WCMA Opens Entries for 2026 World Championship Cheese Contest

MADISON, WI – Enter today to compete for the dairy processing industry’s most prestigious title – World Champion Cheese! Beginning November 4, cheese, butter, cultured products, and dry dairy ingredients can be entered in the 2026 World Championship Cheese Contest at WorldChampionCheese.org. 

Hosted by the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association (WCMA) since 1957, this 36^th biennial competition is the largest technical dairy products evaluation in the world. In 2024, judges evaluated 3,302 entries, with Hornbacher, made by Michael Spycher of Mountain Dairy Fritzenhaus in Bern, Switzerland for Gourmino AG, earning an incredible 98.98 points out of 100 to win the top spot. 

“The World Championship Cheese Contest stands out for its technical rigor, transparent scoring and results, and reputation for excellence. It’s a unique opportunity for dairy manufacturers and processors to get technical product feedback from skilled experts, plus a chance to earn the cheese world’s highest honor,” said John Umhoefer, WCMA Executive Director.   

In 2026, the World Championship Cheese Contest will include 150 classes of dairy products. Entries will be evaluated by an elite team of more than 50 international judges. Starting from a maximum possible 100 points, judges deduct for any defect found related to flavor, body and texture, salt, color, finish, and packaging. A gold, silver, and bronze medal will be awarded to the three highest-scoring entries in each class. Gold medal cheeses move to a Championship Round for a shot at the World Champion Cheese title. 

For a limited time, entrants can take advantage of special early-bird entry rates of just $80 per entry, available now through December 12. After that date, all entries will cost $95 each. Submissions can be entered online using the secure MyEntries© system on WorldChampionCheese.org. All entries must be submitted by January 30, 2026. Judging will occur March 3-5, 2026, at the Monona Terrace Convention Center in Madison, Wisconsin. 

Questions about the 2026 World Championship Cheese Contest may be directed to WCMA Contest Director Kirsten Strohmenger at kstrohmenger@wischeesemakers.org.