DCI West Scores as Early-Season Race Tightens

The 2026 Drum Corps International (DCI) season is already giving fans plenty to talk about, and DCI West at Stanford Stadium added another big early season chapter.

The Blue Devils closed out the World Class portion of the night at DCI West, performing after the Santa Clara Vanguard and Bluecoats in one of the most anticipated early head-to-head matchups of the summer.

The road to Indianapolis is already getting interesting.

DCI West gave fans one of the first major looks at how tight the 2026 championship race may be, with Blue Devils, Bluecoats, and Santa Clara Vanguard all sharing the same field at Stanford Stadium.

Bluecoats were amazing. Santa Clara Vanguard looked strong and confident. Blue Devils once again showed why they are always part of the championship conversation. All three corps feel like legitimate medal contenders, and at this point in the season, it already looks like the race at the top could be extremely tight.

What makes this season even more exciting is that the championship picture is bigger than just the DCI West lineup. Boston Crusaders and Carolina Crown are also expected to be major players as the season builds. Both are scheduled to appear at Drums Across the Smokies on July 7, giving fans another early look at two corps that could absolutely factor into the top-three conversation by August. Drums Across the Smokies schedule

It is still early, and every corps will continue adding, cleaning, adjusting, and sharpening their productions over the next several weeks. But DCI West made one thing clear: the top of World Class is not going to be easy to predict.

Bluecoats, Santa Clara Vanguard, Blue Devils, Boston Crusaders, and Carolina Crown all have the talent, design, and momentum to make this one of the most competitive championship races we have seen in recent years.

DCI West has long been one of the first major measuring stick moments of the season, and this year’s matchup gave fans a strong look at where Blue Devils, Bluecoats, and Santa Clara Vanguard may fit into the race toward Indianapolis in August.

Tonight’s scores are as follows:

Open Class

Blue Devils B - 67.70
Gold - 64.55
Impulse. - 62.10
Blue Devils C - 61.20
Golden Empire - 60.75

World Class

Bluecoats. - 83.950
Blue Devils. - 82.05
Santa Clara Vanguard - 81.15
The Academy - 69.25
Seattle Cascades - 64.20