2026 UAC x World Roasting League 

Cup Tasters Competition – Rules & Regulations

 

 

The UAC Cup Tasters Competition is designed to evaluate competitors’ sensory ability through a triangulation test format. Competitors must identify the cup that is different within each set, using speed, accuracy, and sensory skill.

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1. Competition Format

The competition uses a triangulation test format.

 

In each set:

 

• Two cups contain the same coffee

• One cup contains a different coffee

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Competitors must identify the odd cup in each set within the allocated time.

 

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2. Competition Structure (Day 1: 27 April 2026, for Geisha Roasting and Workshop)

The competition consists of 3 rounds.

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2.1 Qualification Round (DAY 2: 28 April 2026)

• Total competitors: 80 competitors

• Coffee sets: 6 triangulation sets

• Format: 8 competitors per heat

• Advancement: Top 18 competitors

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2.2 Round 2 (Top 18) (Day 3: 29 April 2026 2pm) 

• Total competitors: 18 competitors

• Coffee sets: 8 triangulation sets

• Format: 6 competitors per heat

• Advancement: Top 6 competitors

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2.3 Final Round (Top 6) (Day 3: 29 April 2026 4pm) 

• Total competitors: 6 competitors

• Coffee sets: 8 triangulation sets

• Format: 3 competitors per heat

• Objective: To determine 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place

 

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3. Competition Procedure

• Coffee will be presented in triangulation sets

• Competitors must taste at least 2 cups per set before making a decision

• The answer must be indicated by pushing the selected cup across the answer line

• Once the cup has crossed the answer line, the decision is final and cannot be changed

• Competitors must raise their hand and call “Time” when finished

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4. Time Rules

For all rounds:

• Competition time: 10 minutes per round

• Table reset time: 5 minutes per round

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All evaluations must be completed within the given time limit.

 

5. Equipment

Competitors are allowed to use:

• Personal cupping spoon or spoon provided by the organizer

• Personal water for palate cleansing

• Personal split cup or split cup provided by the organizer

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No other equipment is permitted unless approved by the organizer.

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6. Scoring

Scores are based on:

• The number of correctly identified cups

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In case of a tie:

• The competitor with the fastest completion time will rank higher

 

7. Judging

• Judges will verify results after each round

• No answers will be revealed during the competition

• Scores from each round are independent and do not carry over to the next round

 

8. Disqualification

Competitors may be disqualified for:

 

• Changing an answer after the cup has crossed the answer line

• Failing to complete the round within the time limit

• Using unauthorized equipment

• Arriving late for check-in

• Disturbing other competitors

• Entering restricted areas without authorization

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9. Check-In Requirement

 

All competitors must report to the competition area at least 20 minutes before their scheduled round.

 

Failure to arrive on time may result in disqualification.

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10. General Terms

• All judging decisions are final

• The organizer reserves the right to modify rules, format, or schedule if necessary

• Competitors agree to allow the use of photos, videos, and other media for promotional purposes
   

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11. Acceptance of Terms

By registering for the competition, all competitors acknowledge that they have:

 

• Read the rules and regulations

• Understood the competition format

• Agreed to comply with all terms and conditions

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update as of 30/03/2026