Thousands of the globe’s best pipers and drummers descended on Glasgow Green today for the World Pipe Band Championships.

Simon Fraser University have been crowned World Champions following a spectacular finale to the 2026 World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow this evening (Saturday 15 August).

It is the first time in 17 years that the Canadian band has won the coveted title of World Pipe Band Champions, having last lifted the title in 2009.

The momentous win also marks the first time since 2010 that a band from outside the UK has won the World Championship.

Simon Fraser University delivered a top-class performance win, with Field Marshal Montgomery runners-up ahead of Peoples Ford Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia who finished in third place.

The Simon Fraser University Pipe Band from Canada celebrate winning the World Pipe Band Championships (Image: Colin Mearns)

The Simon Fraser University Pipe Band from Canada celebrate winning the World Pipe Band Championships (Image: Colin Mearns)

The ‘Worlds’ – renowned as the pinnacle of the global piping calendar – bring together the best pipers and drummers on the planet to compete in one of the world’s most prestigious music competitions.

The event is delivered by Glasgow Life, the charity that leads on culture, events and active living in Glasgow, on behalf of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association with support from VisitScotland.

A huge 211 bands from 14 nations around the world competed at this year’s World Pipe Band Championships.

Thousands of talented performers travelled to Glasgow Green representing 14 countries, entertaining 35,000 spectators and supporters across two memorable days filled with music, tradition and spectacle.

Scottish bands led the way, with 125 representing communities from across the country and delivering standout performances that wowed crowds on Friday and Saturday.

Northern Ireland had the second-largest contingent, with 26 bands, followed by the USA with 19 – up from 14 last year.

(Image: Colin Mearns)

Simon Fraser University pipe band from Canada march into the main arena. (Image: Colin Mearns)

Many musicians travelled thousands of miles to be part of an extraordinary two days, representing bands from Australia, New Zealand, Oman, Canada and France. Malaysia, Sweden, Switzerland and Germany were also represented, with one band from each country taking to the field on the global stage.

Together, Piping Live! and the World Pipe Band Championships create the biggest week of piping in the world, attracting bands from across the globe to Glasgow. This year, 23 bands competed at the Championships for the first time.

Following its successful introduction in 2025, the dedicated juvenile competition returned for a second year on Friday 14 August. More than 1,500 under-18s competed in this hugely popular highlight of the ‘Worlds’, celebrating the next generation of piping and drumming talent.

The grade winners were Juvenile – George Watson’s College who also won the title in 2025; Novice Juvenile A – North Lanarkshire Schools; Novice Juvenile B – St Thomas Episcopal School from the USA.

Today’s contest, which focused on the senior bands, saw band members compete across the Grade 1, Grade 2, Grades 3A and 3B, and Grades 4A and 4B categories.

Sri Dasmesh pipe band from Malaysia. (Image: Colin Mearns)

Sri Dasmesh pipe band from Malaysia. (Image: Colin Mearns)

Colin Mulhern, Chief Executive of The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, said: “We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all the competing bands, supporters and spectators who joined us throughout our 2026 World Pipe Band Championships.

“This year’s World Championships provided a truly thrilling and fiercely contested competition. Huge congratulations go to the 2026 World Pipe Band Champions, Simon Fraser University, on securing the Grade 1 global title.

“Every band that took part can be immensely proud of their performances. They delivered a fantastic competition and demonstrated the dedication, commitment, skill and talent that continue to make the world of pipe band competition so special.”

Glasgow Life Chair Bailie Annette Christie said: “Glasgow is proud to host the premier contest on the global piping calendar and to continue our long and celebrated association with the World Pipe Band Championships.

“The Worlds are such an important event for the city. Together with Piping Live! they create the biggest week of piping in the world, bringing the very best pipers and drummers together for a spectacular celebration of music and tradition, while shining an international spotlight on Glasgow as a welcoming destination for major events. The championships attract thousands of competitors, spectators and visitors to the city, providing a significant boost to tourism and making an important contribution to both the city and Scotland’s economy.

“Our thanks go to every band and competitor who took part this year and helped make the 2026 World Pipe Band Championships such a memorable occasion. Congratulations to Simon Fraser University on becoming World Champions.”

Hawthorn pipe band from Melbourne, Australia (Image: Colin Mearns)

St Laurence O’Toole pipe band from Dublin (Image: Colin Mearns)

The Royal Burgh of Annan Pipe Band march into an arena (Image: Colin Mearns)

Rebecca Edser, Head of Events at VisitScotland, said: “The World Pipe Band Championships remain one of the highlights of Scotland’s events calendar, bringing together thousands of talented musicians and spectators from around the world in a celebration of our rich musical heritage and vibrant culture.

“Over the past two days, Glasgow has once again provided a spectacular stage for the very best in pipe band performance, showcasing the skill, dedication and passion that define this global community. Events of this scale play an important role in supporting Scotland’s visitor economy, attracting visitors from near and far while generating benefits for local businesses and communities.

“Congratulations to all the bands who took part, and especially to Simon Fraser University on being crowned the 2026 World Pipe Band Champions.”