The stage was set, the crowd cheering and the region’s top Starbucks baristas were ready to compete. As the Asia Pacific Regional Barista Championships (RBC) marked its 10th anniversary, Starbucks crowned its 2026 champions in Manila, where 25 finalists from 13 markets showcased the extraordinary talent, coffee knowledge and craft behind the Starbucks Experience they bring to life every day.

Over three days of competition, the baristas faced off in Pour Over, Latte Art and Signature Beverage challenges, while teams competed in the inaugural regional Ultimate Barista Team Challenge, putting their coffeehouse skills under pressure. More than 500+ Starbucks partners gathered to cheer on the finalists as they presented before a 5-strong panel of coffee experts, including former RBC champions, Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) board members, international competition judges and a Starbucks Global Master Roaster.

First held in Hong Kong in 2016, RBC has grown into an established regional platform that brings Starbucks partners (employees) together through a shared passion for coffee. Since its launch, more than 83,000 partners have participated in coffee competitions, bringing fresh inspiration and deeper coffee knowledge back to their coffeehouses. Beyond the competition stage, this year’s championship also featured coffee tastings and workshops, including a session led by Nobuki of Starbucks Japan, Starbucks first Global Barista Champion.

“Our baristas are where coffee craft and human connection come together,” said Chanda Beppu, president of Starbucks Asia Pacific. “For 10 years, the Regional Barista Championships have given partners a stage to push the boundaries of their craft, showcase their extraordinary talent and inspire one another to reach new heights. I am incredibly proud of every competitor, coach and team who has helped make the championship such an important part of our culture in Asia Pacific. Their passion brings the Starbucks Experience to life for customers, one cup and one connection at a time.”

Champions Put Coffee Knowledge and Craft on Stage 

Following a closely contested final, Seven of Hong Kong and Macau emerged as the 2026 Asia Pacific Regional Barista Champion. Seven wove a compelling story of origin, craft, flavor, and personal inspiration in a presentation that reflected the human connection at the heart of great coffee experiences.

“I was absolutely thrilled and so grateful when I heard my name announced as champion, ” said Seven. “Thank you to Starbucks for this incredible opportunity. This achievement belongs not only to me, but to our entire Hong Kong and Macau market and every partner who has supported and encouraged me along the way. I’m excited to carry this passion forward and continue sharing outstanding coffee craftsmanship and warmth with partners and customers”.

A New Team Challenge Brings the Coffeehouse to the Stage

The 2026 championships also introduced the Ultimate Barista Team Challenge (UBTC), bringing the complexity and collaboration at Starbucks coffeehouses to the regional stage.

Designed to reflect the rhythm of a busy store, the challenge put seven teams representing Hong Kong and Macau, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand through a series of coffeehouse scenarios, from navigating service recovery situations to creating a Signature Beverage with the new Starbucks® Sejati Blend. More than a test of speed, the challenge required teams to balance order sequencing and beverage quality while creating meaningful customer connections under pressure.

The UBTC team ‘Craft it up!’ from Starbucks Philippines was crowned the Ultimate Barista Team Champion, demonstrating how trust, communication and teamwork come together to create exceptional moments for our customers, even during the busiest rushes.

In recognition of their achievement, the Regional Barista Champion and the top two teams of the Ultimate Barista Team Challenge will earn an International Roastery Experience, providing the opportunity to deepen their coffee knowledge and immerse themselves in Starbucks coffee craft at one of the company’s iconic Roastery locations.

Ten Years of Building Coffee Craft and Capability

Ten years on, RBC has become more than a competition. It has helped build coffee capability across Asia Pacific, creating opportunities for partners to hone their skills, represent their markets and compete on bigger stages. Since 2016, over 560 partners from the region have competed in industry and national coffee competitions, with five representing Starbucks at the World Coffee Championships and three becoming certified World Coffee Competition judges.

“When we began the Regional Barista Championships 10 years ago, we wanted to create new possibilities for partners to grow through coffee,” said Laura Elphick, director, Coffee Excellence, International . “A decade later, its impact now extends far beyond the competition, as partners return to their stores with new ideas, stronger skills and the confidence to inspire their teams and create richer coffee experiences for customers. As the championship enters its next chapter, we want to extend that impact to even more partners and inspire the next generation of coffee leaders.”

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