Pan Wei of China has been named the 2026 World Barista Champion at the conclusion of the competition in Panama City on October 25. Shing Win of Malaysia placed second, and Frederick Ruben of the United Arab Emirates took third place in the prestigious annual event, which brings together national champions from around the globe.
The final round featured six competitors, with Australia’s Gabrel Tan finishing fourth, followed by Jane Kawinnart of Thailand and Jill Hoff of Canada. Pan Wei, a two-time national champion, was representing China for the second time at the world competition. The victory follows a year after Australia's Jack Simpson won the 2025 title.
For his routine, fourth-place finisher Gabrel Tan presented a concept contrasting an established origin with an emerging one. He used a washed Geisha from producer Maria Amoruso at Finca Lérida in Boquete, Panama, for his espresso course. For the milk beverage, he selected a Kartika varietal from producer Raymond Ali at Finca Ali in South Sumatra, Indonesia, highlighting the diverse profiles available to the specialty coffee market.