Two 2026 World Coffee Championships to be Hosted at World of Coffee Panama and World of Coffee San Diego
The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) is pleased to announce the locations of two premier global coffee competitions in 2026. World of Coffee Panama will host the 2026 World Barista Championship, and World of Coffee San Diego will welcome the 2026 World Latte Art Championship to the U.S. West Coast.
Hosting the World Barista Championship in Panama City underscores the thriving growth of the specialty coffee industry in Central America and positions Panama as an accessible hub for coffee producers, traders, and professionals from across the globe. World of Coffee Panama, taking place in October 23-25, 2026 at the Panama Convention Center, will mark the first World of Coffee trade show ever held in Central America. The event is produced and delivered by licensed partners—the Specialty Coffee Association of Panama (SCAP) and the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama. This milestone event reflects the deep-rooted connection between coffee producing regions and the global specialty coffee community.
"Panama is the ideal host for the World Barista Championship, as it sits at the heart of Latin America's coffee-producing region, home to many of the world’s most award-winning coffees. We invite you to join us at this exceptional event, which will not only showcase the finest barista talent from around the globe but also celebrate the world’s best coffee producers," said Ricardo Koyner McIntyre, President of the Specialty Coffee Association of Panama.
On the heels of the SCA’s recent rebranding of its flagship North American event, the Specialty Coffee Expo will debut as World of Coffee San Diego on April 10–12, 2026 at the San Diego Convention Center. The show will play host to the 2026 World Latte Art Championship (WLAC)—a competition that is the premier showcase of barista creativity, skill, and precision. As one of the most visually stunning competitions in the coffee world, the WLAC will bring high energy and artistic flair to the show floor.
The 2026 World Barista Championship marks the 26th year of this competition, bringing together champions from over 50 Competition Bodies from around the globe to present their espresso-based beverage service to a panel of expert judges, highlighting innovation, precision, and storytelling.
The World Latte Art Championship showcases the artistry and technical mastery of baristas as they create intricate designs in milk and espresso, judged for visual quality, symmetry, and originality. Since it’s inception in 2005, the San Diego World Coffee Championships will mark the 20th edition of this competition.
These events represent important moments in the continued evolution of the World Coffee Championships in 2026, bringing global attention to both emerging and established coffee communities. Attendees, competitors, and exhibitors alike will find new opportunities to connect, learn, and engage with the international coffee industry at each event.
Make sure to join us — at two of the 2026 World Coffee Championships:
San Diego World Coffee Championships
April 10–12, 2026 at World of Coffee San Diego in San Diego, CA, USA
Featuring the World Latte Art Championship
Panama City World Coffee Championships
October 23-25, 2026 at World of Coffee Panama in Panama City, Panama
Featuring the World Barista Championship
The locations for the remainder of the 2026 World Coffee Championships will be announced soon. For more information about each event, stay up to date by signing up for the WCC Newsletter at wcc.coffee/newsletter
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