Quang Cường (in green) during the final round. Cre: World Cup Tasters Championship
For the first time in history, Vietnam has claimed the highest title at the World Cup Tasters Championship — one of the most prestigious competitions in the global specialty coffee industry.
On May 9 in Bangkok, Vietnamese competitor Lê Quang Cường, also known as Nicky, defeated 46 international contestants to become the 2026 World Cup Tasters Champion. The victory marked a historic milestone not only for him personally, but also for Vietnam’s growing reputation within the global coffee community.
Before reaching the international stage, Lê Quang Cường had already emerged victorious against more than 100 competitors at the Vietnam National Cup Tasters Championship 2026 held in Ho Chi Minh City earlier this year. The national competition also marked the first time Vietnam officially organized its own Cup Tasters Championship, selecting a representative for the world stage.
A Competition Built On Precision And Sensory Skill
Cre: World Cup Tasters Championship
First established in 2004, the World Cup Tasters Championship is part of the larger World Coffee Championships system, a series of elite annual competitions celebrating excellence and technical skill in global coffee culture.
The format of the competition tests participants entirely through sensory perception. In each round, competitors are presented with eight groups of three coffee cups — two identical and one different. Using taste, aroma, acidity, and texture alone, contestants must identify the different cup in each set within a maximum of eight minutes. Winners are determined first by the number of correct answers, then by completion time.
Throughout the competition, Lê Quang Cường maintained strong performances across every round. In the final, he correctly identified 7 out of 8 sets in just 3 minutes and 35 seconds, securing first place ahead of the remaining international finalists.
Vietnam’s First Appearance Ends In Victory
Cre: World Cup Tasters Championship
This year also marked the first time Vietnam ever sent a representative to compete at the World Cup Tasters Championship. That debut ending in a championship victory immediately turned the moment into a major milestone for Vietnam’s coffee industry.
Speaking after the competition, Lê Quang Cường shared that beyond the trophy itself, the most meaningful part of the experience was the opportunity to represent Vietnam internationally. He expressed hope that the victory would encourage more global attention toward Vietnamese coffee and inspire future Vietnamese competitors.
“I think this will become a memorable milestone for Vietnam’s coffee community and motivate future contestants,” he shared.
A Growing Global Interest In Vietnamese Coffee
The victory arrives during a period of increasing international attention toward Vietnamese coffee, particularly Robusta beans. Long known as one of the world’s largest coffee-producing countries, Vietnam has recently gained greater recognition within specialty coffee spaces as global Arabica supplies continue facing shortages.
While Vietnamese coffee production has historically focused heavily on quantity, conversations within the industry are increasingly shifting toward quality, traceability, and specialty coffee development. Victories like Lê Quang Cường’s signal how Vietnam is no longer only being recognized as a major producer, but also as a country capable of competing at the highest levels of coffee craftsmanship and sensory expertise.
More than an individual achievement, the championship reflects the growing confidence of Vietnam’s specialty coffee community as it continues establishing its place on the global stage.