Aotearoa Cup Tasters Championship ‘26
- Ticket release: 10 February 2026
- Judges: Registration opens in February
- Volunteers: Registration opens in February
The Cup Tasters Championship is a fast-paced sensory competition that tests speed, accuracy, and focus under pressure.
This event strips coffee back to its core. Taste, identify, decide. No distractions. No second guesses. TRUST YOUR GUT!
Pathway to the World Coffee Championship
The 2026 Aotearoa Cup Tasters Champion will represent our country at the 2027 World Cup Tasters Championship. Flights and accommodation are covered, thanks to the support of our sponsors and competitor entry fees.
The 2027 World Cup Tasters Championship location to be confirmed by World Coffee Championships.
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.
About the Competition Format
Competitors must identify the odd cup in each set as quickly and accurately as possible.
Each match consists of:
- Eight sets of three cups
- One cup in each set containing a different coffee, pick the odd one out
Competitors are ranked based of a combination of their accuracy and time, and the highest ranking will progress to a final round where the champion will be crowned. Every round is decided on the spot and results are immediate.
Important Competitor Information
- Full schedules will be released closer to the event
- All Competitors must read the Code of Conduct to be signed on the day
Thanks to our generous sponsors who make this competition possible:
Principal: OPEN
Sponsors:
Cleaning Supplies: Confirmed three-year 2024/25/26 Cafetto
Ceramics/Porcelain: Confirmed three-year 2024/25/26 Acme Cup Co
Espresso Machinery: La Marzocco NZ
Event partner/s: Meadow Fresh
Coffee/Roasting: OPEN
Brewing Equipment: OPEN