Athens World Coffee Championships

Competitors from around the globe took to the stage for three days of fierce competition from June 21-24 at the Athens World Coffee Championships (WCC), staged at World of Coffee. The event includes the 2023 World Barista Champion Sons, World Brewers Cup, World Cup Tasters Championship, and Cezve/Ibrik Championship.

The WCCs are annual events culminating in local and regional events hosted by sanctioned Competition Bodies around the globe. Between competitors, there’s a chance to sample international specialty roasters at the WCC Coffee Bars.

The WBC focuses on promoting excellence in coffee and advancing the barista profession. Competitors each prepare four espressos, four milk drinks, and four original signature drinks to exacting standards in a 15-minute performance set to music.

Certified Judges from around the world evaluate each performance on a range of technical and sensory attributes.

The top 15 highest-scoring competitors from the first round, plus the wild-card winner from the Team Competition, advance to a semifinal round. The top 6 competitors in the semifinal round advance to the final round, with one winner named World Barista Champion!

Changes to the competition in 2023 have introduced two new types of scoring scales to better align with where our coffee value assessment systems are headed; updates to the weighting of different categories to better reflect the skills and areas of focus for the competitions; the option of using plant-based beverages or other animals’ milk, and a range of group head temperatures for brewing espresso.

The World of Coffee is an annual event that brings together coffee professionals, enthusiasts, and industry experts from around the globe. In this case, we'll explore what happened at the World of Coffee event in Athens.

The World of Coffee Athens was a remarkable gathering of coffee lovers and professionals at a bustling convention centre in the heart of the Greek capital. The event spanned three days and offered diverse activities, including exhibitions, competitions, workshops, and seminars.
As visitors entered the convention centre, they were greeted by the enticing aroma of freshly brewed coffee. The event featured a massive exhibition hall where renowned coffee companies and suppliers showcased their products and services. Attendees had the opportunity to explore various stalls, interact with industry representatives, and sample an array of coffee beans from different world regions.

One of the event's highlights was the World Barista Championship, a highly anticipated competition showcasing the artistry and skill of baristas from around the globe. Talented individuals competed against each other, demonstrating their expertise in brewing the perfect cup of coffee. They were judged on taste, technique, presentation, and creativity. The atmosphere was electrifying as competitors pushed the boundaries of coffee-making, leaving the audience in awe of their talent.

Simultaneously, the World Coffee Roasting Championship took place, where experts showcased their expertise in roasting coffee beans to perfection. This competition highlighted the delicate craft of transforming raw coffee beans into flavoursome delights. Attendees witnessed the precision and passion required to master the art of coffee roasting.
Apart from the competitions, the event also offered an extensive lineup of educational workshops and seminars. These sessions covered many topics, including coffee brewing techniques, sustainability in the coffee industry, the science behind coffee extraction, and the future of coffee farming. Attendees had the opportunity to learn from industry leaders, gain valuable insights, and expand their knowledge in the world of coffee.

Additionally, the event featured interactive cupping sessions, allowing participants to refine their sensory skills and explore different flavour profiles. Experts guided attendees through tasting, teaching them to discern subtle notes and characteristics in various coffees.

Networking played a significant role throughout the event, connecting attendees with fellow coffee enthusiasts, industry professionals, and potential business partners.

New collaborations were formed, and ideas were exchanged, fostering a sense of community within the coffee industry.

As the World of Coffee Athens came to a close, participants left with newfound inspiration and a deeper appreciation for the art and science of coffee. The event brought together a diverse community of coffee lovers, united by their shared passion for the world's most beloved beverage. It provided a platform for learning, innovation, and celebration, impacting attendees and the coffee industry.