The World Pipe Band Championships have been staged since 1947, although the Grade 1 Pipe Band Competition winners at the annual Cowal Highland Gathering were recognised as World Champions as far back as 1906.

Depending on the size of the grade - or in the case of Grade One, where a band has not secured automatic qualification - bands are required to perform in a qualifying round which takes place in the morning.

The top bands at the end of the qualifying round will play in a second event in the afternoon to determine the winner.

From 2019, the Grade 1 contest was adjusted so that the performances of bands on the Friday would now count.

In 2024, the title is currently held by the Inveraray & District Pipe Band from Scotland.

[citation needed] Prizes at the Worlds are awarded in the following nine categories:[4] In the Novice Juvenile and Juvenile categories, band members must be under the age of eighteen, with the exception of one "adult" player, often instructors, who may serve as the Pipe Major or Pipe Sergeant.

By doing this, bands are grouped based on prior-years' performances, and can receive promotions within their respective grade.