U.S. and Japan breweries dominate 2025 World Beer Cup pilsner awards

In spring 2025, Indianapolis hosted the prestigious World Beer Cup, a competition organized by the Brewers Association that evaluated over 8,000 beers and ciders submitted by producers from 49 countries. This event is particularly notable for its global reach and the recognition it provides to independent craft brewers. With 300 categories, only three medals—gold, silver, and bronze—were awarded within each category, making the competition exceedingly fierce. Judges highlighted over 8,375 submissions, revealing the growing interest in the pilsner style, which is based on a crisp, clean lager filter that emphasizes a brewer's skill. Interestingly, despite the pilsner's European heritage, no breweries from Europe received medals this year, with top honors going to establishments primarily from the United States and Japan. This result indicates a shift in the brewing landscape, suggesting that American craft brewers are now leading the way in this traditional beer style. In this year's pilsner segment, the competition awarded medals in five subcategories: International-Style, Italian-Style, German-Style, Bohemian-Style, and American-Style. Gold, silver, and bronze medals were awarded to different breweries, showcasing the diverse interpretations of the pilsner style across regions. The event not only celebrates excellence in brewing but also demonstrates the evolving tastes and capabilities of craft brewers outside of the traditional European centers.