World Brewers Cup
Annual competition showcasing manual filter coffee brewing skill.
The World Brewers Cup (WBC or WBrC) is a yearly international contest for hand-brewed filter coffee, run by World Coffee Events—an organization set up by the Specialty Coffee Association. Its purpose is to highlight the artistry and skill involved in manual coffee brewing, while also promoting quality service. Competitors earn their spot by winning their country’s national championship; as of 2019, roughly 40 national bodies were involved. The event’s location changes each year, decided by the World Coffee Events committee, and it usually takes place alongside the World Barista Championship, the World Coffee Roasting Championship, and the World Latte Art Championship. The first World Brewers Cup happened in 2011 in Maastricht, Netherlands. The 2022 edition was held in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
**Format and rules** To enter, a competitor must first win their national championship, which is organized by an affiliated national group. If the champion cannot attend, that group can send a substitute. The competition has two stages: a first round and a final round. In the first round, each contestant performs two services: a compulsory service and an open service. For the compulsory service, they brew three drinks using the same whole-bean coffee supplied by the organizers. Judges score these drinks on a standardized scale based on sensory qualities like aroma, flavor, aftertaste, acidity, body, balance, and overall impression. In the open service, contestants choose their own whole-bean coffee and give a 10-minute presentation while brewing at least three beverages—one for each of the three sensory judges. During this service, they typically explain the coffee’s origin, the brewing method, and tasting notes. Judges score both taste and presentation. A total dissolved solids (TDS) reading is taken for each drink to check that it does not exceed 2% (20,000 ppm). The six competitors with the highest combined scores from the first round move on to the final round, which consists only of an open service. The competitor with the top score in the final round is named the World Brewers Cup Champion.
**Brewing equipment and techniques** Competitors can use any manual (unpowered) brewing device and method they like.
- First held
- 2011
- First location
- Maastricht, Netherlands
- 2022 location
- Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Participating national organizations as
- approximately 40
- Number of rounds
- 2
- Maximum tds
- 2% (20,000 ppm)
- Finalist count
- 6
Lore & Background
The World Brewers Cup was first held in 2011 in Maastricht, Netherlands. The annual location is determined by the World Coffee Events organizing committee and is typically held in conjunction with the World Barista Championship, the World Coffee Roasting Championship, and the World Latte Art Championship. The competition consists of two rounds: a first round with a compulsory service and an open service, and a finalist round consisting exclusively of an open service. In the compulsory service, competitors prepare three beverages using the same whole bean coffee provided by organizers, evaluated on a standardized numerical scale for aroma, flavor, aftertaste, acidity, body, balance, and overall perception. In the open service, competitors use any whole bean coffee of their choosing and give a 10-minute presentation explaining origin, brewing method, and tasting notes while brewing at least three beverages for three sensory judges; both taste and presentation are scored, and a TDS measurement is taken to ensure a maximum of 2%.
Reader's Guide
The World Brewers Cup is significant as a platform dedicated exclusively to manual filter coffee brewing, distinguishing it from espresso-based competitions. Competitors may use any manual (unpowered) brewing device, including French press, pour-over, modified AeroPress, or custom-designed brewers, and any recipe or bean combination, with the only limitation being a final brew TDS of 2% or less. The competition emphasizes both the sensory quality of the coffee and the competitor's presentation skills. The event is held annually alongside other major World Coffee Events championships, reinforcing its role in the specialty coffee community. The winner is determined by the highest score in the final round, with the champion being named World Brewers Cup Champion.
Did You Know?
- The first World Brewers Cup was held in 2011 in Maastricht, Netherlands.
- As of 2019, there were approximately 40 participating national organizations.
- The maximum allowed total dissolved solids (TDS) for a brew is 2% (20,000 ppm).
- The 2022 World Brewers Cup was held in Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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