Held to coincide with the Specialty Coffee Association of America trade show, the 2012 championship was co-hosted by La Marzocco and Marco at their show booth in Portland, Oregon. Competitors were provided with a washed coffee from Sidamo, Ethiopia to compete with, roasted by local outfit, Heart. A total of 18 competitors entered, and the title was taken by Charlene de Buysere of OR Coffee Roasters in Belgium.