​​​

Competition Format

The competition is divided into four stages:

1. Preliminary Round

All registered competitors receive the official Preliminary Round coffee and submit a roasted sample for judging.

2. Semi-Final Round

The Top 18 competitors advance to the on-site round, where they will practice and then complete their official Semi-Final roast on the competition machine.

3. Grand Final

The Top 6 finalists advance to the final round and compete for the championship title using the official Grand Final coffee.

4. Brewing Battle

The Top 6 finalists will also join a special Brewing Battle for an extra prize determined by the organizer.

Official Competition Coffees

All official competition coffees are supplied in collaboration with Eighty Plus Coffee.

Preliminary Round Coffee

Alto Quiel Selecto Natural

Producer: Lamastus Family Estates

Origin: Panama

Variety: Geisha

Process: Natural

Indicative flavor profile: Magnolia, Mandarin, Peach, Papaya, Nougat

Semi-Final Round Coffee

Santuário Sul Geisha Washed

Producer: Carmo Coffees

Origin: Brazil

Variety: Geisha

Process: Washed

Indicative flavor profile: Jasmine, White Peach, Bergamot, Lemon Zest, Honey

Grand Final Coffee

Santamaría Estate GN4F

Producer: Edwin Santamaría

Origin: Panama

Variety: Geisha

Process: Natural

Indicative flavor profile: Jasmine, Orange Blossom, Apricot, Honey, Black Tea

Preliminary Round

All registered competitors will receive 300 grams of the official Preliminary Round coffee, Panama Alto Quiel Selecto Natural.

The official green coffee will be shipped on 7 April 2026.

Competitors are also allowed to purchase additional coffee directly from the sponsor at any time. There is no need to wait for the official shipping date if they wish to practice earlier.

Each competitor must roast the official competition coffee and submit:

100 grams of roasted coffee

The sample must arrive at Espresso Academic Thailand no later than 24 April 2026.

The judging panel will evaluate all Preliminary Round submissions on 25 April 2026.

A total of 18 competitors will be selected to advance to the on-site rounds.

On-Site Rounds

Official Competition Machine

The official roasting machine for the on-site competition is the HB Peak P1 Electric.

All competitors must use the official competition machine and follow the instructions of the organizer and technical team.

Practice Day – Top 18

On 26 April 2026, the Top 18 competitors will join the official on-site practice day.

Each competitor will:

Be assigned to a roasting station

Receive 1 hour 20 minutes of practice time on the official machine

Be allowed to use the designated cupping space afterward for evaluation and preparation

This practice session is intended to help competitors become familiar with the machine, the environment, and their roasting plan before the official Semi-Final round.

Semi-Final Day – Top 18

On 27 April 2026, the Top 18 competitors will complete the official Semi-Final round.

Official Semi-Final Coffee

Brazil Santuário Sul Geisha Washed

Each competitor will:

Be assigned to a station

Receive 1 hour 20 minutes for their official round

Receive 500 grams of green coffee

Submit 300 grams of roasted coffee

Only coffee roasted during the official competition session may be submitted.

Semi-Final Evaluation

On 28 April 2026, the roasted coffees from the Semi-Final round will be presented and evaluated in a live cupping smackdown format.

This stage may include live video coverage and public presentation on stage.

At the end of this evaluation, the field will be reduced from 18 competitors to 6 finalists.

Grand Final

The Top 6 finalists will advance to the Grand Final.

Final Practice

On the afternoon of 28 April 2026, finalists will receive practice time on the official competition machine.

Official Grand Final Coffee

Panama Santamaría Estate GN4F

Each finalist will receive:

500 grams of green coffee

Practice time on the official machine

Access to prepare for the final evaluation

Final Submission

Each finalist must submit 300 grams of roasted coffee.

Blending Rules for the Grand Final

Finalists are allowed to create a blend for the Grand Final under the following conditions:

The blend must contain at least 50% Santamaría Estate GN4F

Any additional coffee used in the blend must be purchased from an official event sponsor

No coffee from outside the sponsor network may be used

Competitors are responsible for sourcing and preparing any sponsor coffee they choose to use in the blend.

Final Evaluation

On 29 April 2026, the Grand Final coffees will be evaluated using the full SCA CVA form.

The final ranking will be determined from:

1st Place

2nd Place

3rd Place

4th Place

5th Place

6th Place

The Top 3 competitors will earn the right to represent Thailand at the World Roasting League World Final in Taiwan.

All judging decisions are final.

Brewing Battle – Special Prize

In addition to the roasting championship ranking, the Top 6 finalists will also compete in a special Brewing Battle for an extra prize.

This is a separate prize stage designed to add another layer of challenge and excitement to the event.

Further details regarding the Brewing Battle format, schedule, and judging process will be announced by the organizer.

Official Timeline

7 April 2026

Official Preliminary Round coffee, 300 g of Panama Alto Quiel Selecto Natural, is shipped to competitors.

Any time before or after shipment

Competitors may purchase additional coffee directly from the sponsor.

24 April 2026

Deadline for Preliminary Round roasted samples to be received by the organizer at Espresso Academic Thailand.

25 April 2026

The judging panel evaluates all Preliminary Round submissions and announces the 18 competitors advancing to the on-site rounds.

26 April 2026

Official on-site practice day for the Top 18 competitors.

Each competitor will be assigned to a station and receive 1 hour 20 minutes of practice time on the official competition machine.

Competitors may also use the designated cupping space after practice.

27 April 2026

Semi-Final competition day.

Each of the 18 competitors will be assigned to a station and receive 1 hour 20 minutes for the official round.

Competitors will use Brazil Santuário Sul Geisha Washed, receive 500 g of green coffee, and submit 300 g of roasted coffee.

28 April 2026

Semi-Final coffees will be evaluated in a live cupping smackdown format.

Six competitors will advance to the Grand Final.

The finalists will then receive practice time for the final round.

28 April 2026, afternoon

Grand Final practice session for the Top 6 finalists using Panama Santamaría Estate GN4F.

Each finalist will receive 500 g of green coffee.

29 April 2026, morning

Grand Final coffees will be evaluated using the full SCA CVA form to determine the final ranking from 1st to 6th place.

The Top 3 competitors will earn the right to represent Thailand at the World Roasting League World Final in Taiwan.

The Top 6 finalists will also compete in the Brewing Battle for a special prize.

Rules and Conditions

Coffee Use

Only the official competition coffee assigned for each round may be used. Any use of unauthorized coffee will result in disqualification.

Equipment

Competitors must use the official competition equipment provided by the organizer during the on-site rounds.

Sample Submission

Competitors are responsible for ensuring that their samples arrive on time and are clearly labeled with the correct registered name. Late, incomplete, or unidentified submissions may not be accepted.

Conduct

Competitors must follow all instructions from the organizer, judges, and technical staff. Any behavior that disrupts the event or affects other competitors may result in disqualification.

Media

By registering for the competition, competitors agree that the organizer may photograph, film, and use competition images, video, and related content for promotional and event purposes.

Organizer Rights

The organizer reserves the right to update schedules, operational details, or competition procedures if necessary. All final decisions by the judges and organizer are binding.

Who Should Join

This competition is designed for roasters who want to challenge themselves with exceptional coffees, compete in a structured format, and gain exposure on a larger stage.

It is also an opportunity to:

Roast coffees from internationally recognized producers

Practice under live competition conditions

Receive visibility through stage presentation and event media

Compete for a place on the international stage in Taiwan

Registration and Additional Coffee Purchase

Registered competitors will receive the official coffee allocation for each round as specified above.

If competitors would like to purchase additional coffee for practice or preparation, they may do so directly through the official sponsor, subject to availability.

Further registration and sponsor purchasing details will be announced through official event channels.