Global Brewers Invited to Compete as 2026 World Beer Cup Registration Opens

The Brewers Association has begun the countdown to the 2026 World Beer Cup®, with the start of registration for what’s commonly referred to as the “Olympics of Beer.” This worldwide beer competition celebrates the skill of brewers across more than 100 beer and cider styles, adding its new categories to the evolving tastes and traditions. From new ideas to the classics, the event, which will conclude with a live awards ceremony at the Craft Brewers Conference®, is expected to bring together the most innovative and passionate creators in the industry.

In a press release, The Brewers Association (who are the organizers of the World Beer Cup) announced that registration for the 2026 competition will be open from November 11 through December 12, 2025, at worldbeercup.org. The competition will be held in conjunction with the 2026 Craft Brewers Conference® & BrewExpo America®, where winners will be announced during a live awards ceremony. 
 
“The World Beer Cup represents the pinnacle of brewing achievement,” said Chris Williams, competition director for the World Beer Cup. “Each year, we’re inspired by the creativity, quality, and innovation from brewers around the world. We look forward to welcoming breweries of all sizes and backgrounds to compete in 2026.” 
 
Organized by the Brewers Association, the World Beer Cup was established in 1996 to promote the international exchange of brewing excellence. The competition features more than 100 beer style categories, evaluated by an elite panel of international judges. In 2025, the competition expanded to include six cider categories and attracted over 8,300 entries from 1,761 breweries across 49 countries, underscoring its global prestige.

The 2026 competition will include the following beer style additions: 
Czech-Style Amber Lager and Czech-Style Dark Lager
Mexican-Style Light Lager, Mexican-Style Pale Lager, Mexican-Style Amber Lager and Mexican-Style Dark Lager
Rice Lager
Green Tea Beer and Other Tea Beer
West Coast-Style Pilsner 
 
“The World Beer Cup is where the world’s best beers earn recognition on a global stage,” said Ann Obenchain, vice president of marketing and communications for the Brewers Association. “We’re proud to host a competition that celebrates brewing artistry and unites the global beer community.” 

Key Dates

Registration Period: November 11 – December 12, 2025
Awards Ceremony: Held during the 2026 Craft Brewers Conference® & BrewExpo America® on April 22, 2026
Registration & Details: worldbeercup.org 
 
The World Beer Cup is made possible thanks to the generous support of its sponsors: Fermentis, First Key, HAAS, Jerney Ltd. Beverage Solutions, Rahr Malting Co., Sahm, and Siemens. Additional information about the event, registration, deadlines, and previous year’s winners can be found on WorldBeerCup.org. 

About the World Beer Cup® 

Founded by the Brewers Association in 1996, the World Beer Cup® is the most prestigious professional beer and cider competition in the world, celebrating brewing excellence and showcasing the global diversity of beer.  

About the Brewers Association  

The Brewers Association (BA) is a not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American brewers, their beers, and the community of brewing enthusiasts. The BA represents 9,000-plus U.S. breweries and its independent craft brewer seal is a widely adopted symbol that differentiates beers by small and independent craft brewers. The BA organizes events, including the World Beer Cup^®, Great American Beer Festival^®, Craft Brewers Conference^™ & BrewExpo America^®, and American Craft Beer Week^®.