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July 23, 2026 · Barista Magazine

U.S. Coffee Championships to See Major Format Changes for 2027 Season

The U.S. Coffee Championships will undergo significant format changes for the 2027 season, with new qualifying structures and event sizes planned for the Brewers Cup, Cup Tasters, and Roasters competitions under the direction of new event partner RoasTronix.

Photo: Flux

The United States Coffee Championships (USCC) are set for a series of structural changes for the 2027 season, following the completion of the first year under new management. The event's new partner, RoasTronix, has outlined plans to adjust the format of several key competitions, including the Brewers Cup and Cup Tasters, based on feedback from participants and a goal of enhancing the event experience.

RoasTronix took over as the Specialty Coffee Association’s (SCA) event partner for the USCC in January 2026, managing the national Barista, Brewers Cup, Cup Tasters, Roasters, and Latte Art championships. According to the company, the vision for the events emphasizes education and aims to elevate the U.S. competitions to a level competitive with international counterparts, moving toward a leaner and more focused structure.

Specific plans for 2027 include reducing the Brewers Cup final from 32 to 18 competitors fed by three qualifiers, a move intended to shorten the event's duration for participants. The popular Cup Tasters Championship is expected to expand to three qualifying events, while the Roasters Championship will likely have two. The Latte Art competition will remain a single national event for now, while the format for the Barista and Coffee in Good Spirits championships is still being decided. The plans also include adding hands-on workshops ahead of competitions.

FAQ

The 2027 season will feature a revised format, including three qualifiers for Brewers Cup and Cup Tasters, a smaller Brewers Cup final, and two qualifiers for the Roasters Championship.

Since January 2026, the U.S. Coffee Championships have been run by RoasTronix, the official event partner for the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA).

The format for the 2027 Barista Championship, including whether it will have qualifiers or be a single national final, is still under consideration by the organizers.

Source: Barista Magazine

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