The European Knockout Bagpipe Competition is an innovative and thrilling event designed to showcase the best talent from across the continent.
Modelled after the Eurovision Song Contest, this competition aims to celebrate the bagpipe traditions of different European countries while fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie within the piping community.
The goal is to reach a wider community than the typical piping audience. Next year each participating country will organise a local knockout competition to select a national finalist to represent their country at the final on 22nd March, 2026, in Germany. The winner will be declared European Knock Out Bagpipe Champion.
By Eric Stein
Each country has the flexibility to determine the format of their own national competition, whether through multiple knockout rounds or a single event, depending on the size and interest of the local piping community.
The judging system will be akin to that of the Eurovision Song Contest. Each country will nominate a judge, who will either attend the final event in person or provide scores via live stream. The combined scores from all judges will determine the winner, ensuring a fair and transparent judging process.
The champion piper’s country will have the honour of hosting the following year’s final. This will ensure that the competition travels across Europe, giving different countries the opportunity to host it, further enhancing cultural exchange.
We are looking for dedicated individuals and organisations to organise their national knockout event. Whether you represent a bagpipe association, a cultural organisation, or simply have a passion for piping, your involvement is crucial to our success.
By sponsoring the European Knockout Bagpipe Competition, your organisation will gain significant visibility and goodwill within the European music and cultural community. Sponsorship funds will primarily be used to cover the travel expenses of the finalists, ensuring broad participation and a high level of competition.
Sponsors will receive prominent placement of their brand’s logo on all promotional materials, event websites, and live streams. They will gain direct engagement with a passionate and dedicated community across Europe, and be associated with an event that promotes cultural exchange and talent development.
We invite you to be a part of this exciting journey. For more information on how to become a sponsor or a national organiser, please contact me on 1-631-241-5757 WhatsApp, ericmstein53@gmail.com
Together, let’s make the European Knockout a landmark event in the world of piping.
