California Dominates the 2026 World Beer Cup

California beer lovers officially have bragging rights again.

The 2026 World Beer Cup — often called the “Olympics of Beer” — brought together more than 8,000 entries from breweries across 50 countries, and California breweries absolutely crushed it.

Announced in Philadelphia earlier this month, the competition featured 1,644 breweries competing across 113 beer style categories and five cider categories. Out of that massive international field, California breweries and cideries brought home an incredible 68 awards.

And honestly? If you’ve spent any time exploring California’s craft beer scene lately, this probably doesn’t surprise you.

Craft beer isn’t what it used to be — and that’s a good thing. California breweries continue pushing boundaries with hazy IPAs, barrel-aged stouts, crisp lagers, experimental saisons, coffee beers, ciders, and everything in between. The creativity happening in brewing right now is wild in the best possible way.

Some of the biggest wins came in the most competitive beer categories of the entire event.

ISM Brewing in Long Beach took Gold in the Classic India Pale Ale category for “Immutable Dawn,” while North Park Beer Co. earned Silver with “Hop-Fu!” and Shred Beer Co. grabbed Bronze with “Shred IPA.”

California breweries also landed major wins in West Coast IPA, Hazy IPA, German-Style Pilsner, Coffee Beer, Imperial Stout, Pale Ale, and Lager categories throughout the competition.

A few standout winners included:

• Firestone Walker Brewing
• Green Cheek Beer Co.
• Russian River Brewing Co.
• Stone Brewing
• Karl Strauss Brewing Co.
• Pizza Port
• Urban Roots Brewing
• Riip Beer Co.
• North Park Beer Co.
• Gowan’s Heirloom Cider

According to the California Craft Brewers Association, California once again brought home more wins than any other state in the competition.

And honestly… we love to see it.

California’s beer scene has evolved into something incredibly diverse and creative. Whether you’re into old-school West Coast IPAs, funky barrel-aged beers, crisp pilsners, fruit-forward sours, or bold coffee stouts, there’s a brewery here making something worth talking about.

For beer fans, this year’s World Beer Cup results are basically a giant reminder that California remains one of the best places on the planet to grab a pint.

For more information and the complete list of winners, visit the California Craft Brewers Association.

Disclaimer: This article is based on information provided through a media release from the California Craft Brewers Association / CaliforniaCraftBeer.com. I’m sharing it here for fellow craft beer lovers and industry fans who want the highlights without digging through press emails like I do. 🍻