From our humble beginnings to the global stage. Every year, the competition grows stronger and the coffee gets better.
2022
WEC 2022 — Melbourne, Australia
The inaugural World Espresso Championship — a proof-of-concept in Brisbane with 19 competitors. One format that would change competitive coffee forever. Blind, paired-comparison judging proved it could work at scale. View Champion Profile
2023
WEC 2023 — Athens, Greece
Expanded to 16 competitors. Introduced the national qualifier system. The first year we saw the true potential of the format — dramatic head-to-head matches, clear winners, zero controversy. View Champion Profile
2024
WEC 2024 — Busan, South Korea
32 competitors from 20+ countries. The first sell-out spectator event. Live streaming introduced. The competition was now too big to ignore. The industry started paying attention. View Champion Profile
2025
WEC 2025 — Milan, Italy
The first year with the Champion's Coffee Product concept announced. Partnership discussions with major roasters began. The competition now had a commercial future beyond the trophy. View Champion Profile
2026
WEC 2026 — Panama City, Panama
The first independently-run WEC. The first Champion's Coffee Product. 32 competitors. The most objective espresso competition in history enters its most exciting chapter yet.
Our Champions
Every year, one barista rises above the rest. Meet the winners of the World Espresso Championship.