Here is a list of the top contests of 2012, measured in terms of 'strength of field' (using the BrassStats rankings system). All contests are categorised in accordance with the quality (and to an extent, quantity) of the bands taking part, with each contest allocated a category from 1 (weakest) to 20 (strongest).

The top contests in 2012, with contest 'rating' category in brackets, were as follows:

1. British Open (20), won by Foden's

2. National Championship (20), won by Foden's

3. Brass in Concert (18), won by Cory

4. European Championship (18), won by Black Dyke

5. Grand Shield (16), won by Hepworth

6. All England International Masters (15), won by Tredegar

7. English National (15), won by Black Dyke

8. Yorkshire Area (15), won by Black Dyke

9. Butlins Mineworkers (14), won by Flowers

10. North West Area (13), won by Leyland

11. Welsh Area (13), won by Cory

12. Scottish Open (12), won by Co-operative Funeralcare

13. IBBC (11), won by Manger Musikklag

14. Yeovil Entertainment (10), won by Flowers

15. Midlands Area (10), won by Desford Colliery
16. Norwegian National (10), won by Eikanger-Bjørsvik Musikklag
17. Swiss National (10), won by Brass Band Fribourg A
18. Belgian National (10), won by Brass Band Buizingen
19. SIDDIS Brass (10), won by Stavanger Brass Band
20. Swiss Open (10), won by Brass Band Treize Etoiles

A total of 61 contests in 2012 were classed as 'ranking' events.

2009 'top 10' is available here

2010 'top 10' is available here
2011 'top 10' is available here