Welcome to Ward World Championship
The World Championship is an international event where carvers, collectors, and visitors convene at the end of each April in Ocean City, MD. From highly decorative works of art to functional hunting decoys, about 1200 different wildfowl carvings representing more than 150 species from around the world can be viewed at the premiere, the most prestigious competition in the world.
55thWard World Championship
Wildfowl Carving Competition and Art Festival
Roland E. Powell Convention Center
Ocean City, MD
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE 2026 WARD WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP GUIDE
Competitors of all levels–from youth to world champions–compete against their peers for the chance to win a portion of nearly $60,000 in prize money, as well as other recognition including ribbons, medallions, plaques, and trophies. There are over 40 different divisions in which an artist can compete–decorative life-size and miniature wildfowl, floating waterfowl, interpretive, gunning decoys, contemporary antiques, and sculpture. #OCMDgoesWILDfowl
April 24-26, 2026 - FLY HIGH with Us and have a Wildfowl Weekend!
- See the World’s best wildfowl art.
- Attend seminars and classes by master carvers for artists of all skill levels.
- Enjoy the history of Decoy Art with the Collector’s Corner and the Sam Dyke Memorial “Old Bird” Antique Decoy Contest
- Shop from a wide variety of vendors for fine artwork, home decorators, art supplies, and more.
- Bring the children and artists in the family to the Art Corner to create fun make-and-take projects.
- Stroll the boardwalk of the convention center while watching artfully carved decoys floating on the bay.
- Enjoy SpringFest at the Ocean City Inlet
- Check out our NEW categories: Photography, Flat Art, Wooden Sculpture other than Wood and More!
- Welcome back to Fish, Feathers, and Fronds!
With your multi-day event pass, there’s plenty to do at the Ward World Championship, all within a convenient walk or OC bus ride from your beach hotel. Driving an electric car? Here are places you can charge your car while in Ocean City, Maryland.
We’re spreading our wings in a fresh new layout with Free Admission at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in beautiful Ocean City, MD! Soar to new heights as we take the fun upstairs to the stunning Ballroom — complete with breathtaking views of Assawoman Bay. New space, same wildfowl fun! Don’t miss it!
Admission: Free thanks to a grant from the Worcester County Arts Council
Plenty of Free Parking
Show Sponsors
Events
Registration:
Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Friday, April 24, 2026, from 7 a.m. - 9 a. m.
Show Hours:
Open to the Public Friday – Sunday
Admission during show hours is free for the public thanks to a grant from the Worcester County Arts Council.
Living Legend Award and World Division Award Presentation Mixers require a badge or VIP pass.
Friday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Living Legends Award Ceremony (Ballroom) 5:30 p.m.- 8 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Breakfast with Carvers 7:30 am $25
Winners’ Reception & World Division Presentation (Ballroom) 5 p.m.- 7 p.m. (badge/VIP holders only)
Enjoy a cash bar, hors d’oeuvres, beautiful wildfowl art, and World Division Ribbon Presentation.
Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Badge holders allowed in at 9 a.m. to take photos with their artwork
Award ceremony (Performing Arts Center) Noon
Award Checks will be available in the Performing Arts Center during and after the Award ceremony.
Alan Wycheck, the official Ward World Championship Photographer
The photographer, Alan Wycheck, took all the images used in our poster.
"Funding for this event is in part provided by the Worcester County Arts Council, Maryland State Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts, organizations dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive."
A huge thank you to our sponsors for their continued support of the Ward World Championship and the Ward Foundation!
“We want you to know that the competition and art show was quintessentially organized and ran flawlessly. When we arrived the excitement in the air as the carvers were lining up to display their artwork was electric and we knew we had been invited to participate in something extraordinary. We were correct in that from the beginning to the end this event was an ‘event’ where people came from virtually all over the world to share in the universal aspiration for artistic excellence.
We especially appreciated that you provided docents to relieve us sporadically throughout the three day event so that we might eat our lunch and take a break.
It was evident from the beginning to the end that every minute, every situation had been thought through and plans were in place to be proactive at a moment’s notice. Thank you for providing and organizing an event that certainly sets the standard for all others to strive for in the future.”
– Frank and Charlene Herzins, Bling Doctor