Autoflower World Cup 2026 Moves to Berlin During Mary Jane Week

Over the past five editions, the Autoflower World Cup has quietly grown into one of the most dedicated platforms in Europe focused entirely on autoflower cannabis genetics. What began as a specialized gathering for breeders and growers in Barcelona gradually developed into an international meeting point for those interested in the evolution of autoflower cultivation.

The idea behind the Cup was straightforward from the beginning: create a competition entirely devoted to autoflowers. While many cannabis competitions treat autoflower varieties as a secondary category, the Autoflower World Cup was designed around them from the start. Breeding innovation, cultivation techniques, and the culture surrounding autoflower genetics have always been the central focus.

During its first five editions in Barcelona, the Cup built its reputation through a combination that rarely exists in cannabis competitions: established breeders sharing the stage with independent growers.

Over the years, the event has crowned genetics coming from respected seed banks such as Fast Buds, Mephisto Genetics, Dutch Passion, Royal Queen Seeds, Sherbinskis, Zamnesia, and Ethos, while also welcoming entries from passionate home growers such as FuegoBud, Dagga DNA, Weedydi Bobbidi Boo and many others, willing to put their work in front of a panel of experienced judges. 

This openness has always been a defining element of the event. The Cup has never been limited to large breeding companies. Many independent growers have stepped forward during the Barcelona editions, submitting their selections and demonstrating that dedication and experimentation can compete alongside established genetics.

With five editions behind it, the competition now enters a new phase. If you are new to the Cup or simply want to refresh your memory with the past wins or genetics please head to our website and see full details in the "Winners" section.

The sixth edition of the Autoflower World Cup moves to Berlin, during the week of Mary Jane Berlin, one of the most important cannabis gatherings in Europe. The move places the event in what many consider the current epicenter of the European cannabis scene.

Judging for the 2026 edition will take place between June 10 and June 12, when the international panel of judges will evaluate the submitted samples across the official categories.

A day later, on June 13th as of 18.30, the community will gather for the Autoflower World Cup Awards Night.

This year’s ceremony introduces a setting unlike any previous edition of the event. Instead of a traditional venue, the awards will take place on the Orca Ten Broke boat sailing along the Spree River in Berlin, creating an indoor–outdoor environment where participants and guests will celebrate while cruising through the city.

The choice of venue reflects the independent and unconventional character that has always surrounded the Cup. From its earliest editions, the event has followed its own path within the cannabis world, focusing on community, experimentation, and the continued development of autoflower genetics.

Throughout the history of the competition, the judging panels have included respected figures from across the cannabis community. Among the most important contributors is Doctor Choice, widely known as the creator of the legendary Lowryder genetics. Doctor Choice has been part of every previous edition of the Cup and will once again participate in the 2026 judging panel.

His presence carries particular significance for the event. The development of autoflower genetics can be traced back to the work of The Joint Doctor, and his continued involvement in the Cup connects the competition directly to the origins of modern autoflower breeding.

Over the years, the event has also welcomed other respected personalities from the cannabis world, including Vince and Weed, The Dank Dutchess, Nikka T, Jhaki La Kalada, Zoe Audiokush, and many others who have contributed their experience and perspectives to the judging process.

The 2026 edition introduces a new combination of returning and first-time judges. The 2026 list includes:

Max Buechse, who will act as the official host of the event

Micha Knodt

Timm Terpentino

Mavi Ferreira

Representing OCB, one of the event’s supporting partners, the judging lineup will also include a group of ambassadors connected to the rolling paper brand across Europe and beyond:

Arnau Tango (Spain), who will also act as co-host of the event and was our host in the past 5 Barcelonian years, Stephanie Quattro (Netherlands), in her second year as a Judge in the Cup, Jam Locos (Germany)

Together, this group reflects the international nature of the autoflower community, bringing perspectives from across Europe and beyond.

For this year’s competition, entries will be evaluated across five categories: Best Sativa Dominant Autoflower Strain, Best Indica Dominant Autoflower Strain, Best CBD Autoflower Strain, Best New Autoflower Strain 2026, and Best Autoflower Breeder 2026.

While most categories are decided through the judging process, the Best Seed Bank award is determined through community voting. This category reflects the relationship between breeders and the growers who support their work. Genetics remain important, but the strength of a breeder’s connection with their community, both online and offline, plays a decisive role.

Interest in the Berlin edition has already exceeded expectations. Tickets for the Autoflower World Cup Awards Night on June 13th sold out in less than 24 hours, a response that surprised even the organizers.

The team behind the Cup expressed their appreciation to the international community for the continued support and enthusiasm surrounding the event.

Because the capacity of the boat venue is limited, attendance must remain restricted. However, there are still opportunities for those hoping to participate in the celebration.

A waitlist is currently active on Eventbrite, and additional tickets may be released depending on availability. Participants who submit entries to the competition will automatically receive one event pass, ensuring that competitors remain part of the celebration.

For those hoping to attend, the organizers recommend joining the Autoflower World Cup Discord and subscribing to our newsletter, where announcements about sneak previews, giveaways, and limited ticket releases will appear first.

As the event prepares to enter its sixth edition, the Autoflower World Cup continues to grow alongside the genetics it celebrates. What began as a focused competition in Barcelona has gradually become an international meeting point for breeders, growers, and enthusiasts who believe that autoflower cultivation represents an important direction for the future of cannabis.

To everyone preparing entries for the competition: bring the best expression of your work.

And to everyone planning to join the celebration on the Spree, whether old friends or new faces, the Cup looks forward to welcoming the community once again.

See you in Berlin on June 13th!