Aotearoa Brewers Cup Championship ‘26
Dates: Friday 1st May – Saturday 2nd May | from 9am
Location: The Tuesday Club – 42 Airedale St, Auckland CBD
No Spectator tickets required, please come along on the day and cheer the competitors on!
After growing demand and anticipation, the Aotearoa Brewers Cup Championship returns in 2026! The 2026 Aotearoa Brewers Cup Championship will be held across two days, in the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau in conjunction with the Cup Tasters Championship for an eventful weekend of coffee!
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Day 1: Preliminary Schedule Available Now!
Ticket Release: Tuesday 10th February 2026, 7 pm NZT via Humanitix CLOSED
Judges: Register CLOSED
Volunteers: Register CLOSED
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About the Competition Format
The Brewers Cup Championship highlights the craft of manual filter coffee brewing through flavour clarity and service excellence. Competitors must prepare and serve 3 cups of coffee, each brewed individually, for a panel 3 judges.
With 18 competitors, the 2026 Aotearoa Brewers Cup will consist of two rounds – Preliminary and Finals. The Top 6 competitors from the Preliminary round will advance to the Finals.
There are two different service types:
Open Service: Competitors must use their own whole-bean coffee to prepare and serve 3 cups of coffee to a panel of judges, accompanied by a presentation that enhances the coffee experience. Open Service will be presented in both Preliminary and Finals rounds.
Compulsory Service: In Compulsory Service, ALL competitors will use the same whole-bean coffee, the same grinder and water, and the same standardised service vessels as provided by the Brewers Cup competition. Competitors will be provided with their whole-bean coffee soon before their practice and competition times, during which they will practice, prepare and serve 3 cups of coffee. Compulsory Service will only be presented in the Finals round.
The competitor with the highest combined score in the Finals round will be named the 2026 Aotearoa Brewers Cup Champion, representing our country at the World Brewers Cup Championship held at the World of Coffee Bogotá 2027. Flights and accommodation are covered, thanks to the support of our sponsors and competitor entry fees.
The 2026 Aotearoa Brewers Cup Championship will follow the 2026 World Brewers Cup Championship Rules & Regulations.
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Judges Information
This year, we will have an international WCC Representative, Catherine Gu, attend the championship to oversee the competition and judging. Catherine brings a wealth of experience and knowledge, making this a valuable learning experience for judges.
Championship Calibration is a mandatory requirement for all judges. There will be a knowledge test of R&R with a minimum pass rate before confirming your participation. Calibration will be held before the competition to ensure alignment and fair judging, judges panels are chosen after the calibration on site, by the NZSCA Judges Committee.
Competition Governance
The New Zealand Specialty Coffee Association holds the official licence for the National Cup Tasters’ Championship. The competition is delivered in strict accordance with World Coffee Championships rules and standards.
Resources
- 2026 World Brewers Cup Championship Rules & Regulations
- NZ Competitor Code of Conduct
- Find out more about the World Coffee Championships
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Brewers Cup Championship 2026
Thanks to our generous sponsors who make this competition possible:
- Principal: OPEN
- Grinder: AMC Roastery Supply – HeyCafé Jack Grinder
- Coffee sponsor: Atomic Coffee Roasters for compulsory round
- Water: Machine Limited – BWT Water
- Ceramics/Porcelain: Acme Cup Co – Union Mug for compulsory round
- Sponsor: Sucafina
- Sponsor: Ārepa
- Sponsor: Brand Display
- Event partner(s): : Meadow Fresh
- Prize Sponsor: First Cup
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Brewers Cup Championship Competitor Schedule 2026
Bevan Cammell Representing: Sacred Grounds
Atomic TBC Representing: Atomic Coffee Roasters
Hyungwon Choi Representing: Phlox Coffee Cottage
Woohyung Lee Representing: Old Dog/Holiday.
Shintaro Tanaka Independent
Dove Chen Representing: Grey Roasting Co.
Honoka Kawashima Representing: Sketchbook Coffee
Saehoon Ahn Representing: Parable House
Javiera Vergara Representing: Tourist Coffee
Agnese Sokolovska Representing: Cata Export
Ben Harvey Representing: Bean Soup
Farrel Maulana Arsy Representing: C4 Coffee Co.
Neil He Independent
Nick Schryvers Representing: Victus Coffee & Eatery
Subin Choi Representing: Slow Koi
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Thanks to our incredibly generous sponsors for their support:
Grinder: AMC Roastery Supply – HeyCafé Jack Grinder
Grind It… Brew It!” By now you will hopefully know AMC Roastery Supply as the place to get your Mahlkönig, Ditting, and Hey Cafe grinders, thanks to our 18 + year-long sponsorship of the New Zealand Coffee Championships.
And if you have been paying closer attention, you will also know we are the place to go for you Fetco filter brewers, and Brew-Rite coffee filters. Sixty years after Alec Clubb – a canny ex-pat Scot – first started importing coffee brewing equipment, our third-generation family-owned and run business has assembled an enviable stable of the best-performing equipment brands in each market segment we have expanded into.
We like to sell solutions, not headaches, and back them up with expert product knowledge, local spare parts, technical training, and support. We also like to give back to the industry that we operate in, which is why we have gladly sponsored the various New Zealand Coffee Championships for such a long time.
And remember, if you need to “Grind It, or Brew It” then give Emma, Dave, or Greg at AMCRS a call. Go on, you know you want to!
Coffee sponsor: Atomic Coffee Roasters for compulsory round
Atomic is all about honouring craft and expertise — from how they source coffee to how they roast and brew them. As sponsors of the 2026 Brewers Cup compulsory service coffee, they’re proud to back the competitors on their journey to becoming New Zealand’s top brewers and excited to see their craft and passion on display
Water: Machine Limited – BWT Water
We’re proud to be supported by Best Water Technology (BWT), a global leader in water treatment and optimisation for coffee.
BWT has long partnered with coffee associations, roasters, machine manufacturers, and baristas around the world, earning its place as a trusted name in specialty coffee. Whether you’re adjusting mineral levels to find balance and clarity in the cup, or just looking to protect your kit, BWT has the perfect filtration solution for you.
In Aotearoa, BWT is available through Machine Ltd — your local source for premium coffee equipment and water filtration solutions.
Ceramics/Porcelain: Acme Cup Co – Union Mug for compulsory round
We’re strong believers that the hospitality industry is one of the best industries to work in and want to champion those who see their future in this industry. The NZBC is a brilliant event that gives baristas an opportunity to not only showcase their skills but also gives them a platform to learn and engage with the industry.
This year marks our 12th year of sponsoring the NZSCA events, we’re so incredibly honoured to be able to give back to the community that supports not only Acme but also its co-owners, Megan and Paddy, and their careers in Speciality Coffee. Have we mentioned that we love Speciality coffee? Cause we do
Designed for NZ Cafe Culture — Designed with every kind of drinker in mind. Espresso, latte, flat white, drip, tea & more. Used by World Champion Baristas, home brewers, tea drinkers & everyone in between. Their Classic Union mug will be the compulsory service vessel for the Brewers Cup
Sponsor: Ārepa
Developed by neuroscientists with clinically researched ingredients, this is a drink for everyone with a brain. ⁺Drinking Ārepa reduces tiredness and fatigue and helps with normal psychological and neurological function thanks to the high Vitamin C content in our Neuroberry⁺® Blackcurrants as part of a healthy and varied diet.
Great for when you can’t drink anymore coffee!
Prize Sponsors: First Cup
We’re proud to have First Cup on board as a prize sponsor. They’re New Zealand’s exclusive distributor of MHW-3Bomber, a brand that’s quietly become a favourite among serious home brewers and competition-level baristas alike. The kind of gear that makes you slow down and actually think about what you’re doing.
Their range covers everything from precision espresso tools and pour-over kit through to travel brewing and drinkware. Beautifully made, thoughtfully designed stuff. And if you’re keen to sharpen your technique, their Pour Programme offers small-group, hands-on barista classes focused on extraction, milk texture, and the kind of repeatable results that actually matter. First Cup is for people who care about getting it right from the very first cup.
Sponsor : Brand Display
Brand Display is a New Zealand-owned and operated company, delivering premium signage and branded display solutions for over 10 years. We specialise in helping cafés and hospitality venues elevate their presence with high-quality signage, custom umbrellas, and branding that invites potential patrons. You name it, we brand it. Our experienced team provides practical advice to achieve standout results within your budget
Sponsor : Sucafina
At Sucafina we recognize the exceptional skill and engagement level of the baristas and roasters who curate great tasting coffee menus. It is our pleasure to support the return of the Brewers Cup to Aotearoa and provide another opportunity for these talented coffee people to showcase their talent.