As the new year gets rolling, plenty of guys are looking for ways to shake things up—maybe hit the gym, finally organize the garage, or just enjoy better mornings. For those who take their coffee seriously, though, February brings something a little different and pretty exciting: the first national coffee competitions of 2026, landing right in the heart of Seattle.
From February 5th through the 8th, two major events under the US Coffee Championships banner will take over Olympia Coffee's downtown Seattle spot at Cedar Hall. The Coffee in Good Spirits Championship and the Latte Art Championship are both heading to Washington state, giving coffee professionals a chance to show what they've got on a national stage.
Seattle has long been a big deal in the coffee world, and this choice of location feels right at home. The city helped start the whole specialty coffee movement decades ago, and it still draws people who care about quality beans, careful roasting, and a solid pour. Hosting these championships there keeps that tradition going strong.
The venue itself adds to the appeal. Olympia Coffee's Cedar Hall location sits inside the revitalized atrium of the U.S. Bank Center in downtown Seattle. It's a sharp, modern setup that has already turned heads—people have called it one of the standout coffee spaces around, with a focus on thoughtful service and high-quality drinks. Olympia Coffee itself has built a solid reputation since starting back in 2005. They roast their own beans with an eye on fair practices and sustainability (they're even B Corp certified), offering single-origin coffees, small micro-lots, and reliable blends. Their downtown Seattle cafe serves up everything from straight espresso to seasonal specials, and locals often talk about the consistency and care that goes into each cup. For anyone who appreciates a place that does coffee without cutting corners, it's a fitting spot for a national showdown.
Now, let's break down what these two competitions actually involve.
First, the Coffee in Good Spirits Championship (often called CIGS) brings together the worlds of coffee and mixology. Competitors—people who know their way around both espresso machines and cocktail shakers—create original drinks that pair high-quality coffee with spirits. It's a chance to get creative, blending flavors in ways you don't see every day at your local bar. Think signature beverages that highlight the best qualities of both ingredients. This year, 16 competitors will take the stage. Six of those spots go to people who made it to the Finals in either the 2024 or 2025 seasons, giving some proven talent a direct path back. The rest earn their way in through other qualifications. It's a tough format that rewards both technical skill and real imagination.
Then there's the Latte Art Championship, which is all about precision and visual skill. Competitors use free-pour techniques (no stencils or etching tools) to create detailed designs in the foam of lattes and macchiatos. Judges look at everything: how clean and defined the patterns are, the contrast between milk and espresso, the difficulty of the designs, and the overall impression. Rounds typically challenge baristas to produce both traditional patterns and more complex, free-form artwork. This time around, 18 competitors will face off, with a similar setup reserving spots for strong performers from the previous two seasons' Finals.
Both events promise a full few days of watching skilled people push their craft. You'll see new ideas, fresh techniques, and plenty of moments where someone does something you didn't think was possible with milk and espresso.
If you're thinking about getting involved, registration opened on January 2nd. Spots for competitors, judges, and volunteers are first-come, first-served, so moving fast matters. The organizers also set up online learning sessions to help people prepare. The Coffee in Good Spirits session kicked off January 5th at 7pm, while the Latte Art one ran the following day at 6pm Eastern. Both were recorded, so even if you missed them live, the material is still out there to study.
For anyone wanting to attend as a spectator, it's a great opportunity to see top-level coffee work up close, connect with others who care about the details, and maybe pick up a few things to try at home. Whether you're a longtime coffee drinker who grinds his own beans on Sunday mornings or just someone who appreciates when a drink is made with real attention, these championships deliver.
More details, including links to register and updates on the events, can be found through the US Coffee Championships Instagram page. They keep posting the latest there, so it's worth a follow if you're planning to head out to Seattle next month.
With the Pacific Northwest setting, a respected host like Olympia Coffee, and two competitions that highlight both creativity and skill, the start of 2026 is shaping up to be a strong one for anyone who believes a really good cup of coffee is worth the effort. Mark the dates—February 5th through 8th—and consider making the trip. You might just walk away with a new appreciation for what goes into every pour.
