THE COMPETITION
The Barista League is a barista competition - just not like one you’ve ever seen before. Teams of two compete in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary competition based on the real world skills of a barista. In the Drinks Challenge, teams have 15min to make a series of coffee drinks for our VIP judges. In our sensory challenge, teams put their taste buds to the test to see if they can identify flavours from mystery infusions.
You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars or bring any fancy equipment with you - just a partner. The competition is totally free and created for all coffee people - from brand-new baristas to world champions. If you’re down to have some fun while making coffee, The Barista League is for you!
HOW DO YOU COMPETE?
Teams of two will compete in two rounds: the drinks challenge and the sensory challenge. In the drinks challenge, teams have 15 minutes to prepare and serve 6 drinks for the judges, including espresso, plant-based beverage, cold brew mocktail, filter coffee, and a non-coffee mystery order. The team with the highest points will be crowned the winner of The Barista League.
WHAT DO YOU WIN?
Win The Barista League and you win the grand prize of an all-expenses paid coffee vacation to a mystery coffee-producing location, along with all other champions of The Barista League in 2025.
Winning The Barista League is about more than just glory—it comes with epic rewards.
Not only do champions earn a spot on the Mystery Coffee Vacation, they also take home exclusive prizes, including the limited-edition The Barista League x Acme 2025 Champion Mug (in 2025 only 12 of these will exist worldwide!) and gear from partners like Acaia, Puqpress, Rancilio, Toddy, Sweetbird, Standart, and more, that will help them elevate their coffee game at home even after the competition is over.
But it’s not just about the winners, runners-up also receive awesome prizes, and every competitor walks away with a The Barista League tote full of SWAG.
HOW DO YOU APPLY?
To apply for the 2025 Season, teams of two baristas must submit an online application with written and video components, focusing on skills like communication, teamwork, and knowledge.
The top 10 teams will be selected based on scores from a Selection Committee.
COMPETE IN 2025
PRAGUE | 29 MARCH
THE BARISTA LEAGUE: EUROPE
THE BARISTA LEAGUE: LATIN AMERICA
GUADALAJARA | 8 MAY
TOKYO | JUNE
THE BARISTA LEAGUE: ASIA
THE BARISTA LEAGUE: NORTH AMERICA
MONTREAL | 11 SEPTEMBER
THE BARISTA LEAGUE: AFRICA
JOHANNESBURG | 4 OCTOBER
THE BARISTA LEAGUE: PACIFIC
SYDNEY | NOVEMBER