Oxford, Ohio (January 15, 2026) — Registration for the 2026 U.S. Open Beer Championship is now open. Brewers can register entries through May 22, 2026. Shipments must arrive in Oxford, Ohio between May 26 and June 5, 2026. Medal winners and the Grand National Champion will be announced July 15, 2026.
In 2025, breweries from California to Maine submitted more than 8,000 beers across 150+ styles. The 2025 Grand National Champion was Bull & Bush Brewery from Glendale, CO.
Judging and Event Center
The U.S. Open utilizes blind judging for all categories. Each entry will receive a scorecard and rounds advanced info post competition. It is the only beer judging competition with its own event center—a 6,000-square-foot Amish barn with two walk-in beer coolers, dedicated judging, and serving areas. Entries are checked in and refrigerated within 24 hours of arrival.
Call for Entries
- 150+ categories will be judged in 2026.
- Each brewery may enter up to 15 beers and up to 10 non-alcoholic beers.
- Entry fee: $85 per entry.
- Breweries submitting five or more beers will be considered for the Grand National Champion award.
- Entry Deadline: May 22, 2026
- Arrival window: May 26–June 5, 2026
Awards & Recognition
- Traditional U.S. Open beer stein medals for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.
- Brewery of the Year awards (by size) with iconic trophies.
- Overall winner crowned Grand National Champion with an in-person trophy presentation by the Directors.
U.S. Open Hard Seltzer Championship
The Hard Seltzer Championship runs alongside the Beer Championship with the same registration and shipping dates. Fees are $85 per entry; producers may submit up to 15 entries. With growing interest in THC seltzers, additional THC categories will be introduced this year. Details and registration: HERE.
AHA National Homebrew Winners
The U.S. Open is the only brewery competition that includes licensed breweries and the American Homebrewers Association (AHA) National Homebrew Competition Gold Medal Winners. Since 2009, the U.S. Open has partnered with the AHA to invite National Homebrew Competition Gold Medal Winners to compete. Homebrewers frequently medal each year.
Charity Category: Pink Boots Blend
The U.S. Open has partnered with the Pink Boots Society since 2022 to support education and advancement for women in the fermented/alcoholic beverage industry. Beers brewed with the Yakima Chief Hops Pink Boots Blend are eligible for the Pink Boots Blend category. All proceeds from this category will be matched and donated.
Cheers, and best of luck,
Dow and Spencer