On 22 August, organizers crowned Daophet Lonluenglith champion of the Lao AeroPress Championship 2026, capping a day-long competition at Corebeer in Vientiane Capital that drew an estimated 320 visitors, coffee professionals, and industry partners.
Thanaboun “Tinoi” Vongdeuane, owner of Khoon Coffee, and Sitthadeth “Pop” Champasith, owner of Slurp Coffee Co., hosted the event. Both have played active roles in building Laos’coffee and barista community through competitions, workshops, and industry events.
Vythavad Keobuakham finished as first runner-up, and Ananthavath Sihamontry took second runner-up.
The championship will also select Laos’ representative for the World AeroPress Championship, which will take place in December 2026 in Mexico.
Vithoun Sithimorlada, Deputy Director General of the Department of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Promotion (DOSMEP) , and Inpone Saenkhamty of the European Union in Laos attended the opening ceremony.
The Green CUP Project supported the event alongside DOSMEP, the Department of Agriculture, French Development Agency (AFD), the European Union, Global Gateway, and other sponsors and media partners.
Organizers said the championship underscored the growing potential of Lao coffee beyond raw bean production, giving Lao baristas a platform to showcase their skills and represent the country on the international coffee stage.
