An impressive 116 pilots from 27 countries have descended on the small city of Benalla in Victoria for the 2017 edition.

The Championships are held every two years with competitors fighting across three classes: 15 metres, 18m and the open class.

"This is the Olympics of gliding," said competition spokesman Sean Young.

"Reigning FAI gliding world champions are competing, alongside the best pilots from each country."

Young added that hosts Australia will field six pilots and are "confident" their home advantage will see them finish on the podium.

"After years of preparation, the 27 national teams are now raring to go," Young said.

"No further preparation is possible.

"Now they must race against each other and the elements to determine who the next FAI world gliding champions will be."

Poland's Sebastian Kawa is the reigning FAI world champion in the 15m class while his compatriot, Karol Staryszak, is the defending 18m champion.

Germany’s Michael Sommer is the reigning FAI world champion in the open class.

At the Championships, "tasks" are flown and scored every day.

In a task, pilots must make their way around a pre-determined course, which is different each day depending on the weather, and tag turn-points using a navigation system.

Competitors race against each other to complete the course in the quickest time possible.

Pilots can expect to be in the air for several hours, and will cover several hundred kilometres during a task. 

Each task is scored separately and counts towards the final score and ranking at the end of the two weeks.

Gliders do not use engines to stay aloft, instead using thermals to stay in the air, circling in warm air currents to reach cloud-base before heading off on the track.

The Opening Ceremony was held today before the first task begins tomorrow.