Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CHEESE CONTEST?
The World Championship Cheese Contest® is the world’s premier technical cheese, butter, yogurt, and dry dairy ingredient competition. 2026 will mark the 36th biennial edition, hosted by the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association.
When is the Next World Contest?
The next World Championship Cheese Contest will be held March 3-5, 2026, in Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
How does the judging work?
Entries are evaluated by a team of skilled technical judges from all over the world. Starting from a maximum possible 100 points, deductions are made for various defects found by each judge.
Defects are noted in the areas of flavor, body and texture, salt, color, finish, packaging, and other appropriate attributes. A Gold medal, Silver medal and Bronze medal are awarded to the three highest-scoring entries in each class.
How do I enter?
Enter online for the 2026 WCCC in November 2025, with our secure entry system, MyEntries!
Information on entering the 2024 WCCC is available here. The 2024 Contest Entry Kit includes all rules and contest classes. Entry information for 2026 will be available in October 2025.
Watch the Champion Livestream Announcement
Watch a replay of our live announcement of the 2024 World Champion on our website or our Facebook page.
Can I Attend?
We welcome you to visit us during preliminary round judging.
The Contest will be open for free public viewing during the first two days of judging.
Watch our expert judging teams evaluate over 3,000 dairy products!
Location: Monona Terrace Convention Center Exhibit Hall, 1 John Nolen Dr, Madison, WI 53703
Times and dates will be available in 2026.
CAN I VOLUNTEER?
Individuals who work in the cheese industry may be volunteers at the Contest.
Volunteer information will be available in December 2025.
How do I access my scoresheets?
Scoresheets are available for entrants in their secure MyEntries account as soon as judging is complete.
Entrants can login to their account and click on “View Your Results and Scoresheets”.
A list will show with all of their entries and each will show a link to “View Scoresheets”. They can then view and print each judge’s scoresheet by selecting “Scoresheet 1” or “Scoresheet 2”.
Do I send with or without retail labels?
Entrants may send products in their original packaging, with or without labels. Evaluations are objective; labels are not considered in the evaluation.
When do I ship my products?
Entries are sent to WOW Logistics Warehouse in Little Chute, Wisconsin, USA.
Shipment details and instructions will be sent to entrants once entry closes.
MyEntries users have auto-filled shipping tags with entry product information.
Find the “Print Your Shipping Tags” button.
Note: each entry should be sent in its own box with a shipping/ identification tag on the outside and another on the inside.
If I win, how do I get my award?
Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association will send out individual emails to winners with information on receiving award plaques and ribbons.
Winners are invited to attend the Champions Awards Banquet at CheeseExpo.