Hop lovers will be able to choose their winners for each round on-line. They will log onto the web and read a brief description of your beer as well as view an image (be sure to fill out the description on the entry form, as well as send an image or logo via email). Prizes will be awarded for readers with the most correct NIPAC brackets. The top prize will be a free case of the championship beers. Results of each round are usually be posted on-line within twenty-four hours of each round (if possible).

Participating beers, submitted by brewers from across the nation (and even Canada), are randomly entered in a 1:1 single elimination bracket. Winners of the first round will advance to the next. The complete tournament brackets are posted on-line. The judgings will be held in several locations.The judges will be brewers and qualified hop lovers.