The Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps won their first ever World Championship title this weekend (August 9) at the Drum Corps International (DCI) World Championship in Indianapolis, IN. The Boston Crusaders finished in first place with a score of 98.4, while last year’s champion, Bluecoats Drum & Bugle Corps, placed second with a score of 98.2, followed by Santa Clara Vanguard with 96.7.

The Boston Crusaders were also awarded the Fred Sanford Award for Best Percussion Performance, the Jim Ott Award for Best Brass Performance, and the George Zingali Award for Best Color Guard. The Bluecoats took home the Don Angelica Award for Best General Effect and the John Brazale Award for Best Visual Performance.

Founded in 1940, the Boston Crusaders celebrated their 85th anniversary this year, with a winning show aptly titled, “BOOM”.

After their win Chris Holland, executive director of the Boston Crusaders, said, “Winning this World Championship is surreal…For the performers who made this happen, this is all about them. We’re a proud organization with 85 years of history, but that 85 years is about creating an experience for them. What they did this summer, what they did in Indianapolis, is pretty incredible.”

The top seven was rounded out by Blue Devils who came in fourth place with a score of 95.7, followed by Carolina Crown in fifth with 94.8, Phantom Regiment in sixth with 94.3, and Mandarins with 92.825.

A full breakdown of each corps’ scores is available here.