At just 24 years old Mike Cotayo competed and won Amateur Night at The Apollo. It was this moment that made him realize he could make it as a stand-up comedian. In 2005, he began performing at The Laugh Factory in Times Square, which ultimately led to him joining The Short Bus Comedy Tour. After appearing on XM’s “The Opie & Anthony Show” he gained quite a following. In fact, one night, while on waiting for the bathroom a fan approached Mike telling him that he heard him on the radio and drove two-and-a-half hours to see him. Mike was equally flattered and disturbed, so he did the only thing he could do at that moment and headed to the bathroom.

Mike is most at home on stage. His high-energy performances and quick wit have been captivating audiences for many years. Once he steps onstage all bets are off. He easily feeds off the crowd’s energy. No one, not even Mike, knows what's going to come out of his mouth. Baron Vaugh has dubbed him 'The Paula Poundstone of his Comedy Generation,' less for his drinking problem, and more for his spontaneity with audiences.