Best of the Best 2026 contest is open for slate roofing

October 15, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.

By Jesse Sanchez.

Slate roofers can submit project videos through November 30 for a chance to earn international recognition and experience a trip to Spain.

Entries are open for Best of the Best 2026, READYSLATE®’s annual competition celebrating craftsmanship and excellence in natural slate roofing. Now in its sixth annual run, the competition gives roofers from around the world an opportunity to showcase their skills on an international stage. Participants submit videos showcasing projects using natural slate, whether that means capturing an installation in progress, highlighting a completed roof, focusing on a challenging detail or sharing drone footage that demonstrates their craftsmanship.

Submission guidelines note that video entries must be between 45 seconds and two minutes long, with submissions open through November 30, 2026.

After the submission period closes, the competition moves into public voting. Entries first compete at the national level, with voting taking place December 2-4 on the Best of the Best website. National winners then advance to the international final, where an expert jury will select the overall champion. The Best of the Best 2026 winner will be announced on December 16.

U.S. participation has become an increasingly significant part of the competition, with RoofersCoffeeShop® President Heidi J. Ellsworth providing judging support. The recognition comes with more than a trophy; the overall winner will travel to Spain for a tour of the quarries in A Medua, Ourense. This year’s prize also includes a VIP experience at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium for “El Clásico,” the Real Madrid vs. FC Barcelona match.

By bringing together roofers from across the globe, Best of the Best highlights the skill behind natural slate installations and gives contractors a platform to share the work they are most proud of. After entries close, visitors can return to the competition website to vote for their favorites and follow the results through the international final.

Learn more about Best of the Best 2026 and submit your project!

Learn more about READYSLATE® in their Coffee Shop Directory or visit www.cupapizarras.com/usa/readyslate.

About the author

Jesse Sanchez

Jesse is a writer for The Coffee Shops. When he is not writing and learning about the roofing industry, he can be found powerlifting, playing saxophone or reading a good book.