Registration is open now. Visit the Panama 2026 page and fill out the competitor registration form. Early bird registration closes 30 August 2026, and final registration closes 15 September 2026. Spots are first-come, first-served among the 32 available places.
All competitors use the same coffee, same machine, and same grinder provided by WEC. You cannot bring your own equipment. This ensures the competition tests pure barista skill, not equipment advantage. The only thing that differs is you.
WEC uses ISO 5495 paired comparison methodology. Three sensory judges conduct blind tastings of two espressos at a time, choosing which is superior. This continues in a single-elimination bracket until one champion remains. All scores are published immediately.
The World Espresso Champion receives €3,000 in prize money plus the Champion's Coffee Product deal — 5-10% royalties on a commercially produced coffee bearing their name. They also join an exclusive community of past champions with ongoing benefits and recognition.
For Sponsors
Sponsorship Questions
We offer five tiers: Supporting (€5,000), Bronze (€10,000), Silver (€25,000), Gold (€50,000), and Title (€250,000). Each tier includes escalating benefits from logo placement to naming rights. View full details on the sponsorship page.
Yes! Product sampling rights are included in Bronze and above. Equipment sponsors can brand competition stations (Silver+) or the entire championship (Gold+). Contact us to discuss in-kind sponsorship opportunities.
General
General Questions
WEC is the most transparent espresso competition in the world. We publish all scores immediately, use scientifically rigorous ISO 5495 paired comparison methodology, and return revenue to champions through Champion's Coffee. See our vision page for a full comparison.
Fill out the National Organiser application form on our About page. We're looking for passionate coffee professionals who want to represent WEC in their country and build their local specialty coffee community.
Yes! WEC is open to spectators. Some sponsorship packages include VIP spectator passes with exclusive access. General spectator information will be published closer to the event date.
Visit our Contact page for all communication options, including our contact form, email, and social media channels.
