For the first time since 2019, 15 Starbucks barista competitors from across Asia Pacific, including China and Japan, came together in person in Bali, Indonesia, the home of Starbucks Reserve Dewata Coffee Sanctuary and Coffee Experience Center.

Months of market-level competitions saw more than 3,200 partners compete for a coveted place in the regional championships.

Starbucks partners from across the region came together to celebrate coffee, connection and community-building.

The Regional Barista Championships showcase barista skill and craft, providing an opportunity to create moments of connection and storytelling over coffee, and celebrate the limitless possibilities for human connection that Starbucks baristas create every day in the communities they serve.

Each competitor is judged on their ability to perfectly prepare and present three courses – Pour Over, Latte Art and a Signature Beverage.

The competition showcases and recognizes baristas knowledge, skill and passion for Starbucks Coffee across Coffee Knowledge, Beverage Mastery and Customer Connection.

Anchored in the dedication to celebrating our partners’ love for coffee, the competition has evolved year-on-year, with a pivot to a virtual format during the pandemic. Now, through a combined multi-channel approach that offers the best of in-person and virtual connections, Starbucks is bringing this much-loved event to partners and customers around the world.

Three finalists competed in the Grand Final with Allen, a shift supervisor from Starbucks Taiwan market, taking home the coveted title of Regional Barista Champion 2023.