The World Affairs Council of Charlotte created WorldQuest in 1997 as part of its international education outreach initiatives. Today, it has become a signature education program for councils nationwide.
Teams from local businesses, community groups, non-profit organizations, and higher education institutions compete in this international knowledge competition. Participants answer questions about current events, geography, geopolitics, world history, and foreign policy.
WorldQuest and Academic WorldQuest 2026 Categories
- World Flags
- Geography of Spain
- History of the Panama Canal
- The Arctic: Geopolitics of a Melting Region
- International Film and Literature
- Current Events
- Anything and All Things Trivia
Date:
Thursday, November 12, 2026
Location:
Hilton Charlotte Uptown
Check-In:
5:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Dinner:
6:00 – 7:00 p.m. (Light pasta dinner served)
Welcome & Introductions:
7:00 – 7:15 p.m.
Competition & Awards:
7:15 – 9:00 p.m.
How do I choose a WorldQuest (community) team?
This is entirely up to you. Teams consist of up to 8 individuals. They can be individuals from your workplace, college or university, or neighborhood. So, really, anyone from your personal or professional network can play!
How do I put together an Academic WorldQuest (high school) team?
Teams consist of four high school students from the same school. They can include students at different grade levels. Each high school may send a maximum of two teams.
What is the cost of registration?
-
- Academic WorldQuest: $40 (four team members; each school may send up to two AWQ teams) Register online
- WorldQuest Team: $600 (up to 8 team members) Register online
- Non-Profit WorldQuest Team: $500 (up to 8 team members) Register online
- Individual Registration: $75 (*You will be assigned to other individuals or fill in tables that need players) Register online
How do I prepare a team for competition?
WQ and AWQ teams prepare differently. Choose the format that works best for you and your team. Keep up with the news! The study guide will also include several websites suggested for study and sample questions to familiarize you with the format.
How do you play WorldQuest?
This fast-paced game is played in seven rounds of 10 questions. Teams are given 20-30 seconds to answer most questions, and some may require additional time. Each team collaborates to answer the questions and submits their answer sheet at the end of each round.
How many teams play?
In 2026, approximately 40 teams from Charlotte-area businesses, community groups, non-profits, and education institutions competed in the competition.
How do I find out more?
Email Charlotte Klopp at cklopp@worldaffairscharlotte.org or call 704-687-7759.