World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops to Present Continental Rankings at World of Coffee

DUBAI – Qahwa World × Buna Kurs

The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops has entered into a strategic agreement with the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) to present its continental Top 100 rankings during upcoming World of Coffee exhibitions starting in 2026.

Under the agreement, the continental rankings will be officially unveiled as part of the World of Coffee program, integrating the recognition initiative into one of the specialty coffee industry’s most influential global trade platforms.

The collaboration will debut at World of Coffee San Diego (April 10–12, 2026), where the Top 100 coffee shops for North America, Central America, and the Caribbean will be announced. The program will then continue at World of Coffee Brussels (June 25–27, 2026), featuring the presentation of Europe’s Top 100 coffee shops.

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Integration into the Global Specialty Coffee Platform

Developed by Neodrinks, The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops forms part of a broader international recognition framework that includes global, continental, and national rankings. The selection system combines evaluations from industry professionals with public voting to identify coffee shops contributing to excellence and innovation within specialty coffee.

By incorporating the continental announcements into official SCA programming, the rankings will gain direct exposure to producers, roasters, baristas, retailers, and equipment manufacturers attending World of Coffee events.

César Ramírez, founder of the initiative, described the agreement as a natural step in the platform’s evolution, positioning the rankings within the sector’s leading professional forums.

SCA CEO Yannis Apostolopoulos stated that the collaboration provides an opportunity to celebrate specialty coffee professionals and coffee shops shaping the industry’s future during World of Coffee gatherings.

Read also: The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops 2026 Unveiled in Madrid

Strengthening International Visibility

Organized by the Specialty Coffee Association, World of Coffee rotates annually across major global cities and is widely regarded as one of the most important trade events in the specialty coffee sector. The exhibitions typically feature large-scale trade shows, educational programs, competitions, and professional networking forums.

The integration of continental rankings into these events marks a significant milestone in the international consolidation of The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops initiative, reinforcing its global visibility and institutional alignment within the specialty coffee ecosystem.

Additional continental announcements are expected as the 2026 World of Coffee calendar progresses.

The Barista League Launches 2026 Season, Redefining Coffee Competitions Worldwide

Dubai – Qahwa World

The Barista League has announced its groundbreaking 2026 Season, introducing a completely new competition format that reimagines what a coffee championship can be. The new concept, built around three central pillars — Concept, Service, and Product — marks a radical departure from traditional competitions that prioritize technical precision. Instead, it challenges baristas to craft and deliver experiential coffee concepts that merge creativity, storytelling, and service excellence.

According to The Barista League 2026 Rules, baristas are described as “the gatekeepers to the coffee experience.” Their role goes beyond brewing — they are responsible for translating the stories, culture, and craftsmanship behind coffee into memorable experiences for consumers.

A New Era for Coffee Competitions

In the restructured scoring system, Concept and Service together account for 62% of the total score, while Product represents 38%. This shift places greater emphasis on innovation, communication, and guest experience. Competitors will design complete experiential concepts that guide audiences through a sensory journey, using the stage, sound, and lighting of The Barista League to bring their ideas to life.

“We want to see bold, creative service concepts that push the boundaries of what a coffee experience can be,” said Steven Moloney, founder of The Barista League. “This stage is a platform for baristas to use in the most innovative and impactful ways they can imagine.”

Watchable, Interactive, and Global

The 2026 Season is designed to be dynamic and engaging for both in-person and online audiences. Judges and competitors will be mic’d up, performances will be displayed on large screens, and the events will include live commentary, interviews, and real-time scoring. Every event will also be live-streamed and available for replay, making the competition accessible to coffee enthusiasts worldwide.

A Platform for Innovation and Leadership

Staying true to its mission, The Barista League continues to highlight creativity, inclusivity, and leadership within the global coffee community. With minimal barriers to entry, the competition focuses on imagination and collaboration rather than expensive tools or technical setups.

“We are looking for baristas who want to push the boundaries of service, rethink what a coffee experience can be, and use this stage to shape the future of the industry,” the 2026 rules state.

Moloney added, “Despite enormous changes in the industry, the competition landscape has not developed significantly over the past 10 years. We want to create a platform for the future leaders of our industry to stand up and show us where we are going next.”

Global Tour Across Six Continents

The 2026 season will feature six events spanning six continents, each hosting six barista teams chosen by regional selection committees:

The Barista League — 2026 Locations & Dates
Continent City Date
Europe Prague 28 March 2026
Latin America Mexico City 8 May 2026
Asia Tokyo 11 June 2026
North America Atlanta 3 September 2026
Africa Johannesburg 3 October 2026
Pacific Brisbane 13 November 2026

For more information, visit thebaristaleague.com
.