Portugal AeroPress Championship 2026

Portugal AeroPress Championship 2026

Competition Rules and Regulations

1. Event Format

   1. The competition follows a knockout format over several rounds.
   2. In each round, two or more competitors prepare coffee simultaneously, using an AeroPress.
   3. Competitors have 5 minutes for the entire process of coffee preparation, extraction and presentation.
   4. After extraction, the coffees must be presented in identical containers to a panel of judges.
   5. The judges will hold a blind taste test, evaluating each coffee privately to determine the best.
   6. On a synchronized count of three, the judges simultaneously point to the coffee they prefer.
   7. The winner of the round advances to the next stage; the remainder are eliminated

2. Equipment Specifications and Constraints

   1. Competitors may only use one AeroPress during the competition.
   2. Competitors must use a genuine Original AeroPress or Clear AeroPress.
   3. All main components must be used: the chamber, the plunger, and the original filter cap or Flow Control Filter Cap.
   4. The use of the Flow Control Filter Cap is permitted as long as it is a genuine AeroPress product, and not a parallel or other brand version.
   5. Other versions, such as the AeroPress Go, XL and Premium, are not permitted.
   6. Custom AeroPresses are permitted as long as they derive from a genuine and unmodified Original or Clear AeroPress.
   7. No other coffee-making method is permitted, including, but not limited to: French press, pour-over, syphon, zero bypass, among others.

3. Filters – Use and Guidelines

   1. Any type or brand of filter is permitted, as long as it does not replace the AeroPress filter cap.
   2. Filters may be made of paper, metal, fabric or other materials, provided they are flavour-neutral and do not alter the sensory profile of the coffee.
   3. The filter must fit into the filter cap or Flow Control Filter Cap and be the main coffee filtration medium.

4. Accessories and Preparation Tools

   1. Accessories such as grinders, kettles, decanters, scales, stirrers, spoons, timers, thermometers, stands, sieves, blowers, RDT/WDT tools, chilling stones (frosty balls) and water dispersion aids are permitted.
   2. All accessories must comply with the rules listed in “Equipment Specifications and Restrictions” and must not violate any other rules.

5. Preparation Regulations

   1. Only ground coffee and water are permitted as ingredients.
   2. The recipe can contain a maximum of 20g of ground coffee.
      The competitor must prepare at least 150g of brewed coffee.
   3. Bypass water at any temperature may be added.
   4. Coffees not submitted within the 5-minute limit will not be evaluated.

6. Regulations on Coffee

   1. Each competitor is given 150g of coffee to practise with before the competition.
   2. The competition coffee is roasted by Torra.
   3. It is compulsory to use only the coffee provided by the organisation.
   4. On the day, you will have more coffee available to test and train with before your trial.

7. Water Regulations

   1. If it is not provided – to be confirmed by the organisation by 21 August –, competitors may bring their own water.
   2. Water should have a neutral taste, with no additives or perceptible sweetness.
   3. The Lead Judge may taste the water and disqualify it if it is not suitable.
   4. The use of ice and any water temperature is permitted for bypass.
   5. The same rules apply to brewing water, bypass and ice.

8. Post-mineralisation

   1. The addition of minerals, concentrates or supplementary additives as a separate substance — whether during preparation or already in the extracted coffee — is considered an ingredient and is not permitted.
   2. The addition of concentrated minerals is only permitted when dissolved in water that complies with the Water Regulations.
   3. These rules apply equally to brewing water, ice and bypass water.

9. Assessment Process

   1. Each round is judged using a blind spoon test (scooping, slurping, spitting).
   2. The identification of the competitors is hidden at the bottom of the cups.
   3. There is no formal score sheet; the judges choose the coffee they prefer.
   4. Decisions are individual, without discussion between judges.
   5. On the count of three, the judges point to the chosen cup.
   6. The presenter reveals the winner by lifting the chosen cup.
   7. In the event of a tie (each judge chooses a different cup), the Head Judge tastes all the coffees and decides the winner – this decision is final.

10. Pre-Competition Preparation

    1. Before the official time on stage, the contestants they can:
       • Preheat the water;
       • Choose and weigh the coffee;
       • Assemble the AeroPress;
       • Fit the filter into the lid.

11. Stage Setup Time

    1. Before the start of the official competition time, competitors will have a few minutes to get ready
    2. The competitors they can;
       • Switching on kettles or other equipment;
       • Position the extraction equipment;
       • Preheat the water in the kettle.
    3. The competitors no they can:
       • Clean the filter;
       • Preheat or refrigerate the AeroPress or vessels.
       • Put the coffee in the grinder or grind coffee.

12. Competition Time

    1. During the 5 minutes, the competitors must:
       • Preheat or refrigerate equipment (if desired);
       • Grind the coffee.;
       • Prepare the recipe;
       • Pour all the extracted coffee into the tasting vessel.

    2. Competitors may taste their own coffee at any time during the Competition Time.

13. Code of Conduct

    1. Any preparation technique or action that hinders, disturbs, or otherwise interferes with the ability of another competitor to prepare their coffee, whether intentional or accidental, is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to:

       1. Blowing coffee grounds or other material into another competitor's preparation area;
       2. Shaking, banging or striking the shared workbench in a way that affects the equipment or workflow of another competitor;
       3. Encroaching on another competitor's allocated space or obstructing their access to equipment, water or necessary movement during extraction.

14. Eligibility for the 2026 AeroPress Championship Portugal

    1. Anyone, of any age over 16, can compete.
    2. Competitors are not required to have a passport, citizenship or permanent residence in the country where they compete.
    3. Competitors must have lived in the country where they are competing for the 3 months immediately prior to the date of the competition, and must be able to demonstrate this through reasonable means if requested.
    4. As soon as a competitor wins a National Championship, they are no longer eligible to compete in any Regional or National competitions, in any country, for the remainder of that season.
    5. People in management or leadership positions within the organising entity cannot compete in the event they organise.
    6. Anyone holding a shareholding in a host organisation of an AeroPress championship cannot compete in any regional or national leg of the season in which that organisation is the host.
    7. Employees, contractors or freelancers directly involved in the organisation of the event are also not eligible.
    8. Employees or contractors of any partner roastery or designated supplier of the host entity who have had physical access to or direct involvement in the handling of the competition coffee, including green coffee reception, roasting, quality control, packaging, storage or distribution. For the avoidance of doubt, incidental knowledge of the name, origin or general roasting process of the coffee, without physical access or direct involvement, does not, in itself, render a competitor ineligible.

    9. The Organisation (Tasteology) may request reasonable information to assess eligibility and may determine eligibility at its discretion. This decision is final and does not confer any right to a refund.

15. Eligibility for the World Final

    1. If the National Champion is unable to travel or obtain a visa, the runner-up will take their place.
    2. If 2nd place cannot go, the place goes to 3rd place.
    3. Eligibility does not extend beyond 3rd place, nor can it be transferred.
    4. This place cannot be carried over to future editions.

16. Winner Cannot Travel

    1. If the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners cannot attend the World Final, the host must award a consolation cash prize to the National Champion.
    2. This allowance must be equivalent to at least 50% of the estimated travel costs, for example:
       Accommodation (3 nights × $200) = $600
       Flights (return) = $3,000
       Estimated total = $3,600
       Cash prize (50%) = $1,800
    3. The prize value must be validated and approved by the World AeroPress Championship.
    4. The prize must be paid in cash or by bank transfer within 7 days of approval.
    5. This award is only a last resort. National Champions are expected to participate, and Hosts must ensure this participation.

17. Complaints and Disputes Procedure

    1. 1. Any complaint or dispute relating to the 2026 Portugal AeroPress Championship must be directed to the event Host (Tasteology)
       2. If it is not resolved, or if the complaint relates to the World Final, a clear and concise explanation must be sent to: he***@**ro.press
       3. Complaints made via social media or direct messages will not be considered.