2015 WBC China Trials: Beijing Registration Now Open

If you’re a skilled barista in China with big dreams on the global stage, the 2015 World Barista Championship (WBC) could be your next move—but only if you meet the strict criteria. This is your chance to represent China at the world’s top coffee competition, but there are rules you need to know before applying.

In short: you must be over 18, a Chinese citizen, have at least two years of barista experience, work at a cafe that enters no more than three staff, and register for just one city qualifier before November 25. The national finals happen in Shanghai in early April 2015.

What Is the World Barista Championship?

The World Barista Championship (WBC) is the global benchmark for professional baristas, often called the “coffee Olympics.” Organized by World Coffee Events, it showcases the skills behind crafting espresso, milk drinks, and signature beverages under intense time and quality pressure. Every year, national winners battle for the ultimate title—and in China, that journey starts at the China Barista Championship (CBC).

How to Compete in the 2015 China Qualifiers

The 2015 China Barista Championship (CBC)—the official qualifier for the WBC—is open to qualified baristas across China. To enter, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old and hold Chinese citizenship
• Have worked as a barista for two or more years and be proficient with semi-automatic espresso machines
• Be officially employed by a cafe that submits no more than three competitors (confirmed by company chop on registration)
• Have your employer’s business license registered in the same province or city as the competition zone you enter
• Compete in only one city qualifier—multiple entries mean only your first score counts

Competition Structure and Deadlines

The CBC national finals will take place March 30 to April 2, 2015, during the HOTELEX Shanghai trade show. Prior to that, baristas must win their regional (city-level) qualifiers. Each competitor has 15 minutes to prepare and serve: 4 espressos, 4 cappuccinos, and 4 signature drinks—all judged to international standards.

Registration for the 2015 CBC Beijing (and other zones) is open now and runs until November 25, 2014. Contact the organizers via phone at 010-59005818 or 15810573019 to enter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to compete in the 2015 China Barista Championship?

You must be at least 18 years old, a Chinese citizen, and have worked as a barista for two or more years. You also need to be proficient with semi-automatic espresso machines. Only employees of cafes that enter no more than three staff members are allowed, verified by the company chop on the application form.

Can I enter more than one city qualifier?

No. Each competitor is allowed to register for only one city qualifier. If you enter multiple city competitions, only the result from your first participation will be valid.

How many people can my cafe send to the competition?

A single cafe can enter a maximum of three competitors, and this is confirmed by the official chop (stamp) on the registration form. All entrants from the same shop must have their employer’s business license located in the same competition zone.

When is the registration deadline?

Registration for the 2015 CBC (including Beijing) opens now and closes on November 25, 2014. Make sure to submit your application and required documents before this date.

Where and when is the national final held?

The CBC national finals will be held from March 30 to April 2, 2015, at the HOTELEX Shanghai exhibition, where the winner will earn the right to represent China at the World Barista Championship.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Barista Training

For baristas prepping for competitions like the China Barista Championship, FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Huakui offers vibrant floral and citrus notes ideal for crafting dynamic espressos and signature drinks. Their Yirgacheffe provides bright berry and jasmine tones, perfect for cappuccinos with clarity and balance. Both beans are single origins with distinct profiles that let technique shine. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.