Every year, Gold, Silver and Bronze Jupiter trophies are awarded to the winners. The Jupiters have become symbols of prestige within the fireworks industry, providing the winners with a true mark of distinction. The name of the trophies is derived from Roman mythology; Jupiter was the god of the sky, of daylight, and of natural elements such as thunder and lightning.
Because of the number of participants that take part and the amount of time devoted to each display, the Montréal International Fireworks Competition is the largest of its kind in the world. The participants defend the colours of their respective countries, and their presentations are judged by a 12-person jury. The members of the jury are recruited each spring from among the general public. These people come from various parts of the city and different age groups; their common link is a passion for fireworks. After attending each display throughout the season, the jury awards the Jupiters based on precisely defined criteria.