2027 World Beer Cup® Registration is Now Open

2027 World Beer Cup Registration Opens for Breweries Around the World

The competition is back. The Brewers Association has officially opened registration for the 2027 World Beer Cup, giving breweries and cider producers around the world another opportunity to put their beers and ciders in front of some of the most respected judges in the industry. Often called the Olympics of Beer, the World Beer Cup has become one of those awards that breweries pay attention to, not just because of the medal itself, but because winning against an international field of competitors can put a beer on the radar of drinkers who might never have encountered it otherwise. Registration opened November 5, and breweries looking to save some money will want to pay attention to the early bird deadline coming up December 16.

There are some interesting changes coming for 2027, too. The World Beer Cup is expanding its beer style categories to recognize newer brewing approaches and some styles that have been gaining attention, including New Zealand-Style Pilsener, Czech-Style Dark Lager and Italian-Style Grape Ale, while gluten-free beer will receive more distinct category recognition. That’s a pretty broad range of brewing styles, and it gives breweries another reason to look carefully at the competition rules before submitting their entries. More opportunities for recognition. And more competition.

The other big development is the arrival of a standalone World Cider Cup, which will give cider producers their own expanded competition alongside the World Beer Cup. The Brewers Association is working with the American Cider Association on the new cider awards, with dedicated Certified Pommelier judges and additional categories covering Low & No Alcohol Cider, Natural Cider, and Ice Cider or Fortified Cider. It’s a welcome expansion for an industry that deserves recognition on its own terms rather than simply being grouped into a beer competition. Both competitions will share the April 7, 2027 awards ceremony during the Craft Brewers Conference and BrewExpo America.

For breweries and cidermakers considering an entry, the registration window is now open, but the lower early bird pricing only runs through December 16, 2026, with regular registration beginning December 17 and continuing into January 2027 subject to availability. The 2026 competition attracted 1,644 breweries from 50 nations, and the next edition is already shaping up to recognize an even wider range of beer and cider production, so here is the full announcement and everything producers need to know about entering the 2027 World Beer Cup and new World Cider Cup.

2027 World Beer Cup Registration: Dates, New Categories and Competition Details

Registration for the 2027 World Beer Cup is officially open, with the Brewers Association announcing a new competition season that will include expanded beer style categories and the introduction of a standalone World Cider Cup.

The international beer competition begins its registration period on November 5, 2026, with early bird pricing available through December 16. Regular registration begins December 17 and will continue into January 2027, subject to available space.

The World Beer Cup will once again take place alongside the Craft Brewers Conference and BrewExpo America, bringing together breweries, beverage professionals, judges and industry representatives from around the world. The winners will be announced during a live awards ceremony on April 7, 2027.

World Beer Cup Expands Beer Competition Categories

The World Beer Cup has continued to evolve as brewing styles and consumer preferences change, and the 2027 competition introduces several new categories and adjustments that should interest breweries producing traditional and experimental beer styles.

New beer styles and categories include:

• Alsatian-Style Pilsener, as a subcategory of International-Style Pilsener.
• Czech-Style Dark Lager, a new award category.
• Italian-Style Grape Ale, with Red, White and Sour subcategories.
• New Zealand-Style Pilsener.
• Distinct Gluten-Free Beer categories covering Classic Ale or Lager, Hoppy and Specialty.
• Multi-Adjunct Beer and Hybrid/Crossover Beer as subcategories of Specialty Beer.

These additions give breweries more opportunities to have their beers evaluated against comparable styles rather than competing in categories that may not accurately represent the beer they produce.

The expanded gluten-free beer categories are particularly interesting as more breweries explore alternative grains and specialty brewing techniques. Italian-Style Grape Ale also gets additional recognition, with three separate divisions allowing judges to evaluate red, white and sour interpretations.

World Cider Cup Debuts in 2027

One of the biggest changes for the 2027 competition is the introduction of the standalone World Cider Cup.

Following the announcement that CiderCon will be co-located with the Craft Brewers Conference and BrewExpo America, the Brewers Association is expanding its recognition of cider producers through a dedicated international competition developed in partnership with the American Cider Association.

The new World Cider Cup will feature dedicated Certified Pommelier judges and additional cider award categories.

New cider styles include:

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

The competition will also introduce two new champion awards: Champion Cidermaker and Champion Brewery.

This gives cider producers a more focused opportunity to compete internationally and receive recognition for the craftsmanship and technical skill involved in producing quality cider.

World Beer Cup Registration Dates and Deadlines

Breweries and cidermakers interested in participating should pay close attention to the registration schedule, particularly the early bird deadline.

2027 World Beer Cup key dates:

• Registration opens: November 5, 2026.
• Early bird registration deadline: December 16, 2026.
• Regular registration begins: December 17, 2026.
• Registration closes: January 2027, subject to availability.
• Awards ceremony: April 7, 2027.

Registration and competition information are available at WorldBeerCup.org.

2027 World Beer Cup Continues a Global Brewing Tradition

Established in 1996 by the Brewers Association, the World Beer Cup has developed into one of the most recognized professional beer competitions in the world. Often called the Olympics of Beer, the competition was created to promote international brewing excellence and recognize outstanding beer and cider producers.

The 2026 World Beer Cup attracted 1,644 breweries representing 50 nations, with entries evaluated by an international panel of judges. The competition included more than 100 beer style categories and recognized producers for quality, consistency and brewing innovation.

For breweries, earning a World Beer Cup medal can provide meaningful recognition in an increasingly competitive craft beer market. It gives customers another reason to seek out a particular beer and provides breweries with an opportunity to demonstrate the quality of their brewing programs against international competition.

The 2027 competition should be especially interesting with the addition of new beer categories and the expanded cider program. Breweries producing emerging styles and cidermakers looking for greater international recognition now have additional opportunities to participate.

With registration underway and early bird pricing available through December 16, breweries and cideries interested in competing can find complete details and registration information at WorldBeerCup.org.

Early bird registration open through Dec. 16

BOULDER, Colo. (Nov. 5, 2026) —The Brewers Association (BA), the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American craft brewers, today announced that registration for the 2027 World Beer Cup® is open.

Registration for the 2027 competition will be open from November 5, 2026, through January 2027 (subject to availability), at worldbeercup.org. 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, 2027.

“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: Nov. 5-Dec. 16
  • Regular Pricing: Dec. 17, 2026 – Jan. 2027 (subject to availability)
• Awards Ceremony: Held during the 2027 Craft Brewers Conference® & BrewExpo America® on April 7, 2027
• 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., and Sahm. Additional information about the event, registration, deadlines, and previous year’s winners can be found on WorldBeerCup.org.

Related news from mybeerbuzz.com:
MyBeerBuzz has covered the World Beer Cup for years, including the latest international competition results and individual brewery medal winners. Read our coverage of Brewing Excellence Shines at 2026 World Beer Cup, Marking 30 Years of Global Competition, Registration Now Open for the 2026 World Beer Cup, Winners of the 2025 World Beer Cup Announced, and Craft Brewers Conference and World Beer Cup Cancelled.

We also covered individual 2026 winners, including Wander Back Lager’s World Beer Cup Gold Medal and Ska Brewing’s True Blonde Gold Medal.

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.

The World Beer Cup is an international professional beer competition established in 1996 by the Brewers Association, a not-for-profit trade organization dedicated to supporting small and independent American craft brewers. Often referred to as the Olympics of Beer, the competition was created to celebrate the art and science of brewing while recognizing outstanding beer and cider producers from around the world.

Since its introduction, the World Beer Cup has grown into one of the most respected competitions in the brewing industry. Its purpose extends beyond handing out medals, providing an international platform where breweries can demonstrate their brewing skills, receive recognition for quality and compete against producers working in the same beer styles. The competition also helps promote a better understanding of beer styles and the technical standards that distinguish them.

The World Beer Cup was established at a time when American craft brewing was expanding rapidly and breweries were beginning to explore a much wider range of styles, ingredients and production techniques. The competition provided an opportunity for American brewers to measure their work against international producers while also introducing judges and consumers to the diversity of brewing traditions found around the globe.

The Brewers Association organizes the competition and oversees its development, including the selection and refinement of award categories. Beer entries are evaluated by experienced international judges who assess each beer according to its designated style, considering characteristics such as aroma, appearance, flavor, balance and technical execution. The blind judging process is designed to keep brewery identity from influencing the evaluation, allowing the beer itself to determine the result.

The competition has expanded significantly since its early years, now featuring more than 100 beer style categories and attracting breweries from dozens of countries. Its international judging panels bring together brewing professionals and qualified experts with experience across different beer traditions and production methods. This broad representation helps maintain the competition’s standing as a global benchmark for brewing quality.

The World Beer Cup also recognizes that beer is not a static category. Brewing styles change, new ingredients become available, and producers continue experimenting with different fermentation techniques and flavor combinations. As a result, the competition periodically introduces new categories and adjusts existing classifications to reflect developments in the industry. The 2027 additions, including New Zealand-Style Pilsener, Italian-Style Grape Ale, Czech-Style Dark Lager and expanded gluten-free beer divisions, reflect that continuing evolution.

The 2027 edition will also introduce the standalone World Cider Cup, expanding the organization’s recognition of professional cider production. Developed in partnership with the American Cider Association, the new competition will include dedicated Certified Pommelier judges and additional cider categories. The introduction of Champion Cidermaker and Champion Brewery awards will provide another level of recognition for producers working across the beer and cider industries.

The World Beer Cup is held in conjunction with the Craft Brewers Conference and BrewExpo America, the Brewers Association’s major annual gathering for brewing industry professionals. The conference provides educational sessions, business resources, technical information, equipment demonstrations and networking opportunities for brewery owners, brewers, suppliers and other beverage professionals. The World Beer Cup awards ceremony gives the industry an opportunity to recognize competition winners while bringing together professionals from across the international brewing community.

The Brewers Association itself represents small and independent American brewers and supports the broader community of brewing enthusiasts. Its work includes industry research, education, government affairs, professional development and consumer outreach. The organization also publishes brewing resources through Brewers Publications and produces The New Brewer magazine, helping provide practical information and technical knowledge to people working throughout the brewing industry.

Among its other major events are the Great American Beer Festival, Craft Brewers Conference and BrewExpo America, and American Craft Beer Week. These programs help connect breweries with consumers, suppliers, distributors and industry professionals while promoting independent brewing and the continued development of American craft beer.

The Brewers Association also maintains the independent craft brewer seal, a widely adopted symbol intended to help consumers identify beer produced by qualifying small and independent American breweries. Through its research, advocacy and educational programs, the organization works to support the long-term health of independent brewing businesses.

With the World Beer Cup approaching its fourth decade, the competition remains an important international gathering for breweries and cideries looking to have their products evaluated and recognized. Its continued expansion into additional beer and cider categories reflects the changing interests of producers and consumers, while its original purpose remains the same: recognizing excellent brewing and celebrating the people who make great beer and cider.

For breweries and cideries interested in participating, the 2027 World Beer Cup registration period opens November 5, 2026, with early bird pricing available through December 16. Additional competition information, registration details and previous winners can be found at WorldBeerCup.org and BrewersAssociation.org.

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^®. 

The BA publishes The New Brewer^® magazine and Brewers Publications^® is the leading publisher of brewing literature in the U.S. Beer lovers are invited to learn more about the dynamic world of craft beer at CraftBeer.com^® . Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The Brewers Association is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital/familial status. The BA complies with provisions of Executive Order 13672 and the rules, regulations, and relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor. 

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