SCA releases guidelines for 2025 World Coffee Championships

The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) has released updated Rules and Regulations for the 2025 World Latte Art (WLAC), World Coffee in Good Spirits (WCIGS), World Cup Tasters (WCTC) and Cezve/Ibrik (CIC) Championships. The updated rules and scoresheets follow the 2025 World Coffee Roasting Championships and World Brewers Cup Rules and Regulations announced last month. The updated Rules & Regulations will be used at the at the 2025 World Latte Art, World Coffee in Good Spirits, World Cup Tasters and Cezve/Ibrik Championships at World of Coffee Geneva, from 26-28 June 2025.

This round of updates primarily clarifies and formalises 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 & regulations are overseen by the WCC Competitions Strategic Committee. The rules documents, summaries of changes, scoresheets, and new appeals form are now available at the new website for the World Coffee Championships: wcc.coffee/rules-regulations.

The 2025 World Coffee Championships this season include:

• Houston World Coffee Championships
o 25-27 April at the Specialty Coffee Expo in Houston, Texas, USA
o Featuring the World Coffee Roasting Championship

• Jakarta World Coffee Championships
o 15-17 May at World of Coffee in Jakarta, Indonesia
o Featuring the World Brewers Cup

• Geneva World Coffee Championships
o 26-28 June at World of Coffee in Geneva, Switzerland
o Featuring the World Latte Art, World Coffee in Good Spirits,
World Cup Tasters, and Cezve/Ibrik Championships

• Milan World Coffee Championships
o 17-21 October at HostMilano in Milan, Italy
o Featuring the 25th World Barista Championship

For more information, visit sca.coffee or wcc.coffee.