The World Pipe Band Championships 2025

Getty Images A young boy playing the bagpipes dressing in a band uniform with a blue kilt. He is surrounded by people in red kilts

The Inverary and District Pipe Band have been declared World Pipe Band champions for the second year in a row.

The band, from Argyll and Bute, won the World Pipe Band Championships after two days of competition in Glasgow.

It is the fourth time they have won as they also took the title in 2019 and 2017.

Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band from Northern Ireland were runners-up and North Lanarkshire’s Shotts & Dykehead Caledonia Pipe Band came third.

SNS The Inverary and District Pipe Band celebrating in front of a big World Pipe Band Championships banner saying Champions. They are all in their band uniform and some of them have their hands in the air — The Inverary and District Pipe Band have won the title for the second year in a row

Two pipe band members in uniform hugging. The man facing the camera has his eyes closed and a big smile across his face. the other has his back to the camera. There are other band members hugging behind them and hundreds of people in the distance

A total of 15 countries were represented by 207 bands, 53 of which were from overseas destinations including Australia, Oman to Zimbabwe.

Scotland entered the biggest national contingent with 122 bands. Northern Ireland had the second largest with 25 bands, and next was the USA with 14 bands.

More than 35,000 people attended this year’s event.

Getty Images Close-up of a young person in round glasses playing the bagpipes.

Pipe band in red kilts marching across a field with marquees and banners behind them

Getty Images A young boy in a stripey all-in-one and a piper's hat playing the bagpipes while kicking his leg behind him and looking at his leg.

More than 1,500 under 18s competed in a dedicated youth competition.

The winners of that were: Juvenile – George Watson’s College; Novice Juvenile A – West Lothian Schools; Novice Juvenile B – St John’s College Harare of Zimbabwe.

Colin Mulhern, chief executive of The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, said: “This year’s ‘Worlds’ proved to be a fiercely-fought contest and our 2025 World Pipe Band Champions Inveraray & District Pipe Band deserve huge congratulations for winning the global title for a second year running.

“Every one of the bands can take great pride in their wonderful performances. They gave us a splendid competition and demonstration of their dedication to excellence, and their outstanding skills and talent.”

Getty Images A close-up of a boy who is blowing his cheeks out as he plays on bagpipes. His eyes are half closed.

Pipe band celebrating. A man in the foreground holds a trophy and has his hand across his chest

Getty Images Pipers in Highland dress march and play with umbrellas above their heads

Glasgow Life chairwoman Bailie Annette Christie, said: “Glasgow is proud to host the global pinnacle of the competitive piping calendar, and of the city’s long association with ‘the Worlds.

“The championships are hugely valued by us as they shine an international spotlight on Glasgow as a fantastic and welcoming destination for events, attract visitors here from all over the world – boosting tourism and contributing greatly to the Scottish and city’s economy.”

Rob Dickson, director of industry and events at VisitScotland, said: “The World Pipe Band Championships continue to be a spectacular celebration of Scotland’s rich cultural heritage, attracting thousands of talented musicians and enthusiastic spectators from across the globe.

“This year’s event once again showcased the incredible skill, passion, and camaraderie that define the piping community.”

Highlights from the 2025 World Pipe Band Championships will be broadcast on BBC Scotland on Thursday 21 August.