Forget the World Cup, the most truly awesome competition in the world (well, maybe just North America) is for the Polaris Music Prize. The four-year-old award has taken its hefty list of 2010 nominees and announced (via Pitchfork) the shortlist of 10 bands, one of whom will eventually call themselves the best Canadian band of 2010 (and that means something to us.)

In case you forgot, this is for albums released from June 1st, 2009 through May 31st, 2010. The eventual winners receive their spot on top, along with a big, fat check for $20,000. Some of the bigger names to make the list include Owen Pallett, Broken Social Scene, Caribou, and Tegan & Sara. Enjoy the full list (plus their corresponding albums) below.

The winner will be announced September 20th, with the gala airing on September 25th on MuchMusic. As always, stay tuned for more news as it’s announced.

Now go back to watching Paraguay or whatever.

Polaris Music Prize 2010 Shortlist:
01. The Besnard Lakes – The Besnard Lakes Are The Roaring Night
02. Broken Social Scene – Forgiveness Rock Record
03. Caribou – Swim
04. Karkwa – Les Chemins De Verre
05. Dan Mangan – Nice, Nice, Very Nice
06. Owen Pallett – Heartland
07. Radio Radio – Belmundo Regal
08. The Sadies – Darker Circles
09. Shad – TSOL
10. Tegan & Sara – Sainthood