Any individual who is a member of the Columbus Blues Alliance (including membership forms and dues mailed with the application) may participate in the Columbus Blues Challenge, except for the following:
- Any artist whose name has appeared on a final W.C. Handy/Blues Music Award ballot, including members of bands nominated for Band Of The Year
- Any act that has participated in two consecutive IBCs
- Any act that has participated in three IBCs since 2017
- Any act that previously placed first in its Category at the IBC
- Any act that won the preceding Columbus Blues Challenge in any category
Other restrictions:
- An individual may not compete in more than one Category
- An individual may not compete in more than one act in any capacity