("The Sarah Silverman Program") competed during the early '90s and were knocked out in the first round. "Patton is one of my favorite comics, and he didn't do particularly well," Reid said. "It's so unpredictable. You never know who is going to do well. It's funny looking back."

It should be funny in the not too distant future as week one of SICC continues. Sixteen comedians perform for five minutes each, trying to nail a spot in the semifinals. (A second set of 16 performs in week two.) The field is wide open and includes a fair number of veterans.

Leif Skyving, a Swedish humorist who has been honing his craft for 14 years, is a charismatic entertainer with consistently funny material.

Toronto's Darren Frost is an eccentric, rude, inventive comic who has been a stand-up since 1992. His film credits include "Fever Pitch," "You Stupid Man" and "Black Iris."

Striking Denver native Lizzy Pilcher, who could pass for a younger, more intimidating Courteney Cox, is a sarcastic, self-deprecating performer. Scott Moran isn't just a comedy producer (Bumbershoot 2007, Laff Hole) but also a solid regional comic.

Jaqi Furback is a stand-up at heart even though she dabbles in sketch comedy. Furback is a subtle humorist who often offers dark material.

Rodger Lizaola started his comedy career five years ago in Seattle. He returns with plenty of road experience, having opened for Louis C.K., Bruce Baum and Joey Medina.

At 7:30 tonight, SICC stops at the Edmonds Center for the Arts (410 Fourth Ave. N., 425-275-9595, $13-$26) with an all-ages show (but remember, this is comedy, parents: Some language may not be dinner-table approved). Then it moves on to the Fairhaven Pub and Martini Bar in Bellingham for a few days before returning for gigs at the Comedy Underground (Monday and Tuesday), Chop Suey (Wednesday) and beyond.