World Beer Cup registration is open

The Brewers Association (BA), the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American craft brewers, has opened registration for the 2027 World Beer Cup competition.

Registration will be open through January (subject to availability), online. The competition will be held in conjunction with the 2027 Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America, where winners will be announced during a live awards ceremony.

The World Beer Cup is the most prestigious professional beer and cider competition in the world, celebrating the art and science of brewing by recognizing outstanding beers and ciders and brewers across the globe. Following the announcement of the 2027 Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America and CiderCon co-location, World Beer Cup will also expand recognition of its cider categories to a new standalone World Cider Cup competition. Judging will feature dedicated Certified Pommelier judges and expanded cider award category created in partnership with the American Cider Association. Winners in both competitions will be featured at the award ceremony on April 7.

“The World Beer Cup is one of the most meaningful honors a brewery can earn,” said Chris Williams, competition director for the World Beer Cup. “An award reflects the evaluation and recognition of some of the best judges from around the world. Additionally, we’re excited to continue to recognize cidermakers as part of our new World Cider Cup in 2027. We look forward to celebrating the craftsmanship, consistency, and innovation that move our industry forward.”

Often referred to as the “Olympics of Beer” and 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. The 2026 competition brought together 1,644 breweries representing 50 nations, underscoring the event’s role as a truly global benchmark for quality.  

New Beer Styles:

• Alsatian-Style Pilsener (as a subcategory of International-Style Pilsener)
• Czech-Style Dark Lager (new award category)
• Italian-Style Grape Ale (3 subcategories – Red, White & Sour)
• New Zealand-Style Pilsener
• Distinct Gluten-Free Categories (Classic Ale or Lager, Hoppy, Specialty)
• Multi-Adjunct Beer or Hybrid/Crossover Beer (as subcategories of Specialty Beer)

New Cider Styles:

• Low & No Alcohol Cider
• Natural Cider
• Ice Cider or Fortified Cider

New Champion Awards

• Champion Cidermaker
• Champion Brewery

Key Dates

• Registration Period:
  • Early Bird Pricing: November 5 – December 16
  • Regular Pricing: December 17 – Jan. 2027 (subject to availability)
• Awards Ceremony: Held during the 2027 Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America on April 7
• Registration & Details: worldbeercup.org