2014 World Coffee Roasting Champion: Lai Yuquan

When you wonder how someone becomes the best coffee roaster in the world, you’re really asking: what does it take to master heat, time, and raw green beans under pressure? For Lai Yuquan, it started with a part-time job at a café in Yunlin, Taiwan, where the smell of roasting coffee changed his life forever.

Lai Yuquan became the 2014 World Coffee Roasting Champion in Italy, beating more than ten other roasting experts from Europe and Asia. He was 35 at the time and had built his skills through years of work, study, and self-driven training.

From Café Worker to World Champion

Lai Yuquan grew up energetic and curious about food. At age 22, while studying at Yunlin’s TransWorld University, he took a job at a local café. Drawn in by the aroma of roasting coffee, he committed to the craft. Over the next 13 years, he worked, studied, and eventually started his own business—all while logging 12-hour workdays without complaint.

Certifications and Global Recognition

By 2012, Lai had earned certifications from the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) as both a cupping judge and a licensed Q Grader. The next year, he added more credentials from the European Coffee Federation: he passed exams in green coffee grading, coffee roasting, sensory evaluation, and became a certified judge for the Golden Cup extraction standard. These qualifications prepared him to compete at the highest level.

The 2014 World Coffee Roasting Championship

In Italy, Lai Yuquan competed against elite roasters from across Europe and Asia. On the day of the competition, he took first place in the roasting category. As his name was announced, he jumped for joy, waved the flag of Taiwan (Chinese Taipei), and declared to the audience, "I am from Chinese Taipei." His win highlighted the strength of Taiwan’s coffee talent on the global stage.

Why His Win Mattered

Lai’s victory wasn’t just personal—it signaled Taiwan’s rising position in specialty coffee. He urged other local roasters and baristas to enter international competitions, learn from global techniques, and push their own boundaries. For Lai himself, the title was not the end. He continues to refine his craft and chase higher standards in roasting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Lai Yuquan?

Lai Yuquan is a Taiwanese coffee roaster who won the 2014 World Coffee Roasting Championship in Italy. He has over a decade of experience in coffee roasting, cupping, and sensory evaluation, and is known for his dedication and high-level certifications.

What competition did Lai Yuquan win in 2014?

Lai Yuquan won the roasting category at the 2014 World Coffee Roasting Championship, held in Italy. He competed against more than ten roasters from Europe and Asia and took first place.

What certifications did Lai Yuquan earn before the championship?

Before winning the championship, Lai Yuquan earned certifications from the SCAA as a cupping judge and Q Grader in 2012. In 2013, he passed multiple European Coffee Federation exams, including green coffee grading, roasting, sensory skills, and Golden Cup extraction judging.

Where is Lai Yuquan from?

Lai Yuquan is from Taiwan (officially competing as Chinese Taipei). He studied at Yunlin’s TransWorld University and began his coffee career there.

Does Lai Yuquan still roast coffee?

Yes, Lai Yuquan continues to roast coffee and pursue excellence in the field. He has encouraged other Taiwanese coffee professionals to compete internationally and learn from global practices.

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