Are you ready to compete on the world’s biggest coffee stage? The 2026 World Coffee Championships season promises to be the most exciting yet, with competitions spanning five continents and offering unprecedented opportunities for baristas, roasters, and coffee professionals to showcase their skills. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the 2026 global coffee competition calendar, including month-by-month schedules, registration details, eligibility requirements, and expert tips on how to compete.

2026 World Coffee Championships: Complete Calendar Overview

The 2026 World Coffee Championships will take place across six prestigious venues on four continents, marking a historic year for global coffee competition. Here’s your complete month-by-month guide:

January 2026: World of Coffee Dubai

Dates: January 18-20, 2026
Location: Dubai World Trade Centre, Za’abeel Hall, UAE
Competition: World Cezve/Ibrik Championship
Registration: Open now at dubai.worldofcoffee.org

The 2026 season kicks off in Dubai with the World Cezve/Ibrik Championship, celebrating one of the world’s oldest brewing traditions. This marks the first World Coffee Championship to be held in the Middle East, highlighting the region’s growing importance in the global coffee landscape.

April 2026: World of Coffee San Diego

Dates: April 10-12, 2026
Location: San Diego Convention Center, California, USA
Competition: World Latte Art Championship
Registration: Opening early 2026

The first-ever World of Coffee San Diego will host the World Latte Art Championship, formerly known as the SCA Expo. This rebranding brings consistency to the World of Coffee series globally.

May 2026: World of Coffee Bangkok

Dates: May 7-9, 2026
Location: BITEC (Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre), Thailand
Competition: World Cup Tasters Championship
Registration: Available at asia.worldofcoffee.org

Bangkok hosts its first World Coffee Championship, bringing the World Cup Tasters Championship to Southeast Asia for the first time.

June 2026: World of Coffee Brussels

Dates: June 25-27, 2026
Location: Brussels Expo, Belgium
Competitions:

• World Brewers Cup
• World Coffee Roasting Championship
• World Coffee in Good Spirits Championship
  Registration: Opening Q1 2026

Brussels makes its debut as a World of Coffee host city, featuring three major championships in one spectacular event.

October 2026: World of Coffee Panama

Dates: October 23-25, 2026
Location: Panama City, Panama
Competition: World Barista Championship (25th Anniversary)
Registration: Through national championships only

The crown jewel of coffee competitions celebrates its 25th anniversary in Panama, the heart of Latin America’s coffee-producing region.

How to Qualify & Register for World Coffee Championships

Eligibility Requirements

To compete in any World Coffee Championship, you must:

1. Nationality/Residency: Hold a passport for the region OR have 24+ months of residency with valid documentation
2. SCA Membership: Active individual membership with the Specialty Coffee Association
3. National Championship Win: Must be the reigning national champion in your respective discipline
4. Age Requirement: 18+ years old at time of competition

Registration Process

Step 1: Win Your National Championship

• Each country conducts national championships to select their representative
• Registration for national championships typically opens 6-12 months in advance
• Contact your local SCA chapter or national coffee association for details

Step 2: Complete World Championship Registration

• National champions receive invitation emails 6+ weeks before the World Championship
• Submit required documents within specified timeframe
• Include passport copy and championship verification

Step 3: Confirm Participation

• Receive official confirmation within 2 weeks
• Begin preparation and travel arrangements

National Championship Information

United States: Register through uscoffeechampionships.org
United Kingdom: Contact SCA UK Chapter
Australia: Through SCAA (Specialty Coffee Association of Australia)
UAE: Register through SCA UAE Chapter (email: [email protected])

Competition Categories & What to Expect

World Barista Championship

• Format: 15-minute performance
• Courses: 4 espressos, 4 milk beverages, 4 signature drinks
• Judges: 4 sensory + 1 technical judge
• Prize: $10,000 + travel support + equipment sponsorships

World Latte Art Championship

• Format: Multiple rounds with increasing difficulty
• Requirements: Free pour latte art skills
• Equipment: Provided espresso machines and grinders

World Brewers Cup

• Format: Manual brewing competition
• Equipment: Competitor’s choice of brewing method
• Focus: Brewing technique and presentation skills

World Coffee Roasting Championship

• Format: Roast, cup, and present coffee
• Time Limit: Various stages over 2 days
• Skills Tested: Roasting, cupping, presentation

World Cup Tasters Championship

• Format: Blind cupping triangulation
• Skills: Identifying odd cup in triangle sets
• Speed: Fastest accurate completion wins

World Coffee in Good Spirits Championship

• Format: Alcohol-based coffee cocktails
• Requirements: 2 hot drinks, 2 cold drinks
• Focus: Creativity and technical skill

World Cezve/Ibrik Championship

• Format: Traditional brewing method
• Equipment: Cezve/ibrik brewing vessels
• Cultural Focus: Honoring traditional brewing heritage

Expert Tips for Competition Success

Training & Preparation

1. Start Early: Begin training 6-12 months before nationals
2. Find a Coach: Work with experienced competitors
3. Practice Consistency: Focus on replicating results
4. Video Review: Record practice sessions for analysis

Equipment Selection

• Test Thoroughly: Try equipment at multiple venues
• Have Backup Plans: Prepare for equipment failures
• Know the Rules: Understand competition specifications

Mental Preparation

• Stress Management: Develop coping strategies
• Visualization: Mental rehearsal techniques
• Time Management: Practice within time constraints

Volunteer & Get Involved

Can’t compete but want to be part of the action? World Coffee Championships offer extensive volunteer opportunities:

Volunteer Benefits

• Behind-the-scenes access
• Networking with industry professionals
• Competition experience and training
• Travel opportunities (for some positions)

How to Apply

Register at wcc.coffee/get-involved for volunteer positions including:

• Judge assistants
• Stage managers
• Technical support
• Registration support

2026 Championship Sponsor & Partnership Opportunities

The 2026-2029 sponsorship cycle is now open for:

• Qualified Espresso Machine Sponsors
• Qualified Grinder Sponsors
• Qualified Water Filtration Sponsors

Applications open through the SCA website with testing beginning in early 2026.

Key Dates to Remember

• January 2026: Registration opens for most national championships
• March 2026: Final call for national championship entries
• April-June 2026: Peak national championship season
• August 2026: World Championship invitations sent
• January-October 2026: World Championship season

Conclusion

The 2026 World Coffee Championships represent the pinnacle of coffee competition, offering unparalleled opportunities for professional growth, networking, and recognition. Whether you’re aiming to compete, volunteer, or simply spectate, these events offer something for every coffee enthusiast.

Start your journey by connecting with your local SCA chapter, beginning your training regimen, and marking these important dates on your calendar. The world stage awaits – are you ready to brew your dreams into reality?

For the latest updates and registration information, visit wcc.coffee and follow @worldcoffeechampionships on social media.