DAYTON, Ohio — Thousands of people are in Dayton both this weekend and next for the world’s largest competition for indoor marching arts.

It’s the place to be if you want to see some of the best color guard, percussion and wind performances from across the globe.

What You Need To Know

  • More than 15,000 competitors from across the globe will showcase their talents at the WGI Championship in Dayton

  • Routines are the best of the best and take months, and sometimes more than a year, to master

  • In 2023, the event brought in more than $18M into the local economy

“The goal is that everybody gets a chance to compete right here for their finals performance,” said Winter Guard International Sport of the Arts Marketing Manager Brent Flynn as he looked at the main stage inside the University of Dayton Arena.

Years ago, Flynn performed here, but now he’s been working for WGI during the championships for three years.

The routines are unforgettable and take months to master.

“It’s an absolutely incredible event where upwards of 40,000 to 50,000 spectators come and sell out the arena each weekend. Absolutely incredible,” said Flynn.

It’s like the Olympics or Super Bowl for color guard, percussion and wind performances.

More than 15,000 competitors from across the nation and other parts of the world, including The Netherlands, Japan and Canada, will be in Dayton.

It’s estimated that last year alone, the event boasted an $18M economic boost to the local area.

“The vast majority of our performers are going to come from around different parts of the country. We have about 40 states represented, and that includes high school age competitors all the way up to world class age competitors. World class in our color guard does not have an age out, so individuals can march as long as their bodies are able to keep up with them,” Flynn said.

The competition strives to be a welcoming place for everyone and a chance for performers to be appreciated and celebrated for their skills, dedication and commitment to their craft.

“It’s so rare in life to have an audience that just absolutely cheers you on and it’s such a treasure and I think that every performer that makes their way through the tunnel and onto the floor gets to experience that and experience the magic that is Winter Guard International,” Flynn added.

For Flynn, it’s a full-circle moment.

“I’m lucky to be here and I’m lucky to be part of such an incredible organization that fosters the magic and the growth and the love within the indoor marching arts community,” he said.

The World Championships were first held in Dayton back in 1983 and have been hosted there for 37 out of the 41 years.

This Friday and Saturday is the competition for color guard and next weekend the percussion performers will take the stage.