Autoflower World Cup 2026: Berlin Brings the Global Autoflower Community Together

After several successful editions in Barcelona, the Autoflower World Cup moved to Berlin for the first time in 2026. Held alongside Mary Jane Berlin from June 10 to June 13, the event brought together more than 75 entries from breeders around the world, along with growers, judges, journalists, and cannabis enthusiasts for four days of blind judging, industry talks, and networking.

A Competition That Has Grown With the Industry

When the first Autoflower World Cup was held in Barcelona, it was a relatively small competition focused exclusively on autoflower genetics. Blind judging quickly became its defining feature, giving every entry the same chance regardless of the breeder behind it.

Since then, the competition has expanded year after year. Returning breeders have been joined by new names, the number of entries has continued to grow, and the overall standard has risen as autoflower breeding has become increasingly competitive.

Moving the event to Berlin marked the next step in that growth, placing the competition alongside Europe's largest cannabis exhibition and introducing it to an even wider international audience.

Four Days of Judging and Community

The first judging sessions began on June 10, with every flower identified only by a number. Without breeder names or branding, judges focused entirely on what was in front of them.

Appearance, aroma, resin production, smoking experience, and laboratory results all contributed to the final scores. The process has remained largely unchanged since the competition began and continues to be one of the reasons the World Cup has earned the trust of both breeders and growers.

Outside the judging room, the atmosphere was equally busy. The Breeders Village became a meeting point for growers comparing cultivation techniques, breeders discussing new projects, and visitors getting a closer look at genetics that had only recently reached the market. Educational talks and panel discussions ran throughout the event, adding another layer to an already packed schedule.

The People Behind the Scores

A panel of experienced connoisseurs, breeders, journalists, and cannabis professionals spent two days evaluating every anonymous entry. Among the judges were Doctor's Choice, the breeder behind the original Lowryder genetics, cannabis educator Rob CLTV, breeder Micha Knodt, Stephanie Quatro, Cem Locos, Arnau Tango, and Timm Terpentino.

Each judge scored every sample independently, evaluating its appearance, aroma, and smoking experience before the results were combined. Because every entry was identified only by a number, the panel assessed each flower without knowing which breeder had submitted it.

The process often led to lively discussions, particularly in categories where several entries finished with very similar scores. That combination of independent judging and blind evaluation has become one of the reasons the Autoflower World Cup is respected by both breeders and growers.

Close Competition Across Every Category

With more than 75 entries competing across multiple categories, selecting the winners was no easy task.

Many of this year's entries were separated by the smallest of margins, leading to lengthy discussions before the judges reached their final decisions. The overall quality on display showed just how competitive autoflower breeding has become, with established breeders and newer names delivering flowers capable of competing at the highest level.

Recognizing the Year's Best Genetics

The competition concluded on June 13 with the official awards ceremony.

Fast Buds finished the week with six trophies, including the title of Best Auto Breeder, while Royal Queen Seeds, Mephisto Genetics, and several other breeders also secured podium finishes across different categories.

For growers following the results, the World Cup remains one of the few competitions where entries are judged anonymously, offering a rare opportunity to see which genetics impressed an international panel based solely on quality.

Looking Beyond the Podium

The trophies may be what people remember first, but they are only part of the story. Throughout the week, breeders exchanged ideas, growers shared their experiences, and visitors had the chance to meet many of the people behind today's leading autoflower genetics.

By the time the final awards were presented, the move to Berlin already felt like a natural step in the competition's evolution. The city provided a bigger stage, but the formula remained the same: anonymous judging, strong international participation, and four days dedicated to showcasing the best autoflower genetics the industry has to offer.