All you need to know about the American Autoflower Cup 2026

We continue our legacy as the premier U.S. event celebrating autoflowering cannabis genetics.

Since its founding, the Cup has become a key platform for showcasing the evolution of autoflowers - where breeders, growers, extractors, and enthusiasts come together to recognize excellence and innovation in this fast-advancing segment of the cannabis industry.

Curated by Jeremy Norrie, award-winning cannabis filmmaker, producer, and one of the first voices to champion autoflowers in the U.S., the event has helped reshape perceptions about what these plants can do.

Norrie says. “This is where we measure that growth - in aroma, potency, creativity, and passion. Every year, we see genetics reach new heights.”

New for 2026: One Entry, Every Chance to Win

The American Autoflower Cup 2026 introduces an expanded competition structure, designed to highlight every aspect of autoflower excellence - from flower to extract, from grow room to community.

This year, one flower entry automatically competes across all major evaluation criteria:

Best Terps: celebrating the loudest, most expressive aroma and terpene complexity.

Best Looking: - honoring visual craftsmanship: structure, color, and bag appeal.

Best Smoke: - recognizing smoothness, flavor, and overall smoking experience.

Best Overall: - the full package - where potency, appearance, and experience meet.

Best Auto Hash:
Introduced in 2025, this category celebrates extraction excellence - proving that autos can produce world-class resin and rosin. Last year’s entries set a new creative benchmark, from bubble hash to solventless experiments that rivaled any photoperiod extract.

Best Autoflower Breeder (Community Vote)
The only category decided entirely by the public - now open for online voting here . Previous winners include Fast Buds and Mephisto Genetics, both recognized by the global autoflower community for consistency, innovation, and influence.

Highest THC (Lab-Tested)
A data-driven category where numbers tell the story. In 2025, Atlas Seeds broke the Cup record with Mendo Breath Auto, testing at 30.33% THC - a historic milestone that redefined what autos can achieve.

2025 in Review: Setting New Standards

The 2025 edition of the Cup saw almost 80 entries and record-setting results.

Atlas Seeds made headlines with their THC record-breaker, while Twenty20 Mendocino captured hearts with Love Bomb Auto - winner of Best New Strain 2025 - and solidified their reputation for blending California tradition with autoflower innovation.

Meanwhile, Fast Buds and Mephisto Genetics, each previously crowned Best Autoflower Breeder, continued to dominate the conversation, reinforcing their leadership in autoflower breeding and cultivation.

As Jeremy Norrie puts it, “Every year, autos get faster, stronger, more stable - and more respected."

Meet the announced Judges: Experience Meets Legacy

The 2026 judging panel brings together some of the most trusted names in global cannabis culture:

Danny Danko (Dan Vinkovetsky) - Legendary cannabis journalist and cultivation expert. Former High Times Senior Cultivation Editor, Danko created the High Times Seed Bank Hall of Fame and curated the Top 10 Strains of the Year for over a decade. Today, he hosts the Grow Bud Yourself! podcast and serves as Cultivation Section Coordinator for CHAMPS Trade Shows, bringing unmatched authority and experience to the panel.

Kyle Kushman - Award-winning grower, educator, and pioneering advocate for organic and sustainable cultivation. Known for his passion for plant science and his dedication to teaching, Kushman has influenced generations of growers worldwide.

Jenn Doe - Returning Cup judge, grower, and extractor who helped evaluate the groundbreaking hash and flower categories in 2025. Known for her sharp palate and technical expertise, Jenn continues to represent the growing diversity and innovation in modern cannabis judging.

Additional judges will be revealed soon through the Cup’s official channels and on our Discord channel.

A Familiar Voice Returns — Host Adam Ill

For the fourth year in a row, the unmistakable voice of Adam Ill returns to host the Awards Ceremony. A beloved personality in the cannabis scene, Adam brings humor, authenticity, and connection to the stage - keeping the energy high and the vibe pure celebration.

More Than a Competition — A Community Milestone

The American Autoflower Cup has evolved from a pioneering experiment into one of the cannabis industry’s most anticipated annual events. With a growing international audience, the Cup now serves as both competition and cultural summit - where the breeders defining tomorrow’s cannabis meet the community that supports them.

Competition registration for the 2026 edition is now open on here, and tickets for attendees will be available later this month.

Join the Movement

Autoflowers aren’t just here to compete — they’re here to lead.
Join us on January 31, 2026, at Be True Los Angeles and be part of the growing legacy of the American Autoflower Cup, where passion, science, and culture converge.

Event: American Autoflower Cup 2026
Date: January 31, 2026
Location: Be True Los Angeles - Sunset Boulevard
Website: americanautoflowercup.com