The wait is over for nightlife enthusiasts as the International Nightlife Association has officially opened nominations for the 2026 list. This prestigious global club ranking serves as a benchmark for excellence, recognizing the very best venues across the world for their programming, safety, and service.
The period kicked off on February 1st and will run until March 31st, giving fans exactly two months to propose their favorite spots. To make it onto the preliminary list, a venue needs to secure at least 50 valid nominations from the public, setting the stage for a highly competitive year.
How to nominate your favorites
Submitting a nomination is a straightforward process designed to encourage widespread participation from club-goers everywhere. You can cast your vote through the official Nightlife International website by simply entering the name and location of the venue you wish to support.
Clubs are also encouraged to rally their fanbases on social media using specific hashtags to gain traction. While most venues need the minimum 50 nominations to proceed, those holding specific distinctions like the Triple Excellence award automatically advance to the next stage, bypassing this initial hurdle.
Understanding the voting process
Once the nomination window closes, the real excitement begins with a split voting system to determine the final results. The public voting phase is scheduled to run from April 15th through October 31st, allowing nightlife lovers to have a direct say in who takes the crown.
This popular vote accounts for exactly half of the final score, ensuring that fan sentiment plays a crucial role. The remaining 50% is decided by a professional jury between October and November, balancing public popularity with technical industry scrutiny.
Criteria for industry excellence
The professional jury evaluates candidates based on a rigorous set of standards that go far beyond just music and atmosphere. Key factors include the 2026 artistic programming, advanced security measures for guests, acoustic quality, and the overall commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Venues must also demonstrate excellence in service quality, online presence, and VIP capabilities to score high points in this global club ranking. An information request form is sent to nominated clubs, allowing them to provide detailed evidence of their compliance with these high standards.
Warsaw on the world stage
Poland has seen a growing presence in the international nightlife scene, with several capital venues often vying for a spot on this distinguished list. The rigorous criteria favor clubs that invest heavily in safety, soundproofing, and exceptional guest experiences.
Venues that hold the Triple Excellence distinction, such as level 27 in Warsaw, are prime examples of the quality required to compete at this level. Their consistent adherence to international standards highlights why our local scene deserves attention in such a competitive global club ranking.
The grand finale in November
The culmination of this year-long process will take place in November at the 11th Golden Moon Awards Gala. This event will coincide with the International Nightlife Congress, where the number one venue will be officially crowned before an audience of industry leaders.
Beyond the main award, the gala will also present accolades in thirteen other categories, including best festival and best sustainable venue. It promises to be a night celebrating the innovation and resilience of the nightlife sector, cementing the status of the winners in the global club ranking.
