SCA updates rules for 2026 World Barista Championship – BeanScene

Preparations for the 2026 World Barista Championships (WBC) in Panama City are continuing, with the Specialty Coffee Association releasing the updated rules and regulations for this year’s competition.

Hosted at World of Coffee Panama from 22 to 25 October, the round of updates for this year’s competition include changes to the water served to judges, clarifies the language around the number of shots competitors must prepare for the signature beverage, and explains the possibility for competitors to override the drink evaluation protocol of the espresso and milk beverage courses by not serving spoons.

Grinder regulations have also been updated. Qualified Sponsor Ceado will provide competitors with standardised equipment, offering either the REV Zero or the E37Z-Naked.

All grinders will be inspected and sealed by Ceado prior to competition to ensure all grinders have original parts only.

The full rules document, summaries of changes, supplemental Grinder Procedures document, and scoresheets are now all available on the World Coffee Championships website.