Pan Wei of China Crowned 2026 World Barista Champion
- Pan Wei of China has been crowned the 2026 World Barista Champion.
- The result was announced on October 25, 2026, in Panama City.
- This is the first time a competitor from mainland China has won the title.
- A total of 49 national champions from around the world competed.
- Shing Win of Malaysia placed second, and Frederick Ruben of the UAE third.
- Pan Wei used two Gesha coffees from Panama and Colombia in the final.
- World of Coffee Panama attracted around 20,000 visitors over three days.
After four intense days of competition at the Panama Convention Center, Pan Wei has been crowned the 2026 World Barista Champion. Pan Wei represented the Competition Body of China. The announcement came on October 25, 2026, during the finals of the 26th World Barista Championship.
The championship was held as the headline event of the inaugural World of Coffee Panama. This marks the first time the World of Coffee series has taken place in Latin America or Central America. The event was organized by the Specialty Coffee Association through the World Coffee Championships.
The Champion’s Path: From Hangzhou to the Podium
Pan Wei is based in Hangzhou and is associated with Parking Coffee. He brings 12 years of experience in the coffee industry and competitive coffee. He is a two-time China Barista Champion. This was his second appearance at the World Barista Championship. In his first appearance in 2024, he placed 27th.
In addition, Pan Wei operates his own coffee brand and roastery. This combination of competitive experience and daily commercial work gives him a practical understanding of the entire coffee chain.
Final Rankings
The finals featured strong competition among six competitors from three continents. The results were as follows:
| Rank | Competitor | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pan Wei | China |
| 2 | Shing Win | Malaysia |
| 3 | Frederick Ruben | United Arab Emirates |
| 4 | Gabrel Tan | Australia |
| 5 | Jane Kawinnart | Thailand |
| 6 | Jill Hoff | Canada |
How Are Competitors Judged?
Each competitor had 15 minutes on stage. During that time, they prepared four espressos, four milk-based drinks, and four signature beverages. Performances were judged on taste, technical skill, creativity, presentation, and overall performance.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Competitors | 49 national champions |
| Stage time per competitor | 15 minutes |
| Beverages presented | 12 drinks |
| Event visitors | Around 20,000 |
| Event duration | Three days |
Two Coffees from Panama and Colombia in the Final
In the final, Pan Wei competed with two Gesha coffees. The first came from Finca El Pergamino in Chiriquí, Panama. The second was a mosto-fermented Gesha from Finca Las Flores in Huila, Colombia. His routine emphasized sensory clarity, narrative, and precise technical execution.
Moreover, defending 2025 World Barista Champion Jack Simpson of Australia was present in Panama. He supported Australian finalist Gabrel Tan. He then presented the trophy to Pan Wei in a symbolic passing of the torch.
A Historic Event for Latin America
World of Coffee Panama attracted approximately 20,000 visitors over three days. This highlighted the region’s growing role in the global specialty coffee industry. Panama’s own Benjamín Roque advanced to the top 16, underscoring local talent.
Performances from the championship are available to rewatch on the World Coffee Championships YouTube channel.
What Does This Mean for Asia and Specialty Coffee?
This victory reflects the continued rise of Asian competitors on the world stage. It also reflects the expanding global reach of specialty coffee. A competitor from mainland China winning the title is a significant symbolic step. At the same time, a UAE competitor reaching third place confirms the growth of talent in the Gulf region.
As a result, the specialty coffee map looks more diverse than ever. Excellence is no longer confined to traditional origin countries. Instead, it is the product of structured training, strong national competitions, and investment in sensory and technical knowledge.