The 2026 World Barista Championship (WBC) has commenced in Panama City, Panama, running from October 22 to 25. The event gathers more than 50 national champions at the Panama Convention Centre. Held in conjunction with the World of Coffee Panama trade show, this marks the first time either of these major industry events has been hosted in Latin America.
During the competition, each participant is allotted 15 minutes to prepare and present a set of 12 drinks for a panel of certified judges: four espressos, four milk-based beverages, and four original signature drinks. Competitors are evaluated on a range of criteria including the sensory quality of their beverages, technical proficiency, cleanliness, creativity, and the overall quality of their presentation and workflow.
The championship serves as a significant platform for innovation and excellence within the specialty coffee sector. Staging the event in Panama highlights the country's status as a premier origin for high-quality coffee, particularly its celebrated Geisha variety. The co-located World of Coffee event further provides a venue for producers, importers, roasters, and other professionals to connect and conduct business.