The 2025-26 contest
how to participate
Step 1: Assemble Your Team
Grab two friends — or more — and form a team of at least three students, preferably from the same high school or after-school program. Homeschool students in the same geographic area are welcome too! All team members must be full-time high school students (U.S. grades 9–12 or international equivalent).
​
Step 2: Register
Fill out the registration form and become an official part of the IPPF! Your $25 team entry fee secures your spot and unlocks IPPF Global Membership — giving you access to resources, updates, and recognition throughout the season. (Note: Registration is free for those teams that sign up by August 15th!)
Step 3: Choose Your Side and Start Researching
During the 2025-26 contest, teams will debate the topic, "Resolved: The Group of 20 Nations should levy a global education tax equal to 1% of each member country's gross domestic product to establish a dedicated international organization that supports the provision of universal, free, quality primary and secondary education." Before you start writing, your team will need to decide whether to affirm or negate the resolution. Use the IPPF Topic Primer (released later this summer) as a springboard, and dig into your own research to build a strong case.
​
Step 4: Write Your Essay
Craft a powerful, evidence-based essay (max 3,000 words, MLA style, with a cover page and works cited). This is your team’s qualifying round submission — your chance to show the judges what you’ve got.
​
Submit your essay by noon (CDT) on October 15, 2025. Want to view sample essays from prior years? Click here!
Step 5: The Tournament Begins
On October 31, the Top 64 teams are announced. These teams advance to the main tournament: a written, single-elimination debate tournament conducted via email. One team affirms, the other negates, and they trade essays round after round.
​
In December, judges blindly review the essay exchanges and select which teams move forward. The process continues until we crown the Elite Eight teams.
Step 6: Earn a Trip to New York City
In March, the final eight teams are announced. These Elite Eight teams win an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City to compete in the IPPF Finals on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the NYU School of Law.
​
There, teams face off in live oral debates judged by leading voices in law, business, public policy, debate, and academia.
Step 7: Win Big
The IPPF World Champion earns the coveted Brewer Cup and a $10,000 grand prize!
​
why should you participate in the ippf?
The IPPF isn’t just a debate competition — it’s a global stage for students of all backgrounds to develop skills that last a lifetime. Whether you're a seasoned debater, a strong writer, or simply someone with big ideas and a passion for public policy, the IPPF is your chance to be heard.
​
It’s Unique.
This isn’t your average tournament.
The IPPF is the only international competition that combines the power of persuasive essay writing with the art of oral debate. Students learn how to craft arguments, back them with evidence, and communicate clearly — skills that are critical for success in college and beyond.
It’s Affordable.
Competing on the global stage shouldn’t come at a high cost.
Teams pay a $25 entry fee, which includes IPPF Global Membership and full access to the competition. No hidden costs, no barriers — just a chance to grow, compete, and connect with students around the world.
It’s Fair.
Every team gets a level playing field.
All essays are judged blindly, without school names or affiliations, to ensure fairness and eliminate bias. No matter where you're from or what school you attend — public, private, or homeschool — you have an equal shot at advancing.
It’s Rewarding.
The IPPF is more than a competition — it’s an experience.
​
-
Each student who enters an essay receives a certificate of participation.
-
The Top 64 teams earn IPPF medals.
-
The Final 8 teams win an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City, where they’ll debate in front of a panel of experts from law, business, journalism, and academia.
-
The IPPF World Champion receives a $10,000 grand prize and the Brewer Cup.
You don’t have to be a debater. You just need a voice — and the courage to use it.
Join the IPPF and take your seat in the global conversation.
Register now and submit your qualifying essay by October 15, 2025.
