The first Yerba Mate World Cup is coming to Buenos Aires. It features three days of professional competitions, interactive activities, and a major festival open to the general public. Get ready to discover guided tastings, sensory experiences, a historical section, and a free Fan Fest perfect for mate enthusiasts of all ages.
2026 World Yerba Mate Championship: Everything You Need to Know
The first World Yerba Mate Championship in Buenos Aires will be divided into two main stages: technical sessions for the judges and a major festival designed for everyone. Here’s the schedule:
- May 29: Final deadline for producer and brand registrations.
- June 5 and 6: Technical Competition (evaluation of samples by international specialists).
- June 6 and 7: Opening of the free Fan Fest for the general public.
- June 7: Final awards ceremony and announcement of the world champions.
What activities you’ll be able to enjoy at the free Fan Fest
The heart of the event will be the Fan Fest, a festival that will bring together not only the activities inside the Mate Museum on Avenida de Mayo but also shops and cafés along Avenida de Mayo. At the Fan Fest, you’ll find:
From Buenos Aires to Europe: The Global Boom in Mate Culture
Although historically mate is a River Plate tradition, today it is undergoing a true international revolution (Did you know that even James Hetfield, Metallica’s frontman, drinks mate?) that has taken the thermos, the yerba, and the porongo to unexpected places.
The World Yerba Mate Championship already has host cities and applications for participation from countries such as Spain, Italy, Canada, New Zealand, and Guatemala, as well as from Argentina’s producing provinces like Misiones and Salta.
A Walk Through History: The Mate Museum
In case you haven’t been yet, the Mate Museum is located on Avenida de Mayo, and during the World Cup and the festival, it will be one of the major attractions. At the museum, you’ll explore the history and Guaraní origins of the infusion, learn about the evolution of the materials (from traditional gourds to modern thermal mates), and discover collectible gems and historic mates carved from silver and gold.
📍Av. de Mayo 853
📅 June 5, 6, and 7