The Simon Fraser University Pipe Band has claimed the world title once more.
After a 17-year wait, the band triumphed in the Grade 1 category at the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow, Scotland, on Saturday.
This marks the band’s seventh championship victory.
According to Glasgow Life, the charity that organizes the event for the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, the band, under the direction of Pipe Major Alan Bevan, “delivered an exceptional performance.”
Bevan expressed that winning the championship represents a significant achievement.
Every year, some of the world’s best pipers and drummers compete in the World Pipe Band Championships. (Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
“This is the ultimate award in the world of pipe bands,” he noted.
This victory is especially notable as it is the first time since 2010 that a non-U.K. band has won the world championship, as reported by Glasgow Life.
It’s the first time since 2010 a band from outside the U.K. has won the World Pipe Band Championships. Organizers say the competition in Scotland is the biggest week of piping in the world, bringing together the best of 211 bands for a thrilling and fiercely contested event.
The competition saw participation from over 200 bands globally, featuring thousands of musicians from 14 nations, including Australia, New Zealand, Oman, and Malaysia.
Andrew Lee, a bagpiper with the Simon Fraser University Pipe Band, noted that the band had long aspired to reclaim the championship title.
“For many years, we felt we were close,” he reflected. “But achieving it finally was an amazing feeling.”
Having been with the band for 21 years, Lee mentioned that the victory required considerable effort and meticulous planning.
“We all have a passion for what we do, but winning the world championship is a remarkable honor and something we’re extremely proud of,” he stated.
The World Pipe Band Championships were held over two days at Glasgow Green this past weekend. (Ross MacDonald/SNS Group/Glasgow Life)
The preparation for the competition began in the fall, according to Bevan.
He mentioned that the band aims to be highly expressive and replicate the sound of a solo performer, which he believes distinguishes them from others.
“While everyone strives for an exciting medley, we tend to play with a very dynamic edge,” he shared.
With a “vibrant and exhilarating drum section,” the band often receives enthusiastic applause due to the energy produced by the percussion, Bevan explained.
He expressed that the players felt exceptionally well-prepared this year.
“When we took the stage, it genuinely felt like the band was at its peak performance.”
The Simon Fraser University Pipe Band celebrates winning the World Pipe Band Championships at Glasgow Green on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
The band was assessed based on their performances across the two-day event.
Lee remarked that the band comprises individuals from diverse backgrounds.
“We have teachers, lawyers, and students among us,” Lee noted. “I, myself, am a bagpipe maker.”
Bevan highlighted that British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest boast many skilled instructors and robust youth programs for aspiring musicians.
“We have a vibrant and thriving piping community here,” he stated.