The 2026 PCA Australia Cup Tasters Championship, held on June 7, concluded with Nophadon Kantaros taking first place. The event was marked by what organizers described as record-breaking participation from both competitors and spectators, indicating strong engagement within the Australian specialty coffee community.
According to the event organizer, PCA Australia, initial registration saw all 32 competitor slots filled within 15 minutes. An additional eight places were released due to high demand and were also claimed within 30 minutes. Spectator interest was similarly high, with all 50 available tickets being booked before the event took place.
Kantaros secured the win by correctly identifying seven cups in five minutes and 18 seconds. The runner-up was Tomoyo Tada, who also identified seven cups with a time of six minutes and 15 seconds, while Sangmin Ju placed third with six cups in five minutes and 39 seconds. The field of competitors reportedly included past national champions and a World Cup Tasters Championship finalist, reflecting a high level of sensory skill in the region.