Crucial changes to the rules of the 2024 World Barista Championship revealed
As the coffee community eagerly awaits the 2024 World Barista Championship (WBC) scheduled for May 1 to May 4 in Busan, South Korea, the Specialty Coffee Association has released a comprehensive summary of rule changes that will shape the upcoming competition. Let’s delve into the critical modifications, comparing them to the 2023 rules, understanding the reasons for change, and assessing their potential impact on the competition.
1.4.1 Judging
2023 Rule: B. WBC Judges must not coach and judge at a WBC event. Failure to disclose conflicts may result in disqualification.
2024 Rule: B. Judges must declare coaching conflicts before the event. No communication during the competition. Failure to comply leads to disqualification.
Reason for Change: Added for clarity. No formal differences to current practice.
Impact on Competition: N/A.
Bodies
2023 Rule: D. Individuals involved in Competition Body management should not compete in the same year.
2024 Rule: D. Individuals in Competition Body management cannot compete in the same year.
Reason for Change: Emphasis on avoiding conflicts of interest.
Impact on Competition: Encourages Competition Bodies to focus on supporting their communities without potential conflicts of interest.
3.1 Espresso
2023 Rule: B. Coffee may not have any additives, flavorings, etc., added between picking and extraction.
2024 Rule: B. No additives after the “green coffee” stage.
Reason for Change: Added for clarity. No formal differences to current practice.
Impact on Competition: Competition Bodies may adopt changes in the 2024 or 2025 season.
3.2 Milk Beverage
2023 Rule: B. Only plain plant-based milks allowed. No human milk accepted.
2024 Rule: B. All commercially available unflavored milks can be used. Combining milks allowed.
Reason for Change: Added for clarity. No formal differences to current practice.
Impact on Competition: Competition Bodies may adopt changes in the 2024 or 2025 season.
15.1.5 Tactile Experience
2023 Rule: The tactile experience after the coffee has left the mouth is considered in Tactile Experience.
2024 Rule: The tactile experience is now explicitly separated from the aftertaste evaluation.
Reason for Change: Enhanced clarity in evaluation.
Impact on Competition: Competition Bodies may adopt changes in the 2024 or 2025 season.
As the 2024 WBC approaches, these rule changes not only aim for transparency but also set the stage for a competition that fosters creativity and excellence on the global barista platform. The industry will be closely watching how competitors adapt to and leverage these modifications to elevate their performances.
