APPLICATION
PROCESS
ALL ABOUT TEAM APPLICATIONS
Are you a skilled barista who’s passionate about coffee and eager to grow in the industry? For our 2025 Season, we’re seeking competitors who are keen to showcase their abilities on a big stage. Specifically, we’re looking for baristas who bring not only passion, skill, and expertise to the table - as are already staples of your average barista competition – but who are driven to make a positive impact to the future of our industry.
HOW TO APPLY
If you’re excited to compete in The Barista League, here’s everything you need to know about the application process! The application has two parts: a written component and a video submission. Once submitted, the applications go through two rounds of selection.
In the first round, incomplete applications are removed. In the second, a selection committee carefully reviews and scores the submissions based on various criteria. You can find more details about the selection committee below.
The preferred language for the application is English.
Why did the application process change?
The new application process is designed to be fairer and eliminate reliance on luck. Applicants now have full control to craft a standout application by meeting all the criteria and showcasing their strengths to the selection committee. Teams that demonstrate their skills, knowledge, ambition, and dedication in their applications will have the highest chance to compete.
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The written application is completed via a Microsoft Form. You start by filling out your basic contact information so we can reach you. After providing your contact details, you will answer 4 bigger questions and receive instructions for the video submission.
Work with your teammate to ensure that both of your perspectives are included and clearly articulated in your answers.
Each answer is limited to 1,000 characters, so plan your responses thoughtfully to make the most of the space and effectively convey your message
Tips
We recommend completing this part of the application on a computer to avoid thumb cramps!
When we trialled this, it took us about 30min to complete – so you know how much coffee to prepare while you work on it.
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Get creative with your video! You have the freedom to choose the location, style, and overall vibe.
However, make sure we can clearly see and hear both team members. Test your setup and record a few practice takes to ensure the sound and visuals are clear.
Content of the Video
Your video should cover two parts:
Introduction:
Introduce yourselves and explain why you want to compete in The Barista League.
Optionally, this portion of the video may be used in our marketing content. You’ll see a box in the application where you can indicate whether you consent to this. (Your choice won’t affect your application status.)
Coffee Skills and Perspectives:
Answer the question: “What skills, techniques, methods, understanding, or approaches do you think are essential in creating a great coffee experience?” This is your chance to showcase your passion and expertise. You can discuss anything from perfecting milk foam to selecting the right beans.
Video Length
Maximum duration: 2.5 minutes.
Ensure there’s enough time for both team members to speak and share their thoughts.
Final Tips
Plan your responses and video carefully to ensure they highlight your strengths and enthusiasm.
Be genuine and let your personality shine through both in writing and on camera.
WHAT IS THE SELECTION COMMITTEE LOOKING FOR
Selection Criteria Breakdown
Each criterion is assigned a weight to reflect its importance in the application process. Here's what the judges are asking with each criteria and what they are looking for in each area:
The maximum score across all criteria is 260, with each criterion's points determined by its level of importance.
A strong balance across all areas will maximize your chances!
Communication
Communication is key and is a huge part of connecting with customers and being a great barista. We want to see how you communicate your personality, passion, energy, expertise, knowledge and ideas.
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Max score 20p
What they are looking for:
Clarity: Use simple, understandable language. Avoid jargons.
Conciseness: Stay thorough and avoid unnecessary repetition.
Structure: Make sure your answers have a clear flow—beginning, middle, and end.
Tone and Professionalism: Balance your personal voice with a professional touch.
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Max score 40p
What they are looking for:
Confident Delivery: Speak clearly and show confidence in your ideas.
Authenticity: Let your natural personality come through.
Engagement: Let your enthusiasm about coffee shine through.
Structure and Focus: Stay organized and on topic.
Technical Quality: While not critical, ensure your video is clear and audible—it shows preparation!
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Written:
Question 17. What inspired you to pursue a career in coffee, and what are your long-term goals and aspirations within the industry?
Question 19.How do you stay current with trends and new techniques in the coffee world?
Video:
Question 21. We want to get to know you, make a video include the following:
- Introduction: Names, where you are from, workplace, team name and why you want to compete in The Barista League.
- What skills, techniques, methods, understanding or approaches do you think are essential in creating a great coffee experience?
Values
We want to play our part in making the coffee industry better, and we would love to see and learn about the positive impact you want to have on the industry.
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Max score 40p
What they are looking for:
Commitment to Fairness: Highlight how you support fairness and equity in the coffee industry.
Action-Oriented Ideas: Suggest practical ways to improve the industry.
Understanding Equity: Demonstrate awareness of systemic challenges.
Empathy and Advocacy: Show genuine care for improving the community.
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Question 18. What is one issue you think needs to be addressed for a fairer, more equitable industry?
Teamwork
Show us that you’re more than just skilled individuals—that you work together as a well-coordinated and cohesive team.
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Max score 40p
What they are looking for:
Balanced Contributions: Both members should participate equally throughout the application.
Complementary Strengths: Highlight your unique strengths, showing how your skills and perspectives work together.
Cohesion: Present yourselves as a united team with shared goals.
Respect: Display positive and respectful interactions.
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Question 17 .What inspired you to pursue a career in coffee, and what are your long-term goals and aspirations within the industry?
Question 19.How do you stay current with trends and new techniques in the coffee world?
Question 21: We want to get to know you, make a video include the following:- Introduction: Names, where you are from, workplace, team name and why you want to compete in The Barista League.
- What skills, techniques, methods, understanding or approaches do you think are essential in creating a great coffee experience?
Knowledge
Highlightg your knowledge and experience in the coffee industry. Share examples that show your skills in different areas like sourcing, roasting, and brewing coffee.
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Max score 40p
What they are looking for:
Depth of Understanding: Show familiarity with coffee processes (e.g., sourcing, brewing).
Engagement with Trends: Highlight your knowledge of current industry trends.
Practical Experience: Mention hands-on coffee work like brewing or roasting.
Breadth of Knowledge: Cover a range of coffee-related topics.
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Question 19.How do you stay current with trends and new techniques in the coffee world?
Question 21. We want to get to know you, make a video include the following:- Introduction: Names, where you are from, workplace, teamname and why you want to compete in The Barista League.
- What skills, techniques, methods, understanding or approaches do you think are essential in creating a great coffee experience?
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Max score 40p
What they are looking for:
Passion: Candidates who express a genuine enthusiasm for coffee, beyond just as a career choice.
Curiosity: Show your desire to learn and grow your knowledge.
Participation: Highlight your involvement in events, competitions, or community.
Storytelling: Show a compelling and interesting story within your responses.
Application Quality: Demonstrate effort and thoughtfulness in your submission.
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Question 17 .What are your long-term goals and aspirations within the coffee industry?
Question 19 .How do you stay current with trends and new techniques in the coffee world?
Question 21. We want to get to know you, make a video include the following:
- Introduction: Names, where you are from, workplace, team name and why you want to compete in The Barista League.
- What skills, techniques, methods, understanding or approaches do you think are essential in creating a great coffee experience?
Engagement
We value teams that are curious and passionate about the industry, always eager to learn and improve. Their active involvement in the community also plays a key role in its growth and success.
Diversity
The Barista League is committed to fostering inclusivity and ensuring that marginalized communities are represented within our events and the coffee industry.
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Max score 20p (20p is the maximum and minimum points available, and will be afforded on a yes or no basis)
What they are looking for:
Representation: Clearly state if you identify as part of a marginalized group.
Awareness: Show understanding of challenges faced by others in the community.
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Question 20 . Have you ever felt excluded or underrepresented at coffee events because of your identity, or found it harder to participate for the same reason?
Ambition
Ambition matters, we want to see clear vision for growth in the coffee industry. We value teams who align with evolving trends, such as sustainability, education, and pushing industry boundaries
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Max score 20p
What they are looking for:
Visionary Thinking: Share your long-term goals for making a difference in coffee.
Proactivity: Show initiative and drive to improve yourself and the industry.
Trend Alignment: Relate your ambitions to important topics like sustainability or education.
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Question 17 . What are your long-term goals and aspirations within the coffee industry?
Question 19 .How do you stay current with trends and new techniques in the coffee world?
APPLICATION PERIODS
See application periods per event below
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Event-Europe
City: Prague
Date: 29 March
Applications close: 20 Jan
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Event-Latin America
City: Guadalajara
Date:8 May
Applications close: 7 February
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Event-Asia
City: Tokyo
Date: June (TBD date)
Applications close: 14 March
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Event-North America
City: Montreal
Date: 11 September
Applications close: 13 June
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Event-Africa
City: Johannesburg
Date:4 October
Applications close: 6 July
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Event-Pacific
City: Sydney
Date: November (TBD)
Applications close: 24 August
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE APPLICATION
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Once the application is fully completed, including both the written and video submission, applicants will receive an email confirming that all parts are in order.
After the application period for the event closes, the selection committee will review all the applications. This process typically takes about 5 days.
Once the committee has reviewed all applications and scored them based on the criteria, the points will be counted and the top 10 applications will be the competing teams, all applicants will be notified whether or not they have been chosen to compete.
In case of a tie, the team with the highest score from criteria Communication will place higher. In the case of a further tie, the highest score from criteria Teamwork + Knowledge will place higher. In the case of a further tie, the applicant will be asked to complete an extra task.
Those selected to compete will receive detailed information regarding the next steps.
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The selection committee consists of 4 external industry professionals. These may include former competitors, roasters, baristas, café owners, and other key members of the local coffee community. The specific makeup of the committee will vary from event to event, representing the community in which the event is held.
In addition to the external professionals, there will be one representative from The Barista League included in the committee.
The selection committee will be public around 2 weeks before the application period closes.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Take your time to thoughtfully prepare both the written and video components. Highlight your strengths as a team and ensure your answers are clear, structured, and engaging. There’s no rush—quality matters more than speed with the application.
Both the written application and video submission are required. Your application won’t be reviewed unless both parts are completed, so make sure to double-check before submitting.
Let your personality and passion for coffee shine through. Use both your written responses and video to showcase your creativity, expertise, and genuine enthusiasm for the coffee industry.
Plan and rehearse your video submission. Choose a clear, engaging setup where both team members can be seen and heard. Practice a few takes to refine delivery, ensuring your video flows naturally and stays within the 2.5-minute limit.
Align with the selection criteria for the best chance of success. Focus on clear communication, teamwork, knowledge of the coffee industry, and demonstrating your values, engagement, and ambition. Balance your answers to create a strong, well-rounded application.
This is not a popularity competition. We are looking for baristas who are passionate, talented and want to be a part of the future of the industry. Our selection committee will follow the above criteria to allocate points and only the above criteria.