It may be the ultimate Olympic games for those not so interested in sport.

New Zealand's competing in the biennial World Beer Cup, which is known as the Olympics of beer competitions.

Eleven New Zealand breweries make up the Kiwi team, who are up against more than 2000 other brewers from 63 different countries.

New Zealand Brewers Guild president Emma McCashin said our biggest hope for gold, is Epic Breweries.

"They've been the most awarded beer in New Zealand and Australia of late, so a lot of people are putting money on them to hopefully win a medal."

McCashin said New Zealand's brought three medals home in the past - awarded to Lion, Monteiths and Garage Project.

"6600 beers and 260 judges who take over three days to actually judge all the beers. They judge very much to style."

The judging begins in Philadelphia today.