Contests are open to anyone except those who are performing as a billed or paid entertainer or workshop leader at the 2019 National Flat Pick Guitar Championships and those who have been the First Place winner within the past five years–specifically the years 2014 through 2018.  However, previous winners may enter and win contests which they have not won within the last five years.  For example, the First Place winner of the National Bluegrass Banjo Championship in the last five years may enter and win any or all the other contests.