Canadian pipe band wins world championship for first time in 16 years

The 2026 World Pipe Band Championships concluded at Glasgow Green with a historic victory for the Simon Fraser University Pipe Band from Canada, marking the first time in 16 years that a non-UK band has claimed the title. The two-day event, held over the weekend, saw 211 bands from 14 countries compete in what organizers described as a "truly thrilling and fiercely contested competition." The competition drew participants from as far afield as Australia, New Zealand, Oman, and France, with additional representation from Malaysia, Sweden, Switzerland, and Germany. The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, which organizes the event, praised all participating bands for their dedication and skill. Colin Mulhern, the association's chief executive, expressed gratitude to all competitors, supporters, and spectators, emphasizing that every band could be immensely proud of their performances. The event is part of a larger celebration of piping in Glasgow, which includes the Piping Live! festival, together creating the biggest week of piping in the world. The victory is significant not only for the Canadian band but also for the global pipe band community, as it breaks the dominance of UK-based bands in recent years. The last non-UK winner was also a Canadian band, the 78th Fraser Highlanders, in 2010. The win highlights the growing international competitiveness of pipe bands and the global appeal of the tradition. The event also serves as a major attraction for Glasgow, bringing together the best pipers and drummers for a spectacular celebration of music and tradition, while shining an international spotlight on the city as a welcoming destination for major events.