World Barista Championship Comes to Dalian's Kerry Properties Plaza

Looking for the real story behind the World Barista Championship (WBC) as it landed in China? In mid-December, the global stage for top-tier barista talent set up shop not in a convention center, but right in the heart of a shopping mall — bringing professional coffee performance to the public in a way few competitions do.

Fifteen baristas from across China competed live over three days (Dec 12–14) at Kerry Properties Plaza in Dalian, putting skills like latte art, pour-over, and siphon brewing on display under the watch of seven international judges.

What Is the WBC and Why Does It Matter?

The World Barista Championship is the only truly global competition for coffee professionals. Each year, baristas from over 25–26 national regions compete in localized qualifiers. The top two from each country or zone then advance to the World Barista Championship finals held the following year. It’s the sport’s equivalent of the Olympics — but for coffee.

What Took Place in Dalian?

From December 12 to 14, the Dalian Kerry Properties Plaza atrium hosted the China regional qualifier for the WBC. This wasn’t just another trade show — it was a live competition where skilled baristas demonstrated their craft in front of shoppers and coffee fans. Competitors showcased latte art, hand-poured filter methods, and siphon brewing techniques, all while operating under WBC’s official standards.

Throughout the event, seven international judges evaluated each performance, assessing not just taste and technique, but also presentation, cleanliness, and storytelling through coffee.

What Was It Like for Visitors?

Visitors weren’t just watching — they were tasting. Alongside the intense competition backstage, the event offered a public-facing showcase where attendees could sample the baristas’ work. Beyond the coffee, the event contributed to the festive December atmosphere, blending Western holiday vibes with the rich sensory experience of specialty coffee.

According to reports, the three-day event helped drive foot traffic, with the plaza averaging 32,379 visitors per day during the weekend. The promotion and buzz also added nearly 200 new WeChat followers to the venue’s official account.

While the article doesn’t specify which exact brewing methods or coffee origins were used, it confirms the presence of latte art, pour-over, and siphon competitions — all staples of elite barista performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the World Barista Championship (WBC)?

The WBC is the global championship for professional baristas, organized annually with regional qualifiers leading to a world final. It is the most prestigious competition in specialty coffee, testing baristas on brewing skill, drink design, taste, presentation, and customer engagement.

Where was the 2023 China regional WBC held?

The 2023 China regional qualifier for the WBC took place at Kerry Properties Plaza in Dalian, from December 12 to 14, 2023.

How many baristas competed in the Dalian WBC qualifier?

Fifteen baristas from across China participated in the Dalian WBC qualifier event.

Were there international judges at the Dalian competition?

Yes, the competition featured seven international judges who evaluated the baristas’ performances according to WBC standards.

What brewing methods were showcased?

The event included live demonstrations of latte art, pour-over (hand drip), and siphon brewing, all performed by competing baristas.

Did the event attract a lot of visitors?

Yes, the event drew an average of 32,379 visitors per day over the weekend, and helped the venue gain nearly 200 new WeChat followers.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Latte & Filter Brewing

For baristas competing in WBC-style events, FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera offers vibrant florals and citrus notes ideal for pour-over, while their PWN Golden Mandheling brings heavy body and sweet spice — perfect for milk drinks like lattes. Both beans are expertly roasted to highlight clarity and balance, making them excellent choices for high-level filter and espresso-based routines. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.