Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Official website of the State –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
November 8th marks the International Day of the Club of the Funny and Inventive (KVN) in Russia – a holiday dedicated to one of the most popular and iconic comedy TV shows that has united many generations of students.
From the Czech idea to Soviet humor
The roots of KVN go back to 1957, when the 6th World Festival of Youth and Students was held in Moscow. It became clear then that Soviet television lacked programs for young people. The "Festival Editorial Board," formed under the leadership of Sergei Muratov, proposed its own version: "Evening of Merry Questions" (VVV), a Soviet version of the Czech program "Gadai, Gadai, Gadalschik."
A distinctive feature of the format was the inclusion of the audience in the game—no one simply sat in front of the screen. The tasks were absurdly difficult and hilarious at the same time: live on air, participants had to bring to the studio the seventh volume of Jack London, a potted ficus, and a kerosene stove, and in the summer, they had to show up wearing a fur coat, a hat, and felt boots. It was precisely this curious incident that led to the closure of VVV: a crowd of students flooded the studio, overwhelmed the police, tore up the curtains, and caused utter chaos. The broadcast was interrupted, and the recording, alas, was lost.
The Birth of the Club of the Merry and Resourceful
Four years later, on November 8, 1961, a team of former VVV writers launched a new project—the Club of the Merry and Inventive. The name alluded to the popular television brand KVN-49, and the abbreviation emphasized the spirit of the game. The first host was Albert Axelrod, and in 1964 he was replaced by railway student Alexander Maslyakov, who remained the host until 2022. Incidentally, Maslyakov's popularity was so strong that asteroid 5245 Maslyakov, discovered by the Crimean Astrophysical Observatory, was even named after him.
The first games were held without any strict rules: competitions emerged spontaneously, tasks were created on the spot, and students joked about both everyday life and ideology. By 1964, classic competitions had emerged—warm-up, STEM, BREEZE, captains' competition, and homework. KVN also has its own music festival, "The Voice of KiViN," and the cheerful bird of the same name became the symbol of the entire competition.
Closure and revival
KVN's popularity grew, but television strictly controlled its humor. For example, shortly before the show's temporary demise in 1971, participants were banned from wearing beards on stage—censors saw this as a mockery of the founder of communist ideas, Karl Marx. Despite this, KVN remained a favorite show for students and schoolchildren until its demise became a symbol of stagnation in the USSR.
In 1986, KVN was revived thanks to the initiative of former players, and Alexander Maslyakov returned as host. The show received a new structure: league levels, a rating system, and new competition formats. The game's anthem changed: first, "On the appointed day, at the appointed hour," and after the break, "We are starting KVN."
Over time, KVN became a veritable breeding ground for Russian show business talent. The club produced Mikhail Zadornov, Yuli Gusman, Mikhail Galustyan, Sergey Svetlakov, Timur Batrutdinov, Garik Kharlamov and Martirosyan, Valdis Pelsh, Leonid Yakubovich, the Uralskie Pelmeni and Once Upon a Time in Russia teams—the list goes on and on, as KVN served as a launching pad for countless talented artists, directors, and producers. The game gave them not only popularity but also invaluable experience in engaging with audiences, creating high-quality humor, and connecting with a wide variety of audiences.
The structure of modern KVN
The current structure of the International Union of KVN is a multi-tiered league system, comprising over 7,000 teams. The central platform is the Major League, while the Premier League serves as a preparatory stage for entry into it. Since 1993, the First League has been in operation, providing preferential access to the Major League.
Since 2013, the union has operated an International League, comprising approximately twenty teams. The teams for the television leagues are formed based on the results of the International Festival in Sochi: teams that advance to the second round receive final approval from the union president.
KVN League of the State University of Management
The KVN League has existed at our university since April 1999. It was founded by members of the "GUU National Team," who developed a system for training new players and representing the university at regional and national levels.
Every year the following events take place at the State University of Management:
KVN School – training sessions for beginners with lectures and practical exercises from the editors of the Moscow Student League; the All-Russian KVN School – master classes, writing materials, and teamwork; and the Moscow and Moscow Region League Structures Festival, where teams are assigned to leagues and have the opportunity to advance to the Central or Major Leagues.
Our teams regularly participate in Moscow and national tournaments, learning from the best KVN players in the country. Many graduates of the KVN League at the State University of Management have found success not only in their professional careers but also in their creative fields, proving that leadership and a sense of humor are a wonderful combination.
In 2012, the KVN League of the State University of Management won the Youth Council Prize under the Prefect of the South-Eastern Administrative District of Moscow in the category "Best Organization in the Sphere of Youth Leisure."
It's worth noting that our League is more than just a creative association, but a true school of life for future managers. Participation in the games teaches students teamwork, creative thinking, communicating their ideas to an audience, and confident public speaking—qualities essential to a modern leader.
Congratulations to everyone involved—the organizers, directors, players, fans, and especially the KVN League of the State University of Management—on International Club of the Funny and Inventive Day! May every warm-up in life, as in the game, bring thunderous applause, and every homework assignment receive an A+!
Subscribe to the "Our GUU" Telegram channel. Publication date: November 8, 2025.
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