World Coffee Championships rules and regulations updated

The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) has released updated rules and regulations for the 2025 World Coffee Championships held from 26 to 28 June in Geneva, Switzerland.

The updated rules and scoresheets follow the 2025 World Coffee Roasting Championships and World Brewers Cup rules and regulations announced in November 2024.

The updated rules and regulations will be used at the at the 2025 World Latte Art (WLA), World Coffee in Good Spirits (WCGS), World Cup Tasters (WCT) and Cezve/Ibrik Championships (CIC) at World of Coffee Geneva.

According to SCA, this round of updates is designed to clarify and formalise existing practices. Key changes include updated preparation time in the WLAC when using fully automatic espresso machines, and clearer language around the optional use of a technical judge for Competition Bodies.

Adjustments in the WCIGS competition permit minor repositioning of espresso machines, along with clearer guidelines for drink temperature evaluation. To align with SCA standards, the WCTC increases the coffee-to-water ratio and reorganises rules for better clarity. In the CIC, judging criteria now align more closely with the World Barista Championship (WBC) and integrate updated evaluation details reflecting the Coffee Value Assessment (CVA).

Additionally, in alignment with all 2025 World Coffee Championships, the appeals and complaints process at both Competition Body and World-level events has been streamlined, now requiring submissions via an online form.

Updates to the rules and regulations are overseen by the WCC Competitions Strategic Committee. The rules documents, summaries of changes, scoresheets, and new appeals form are now available via the World Coffee Championships website.