Crafted with Passion: Starbucks Baristas Compete in Coffee Championships : Starbucks Stories Asia<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/stories\/2025\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Crafted with Passion: Starbucks Baristas Compete in Coffee Championships : Starbucks Stories Asia\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"From the aroma of freshly ground beans to the artistry of a perfect pour, Starbucks partners (employees) across Asia Pacific are elevating coffee craft to new heights. This year, partners from India to New Zealand have stepped onto competitive stages, showcasing their skills, passion, and dedication to the craft of coffee. Their journeys are not […]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/stories\/2025\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Starbucks Stories Asia\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Starbucks\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-08-19T04:00:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/about.starbucks.com\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/08\/group-photo-collage-2.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1280\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"720\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Yoonah Kang\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@starbucks\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@starbucks\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Yoonah Kang\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"9 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stories.starbucks.com\\\/asia\\\/stories\\\/2025\\\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stories.starbucks.com\\\/asia\\\/stories\\\/2025\\\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Yoonah Kang\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stories.starbucks.com\\\/asia\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/144a1e70353ba7fbc24dc14132945e47\"},\"headline\":\"Crafted with Passion: Starbucks Baristas Compete in Coffee Championships\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-08-19T04:00:00+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stories.starbucks.com\\\/asia\\\/stories\\\/2025\\\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1387,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stories.starbucks.com\\\/asia\\\/stories\\\/2025\\\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/about.starbucks.com\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/29\\\/2025\\\/08\\\/group-photo-collage-2.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"AeroPress\",\"asia pacific\",\"barista championship\",\"Competition\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Coffee & Craft\",\"People\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stories.starbucks.com\\\/asia\\\/stories\\\/2025\\\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stories.starbucks.com\\\/asia\\\/stories\\\/2025\\\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\\\/\",\"name\":\"Crafted with Passion: Starbucks Baristas Compete in Coffee Championships : Starbucks Stories Asia\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stories.starbucks.com\\\/asia\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stories.starbucks.com\\\/asia\\\/stories\\\/2025\\\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stories.starbucks.com\\\/asia\\\/stories\\\/2025\\\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/about.starbucks.com\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/29\\\/2025\\\/08\\\/group-photo-collage-2.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-08-19T04:00:00+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stories.starbucks.com\\\/asia\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/144a1e70353ba7fbc24dc14132945e47\"},\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stories.starbucks.com\\\/asia\\\/stories\\\/2025\\\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/stories.starbucks.com\\\/asia\\\/stories\\\/2025\\\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stories.starbucks.com\\\/asia\\\/stories\\\/2025\\\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/about.starbucks.com\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/29\\\/2025\\\/08\\\/group-photo-collage-2.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/about.starbucks.com\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/29\\\/2025\\\/08\\\/group-photo-collage-2.jpg\",\"width\":1280,\"height\":720},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stories.starbucks.com\\\/asia\\\/stories\\\/2025\\\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stories.starbucks.com\\\/asia\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Crafted with Passion: Starbucks Baristas Compete in Coffee Championships\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stories.starbucks.com\\\/asia\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stories.starbucks.com\\\/asia\\\/\",\"name\":\"Starbucks Stories Asia\",\"description\":\"Stories and News from Starbucks in Asia\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stories.starbucks.com\\\/asia\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stories.starbucks.com\\\/asia\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/144a1e70353ba7fbc24dc14132945e47\",\"name\":\"Yoonah Kang\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/c4ae1313942e3d4a3c9279d3044807003896d3c8379e6cab53dd417084337bf2?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/c4ae1313942e3d4a3c9279d3044807003896d3c8379e6cab53dd417084337bf2?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/c4ae1313942e3d4a3c9279d3044807003896d3c8379e6cab53dd417084337bf2?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Yoonah Kang\"},\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stories.starbucks.com\\\/asia\\\/stories\\\/author\\\/5b87e248-868b-44e9-91e4-e4245ea11d2c\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Crafted with Passion: Starbucks Baristas Compete in Coffee Championships : Starbucks Stories Asia","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/stories\/2025\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Crafted with Passion: Starbucks Baristas Compete in Coffee Championships : Starbucks Stories Asia","og_description":"From the aroma of freshly ground beans to the artistry of a perfect pour, Starbucks partners (employees) across Asia Pacific are elevating coffee craft to new heights. This year, partners from India to New Zealand have stepped onto competitive stages, showcasing their skills, passion, and dedication to the craft of coffee. Their journeys are not […]","og_url":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/stories\/2025\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\/","og_site_name":"Starbucks Stories Asia","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Starbucks","article_published_time":"2025-08-19T04:00:00+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1280,"height":720,"url":"https:\/\/about.starbucks.com\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/08\/group-photo-collage-2.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Yoonah Kang","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@starbucks","twitter_site":"@starbucks","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Yoonah Kang","Est. reading time":"9 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/stories\/2025\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/stories\/2025\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\/"},"author":{"name":"Yoonah Kang","@id":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/#\/schema\/person\/144a1e70353ba7fbc24dc14132945e47"},"headline":"Crafted with Passion: Starbucks Baristas Compete in Coffee Championships","datePublished":"2025-08-19T04:00:00+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/stories\/2025\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\/"},"wordCount":1387,"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/stories\/2025\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/about.starbucks.com\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/08\/group-photo-collage-2.jpg","keywords":["AeroPress","asia pacific","barista championship","Competition"],"articleSection":["Coffee & Craft","People"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/stories\/2025\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\/","url":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/stories\/2025\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\/","name":"Crafted with Passion: Starbucks Baristas Compete in Coffee Championships : Starbucks Stories Asia","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/stories\/2025\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/stories\/2025\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/about.starbucks.com\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/08\/group-photo-collage-2.jpg","datePublished":"2025-08-19T04:00:00+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/#\/schema\/person\/144a1e70353ba7fbc24dc14132945e47"},"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/stories\/2025\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/stories\/2025\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/stories\/2025\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/about.starbucks.com\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/08\/group-photo-collage-2.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/about.starbucks.com\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/08\/group-photo-collage-2.jpg","width":1280,"height":720},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/stories\/2025\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Crafted with Passion: Starbucks Baristas Compete in Coffee Championships"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/#website","url":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/","name":"Starbucks Stories Asia","description":"Stories and News from Starbucks in Asia","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/#\/schema\/person\/144a1e70353ba7fbc24dc14132945e47","name":"Yoonah Kang","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/c4ae1313942e3d4a3c9279d3044807003896d3c8379e6cab53dd417084337bf2?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/c4ae1313942e3d4a3c9279d3044807003896d3c8379e6cab53dd417084337bf2?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/c4ae1313942e3d4a3c9279d3044807003896d3c8379e6cab53dd417084337bf2?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Yoonah Kang"},"url":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/stories\/author\/5b87e248-868b-44e9-91e4-e4245ea11d2c\/"}]}},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Starbucks Stories Asia","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30321","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/498"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30321"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30321\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":30421,"href":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30321\/revisions\/30421"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/30341"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30321"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30321"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30321"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}

At the Bengaluru Regional round of the Indian AeroPress Championship 2025, Madhav earned third place. He will now advance to the national-level competition, where he will compete for the championship title\u2014a title he last claimed in 2023.<\/p>\n<\/body>\n\n

Madhav began his journey with Starbucks India as a Store Management Trainee, with no prior coffee experience. Over time, he developed a deep passion for coffee and connection, becoming a competitor, coach, and mentor in coffee championships. Now a District Manager, Madhav continues to inspire partners, believing that every conversation\u2014whether in competition or in-store\u2014is a chance to learn, grow, and create meaningful moments.<\/p>\n<\/body>\n\n

\u201cCoffee competitions are a great way to learn \u2014 not just about coffee, but about teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving under pressure,\u201d said Madhav. \u201cFor me, the real win is the relationships built and the collective pride in representing Starbucks on a bigger stage,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n<\/body>\n\n

Select partners from Starbucks India shared their experiences about competing:<\/p>\n<\/body>\n\n\n\t

\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t

\n\t\n\n\n\t
\n\t\t
\n\t
\n\t\t\n\n
$\"\"$ <\/figure>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\t
\n\t\t\n
Sanskrita<\/h3>\n<\/body>\n\n
Second runner up in the Women Brewers Skill category at WCAI Championship<\/p>\n<\/body>\n\n
“Coffee competitions are where passion meets courage. They challenge me to push my limits, think creatively, and embrace the artistry that makes coffee so special.”<\/p>\n<\/body>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/li>\n\n\n
\n\t\n\n\n\t
\n\t\t
\n\t
\n\t\t\n\n
$\"\"$ <\/figure>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\t
\n\t\t\n
Pranav<\/h3>\n<\/body>\n\n
Second runner up at the Indian AeroPress Championship – Hyderabad Regionals<\/p>\n<\/body>\n\n
“Every time I brew a cup of coffee, it surprises me. I love how such a small cup can hold such a big story.”<\/p>\n<\/body>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/li>\n\n\n
\n\t\n\n\n\t
\n\t\t
\n\t
\n\t\t\n\n
$\"\"$ <\/figure>\n\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\t
\n\t\t\n
Ritika<\/h3>\n<\/body>\n\n
Sixth runner up in the Women Brewers Skill category at WCAI Championship<\/p>\n<\/body>\n\n
\u201cCompeting in coffee championships pushes me to refine my skills and step outside my comfort zone.”<\/p>\n<\/body>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/li>\n\n\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\t<\/span>\n\tMove To Previous Item<\/span>\n\t<\/span>\n<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\n<\/svg>\n\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/span>\n\t<\/span>\n\tMove To Next Item<\/span>\n\t<\/span>\n<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
Starbucks New Zealand: Championing Craft in Auckland<\/h4>\n<\/body>\n\n\n
$\"\"$ <\/figure>\n\n\n
In Auckland, Nelson was crowned champion at the Auckland Regional Barista Champs 2025, showcasing his precision, creativity, and passion for coffee. His win reflects the vibrant coffee culture in New Zealand and the dedication of Starbucks partners who continually strive for excellence.<\/p>\n<\/body>\n\n
Nelson\u2019s Starbucks journey began at 220 Queen Street\u2014the busiest store in New Zealand. With no prior caf\u00e9 experience, he stepped into the role of barista, eager to learn. That first job sparked a curiosity that quickly grew into a deep passion for coffee.<\/p>\n<\/body>\n\n
\u201cI knew I wanted to be a barista,\u201d Nelson shares. \u201cStarbucks was where I learned the basics, and as I progressed, I realized there was so much more to discover. I kept asking questions, kept learning, and eventually joined the Starbucks Coffee Academy. Becoming a Coffee Master was a turning point\u2014it accelerated my growth and helped me see coffee as a true career path.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/body>\n\n
Today, Nelson is the Coffee Education Lead at Starbucks New Zealand. He\u2019s responsible for developing internal training materials and helping partners build their technical coffee skills. But for Nelson, it\u2019s more than just education\u2014it\u2019s about inspiration.<\/p>\n<\/body>\n\n
\u201cMy goal is to help partners start their own coffee journeys,\u201d he says. \u201cI love sharing knowledge and seeing others grow.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/body>\n\n
Nelson\u2019s passion for coffee goes beyond the cup. \u201cCoffee is like art\u2014there are so many philosophies, approaches, and interpretations. I love how different perspectives can coexist. After coffee, the world feels a little less lonely.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/body>\n\n
He\u2019s also a strong advocate for coffee competitions, having seen firsthand how transformative they can be. \u201cCompetitions are an incredible way to grow\u2014not just in coffee knowledge, but in self-awareness. You learn to stay calm under pressure, manage logistics, and make sure your coffee and signature beverages shine. It\u2019s a powerful experience.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/body>\n\n
Starbucks Singapore: A Hub of Talent and Taste<\/h4>\n<\/body>\n\n\n
$\"\"$ <\/figure>\n\n\n
This year, Yi Xin, a five-year partner and store manager, proudly represented Singapore at the World Cup Tasters Championship in Geneva, placing 29th worldwide\u2014a remarkable achievement for the region. Back home, she also clinched the title of Singapore Cup Tasters Champion in both 2024 and 2025, showcasing her consistency and mastery in the craft.<\/p>\n<\/body>\n\n
Yi Xin\u2019s passion for coffee stems from its power to connect. \u201cCoffee is a universal language that helps me spark meaningful conversations, one cup at a time,\u201d she shares. \u201cI love how simple it is to make someone\u2019s day with a good-tasting cup.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/body>\n\n
For Yi Xin, competitions are more than just a challenge\u2014they\u2019re a catalyst for growth. \u201cThey allow us to showcase our craft in new environments, pushing us to adapt, refine our skills, and grow,\u201d she explains. \u201cEach competition nurtures different aspects of my journey. The Starbucks Barista Championship focuses on brewing, latte art, mixology, and storytelling\u2014testing creativity and presentation. In contrast, Cup Tasters sharpens sensory awareness and palate precision.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/body>\n\n
Now, Yi Xin is preparing to represent Singapore once again at the 2026 World Cup Tasters Championship in Bangkok. \u201cI\u2019m honored to stand on the world stage for Singapore and Starbucks. Each experience leaves me more energized and inspired for what\u2019s next.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/body>\n\n\n
$\"\"$ <\/figure>\n\n\n
Singapore partners continue to shine on the competition stage. In the\u00a0Singapore National Latte Art Championship, partners\u00a0Pink, Rabia, Sahira, and Qi Wei\u00a0showcased their flair, with\u00a0Rabia placing fifth.<\/p>\n<\/body>\n\n\n
$\"\"$ <\/figure>\n\n\n
In the Singapore Cup Tasters Championship, partner Jason stood out, securing\u00a0sixth place, reflecting he depth of talent within the Singapore team.<\/p>\n<\/body>\n\n
Celebrating Every Cup<\/h4>\n<\/body>\n\n
These partners are more than competitors\u2014they are storytellers, artists, and innovators. Their achievements remind us that behind every handcrafted beverage is a partner with a deep love for coffee and a commitment to excellence.<\/p>\n<\/body>\n\n
As Starbucks continues to nurture coffee passion across Asia, these stories serve as a beacon for aspiring partners and coffee lovers alike.<\/p>\n<\/body>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
From the aroma of freshly ground beans to the artistry of a perfect pour, Starbucks partners (employees) across Asia Pacific are elevating coffee craft to new heights. This year, partners from India to New Zealand have stepped onto competitive stages, showcasing their skills, passion, and dedication to the craft of coffee. Their journeys are not […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":498,"featured_media":30341,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ep_exclude_from_search":false,"starbucks_cheetahmail_notify_on_publish":false,"starbucks_aep_notified_at":0,"sbux_color_theme":"default","sbux_typography_theme":"default","byline":"","sbux_is_featured":false,"featured_image_focal_point_x":0.52,"featured_image_focal_point_y":0.42,"hide_related_posts":false,"downloadable_assets":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[1401,1417],"tags":[1817,1041,1709,1813],"class_list":["post-30321","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-coffee","category-people","tag-aeropress","tag-asia-pacific","tag-barista-championship","tag-competition"],"yoast_head":"\nCrafted with Passion: Starbucks Baristas Compete in Coffee Championships : Starbucks Stories Asia<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/stories\/2025\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Crafted with Passion: Starbucks Baristas Compete in Coffee Championships : Starbucks Stories Asia\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"From the aroma of freshly ground beans to the artistry of a perfect pour, Starbucks partners (employees) across Asia Pacific are elevating coffee craft to new heights. This year, partners from India to New Zealand have stepped onto competitive stages, showcasing their skills, passion, and dedication to the craft of coffee. Their journeys are not […]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/stories\/2025\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Starbucks Stories Asia\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Starbucks\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-08-19T04:00:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/about.starbucks.com\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/08\/group-photo-collage-2.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1280\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"720\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Yoonah Kang\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@starbucks\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@starbucks\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Yoonah Kang\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"9 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stories.starbucks.com\\\/asia\\\/stories\\\/2025\\\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stories.starbucks.com\\\/asia\\\/stories\\\/2025\\\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Yoonah Kang\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stories.starbucks.com\\\/asia\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/144a1e70353ba7fbc24dc14132945e47\"},\"headline\":\"Crafted with Passion: Starbucks Baristas Compete in Coffee Championships\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-08-19T04:00:00+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stories.starbucks.com\\\/asia\\\/stories\\\/2025\\\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1387,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stories.starbucks.com\\\/asia\\\/stories\\\/2025\\\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/about.starbucks.com\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/29\\\/2025\\\/08\\\/group-photo-collage-2.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"AeroPress\",\"asia pacific\",\"barista championship\",\"Competition\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Coffee & Craft\",\"People\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stories.starbucks.com\\\/asia\\\/stories\\\/2025\\\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stories.starbucks.com\\\/asia\\\/stories\\\/2025\\\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\\\/\",\"name\":\"Crafted with Passion: Starbucks Baristas Compete in Coffee Championships : Starbucks Stories Asia\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stories.starbucks.com\\\/asia\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stories.starbucks.com\\\/asia\\\/stories\\\/2025\\\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stories.starbucks.com\\\/asia\\\/stories\\\/2025\\\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/about.starbucks.com\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/29\\\/2025\\\/08\\\/group-photo-collage-2.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-08-19T04:00:00+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stories.starbucks.com\\\/asia\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/144a1e70353ba7fbc24dc14132945e47\"},\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stories.starbucks.com\\\/asia\\\/stories\\\/2025\\\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/stories.starbucks.com\\\/asia\\\/stories\\\/2025\\\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stories.starbucks.com\\\/asia\\\/stories\\\/2025\\\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/about.starbucks.com\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/29\\\/2025\\\/08\\\/group-photo-collage-2.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/about.starbucks.com\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/29\\\/2025\\\/08\\\/group-photo-collage-2.jpg\",\"width\":1280,\"height\":720},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stories.starbucks.com\\\/asia\\\/stories\\\/2025\\\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stories.starbucks.com\\\/asia\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Crafted with Passion: Starbucks Baristas Compete in Coffee Championships\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stories.starbucks.com\\\/asia\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stories.starbucks.com\\\/asia\\\/\",\"name\":\"Starbucks Stories Asia\",\"description\":\"Stories and News from Starbucks in Asia\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stories.starbucks.com\\\/asia\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stories.starbucks.com\\\/asia\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/144a1e70353ba7fbc24dc14132945e47\",\"name\":\"Yoonah Kang\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/c4ae1313942e3d4a3c9279d3044807003896d3c8379e6cab53dd417084337bf2?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/c4ae1313942e3d4a3c9279d3044807003896d3c8379e6cab53dd417084337bf2?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/c4ae1313942e3d4a3c9279d3044807003896d3c8379e6cab53dd417084337bf2?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Yoonah Kang\"},\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/stories.starbucks.com\\\/asia\\\/stories\\\/author\\\/5b87e248-868b-44e9-91e4-e4245ea11d2c\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Crafted with Passion: Starbucks Baristas Compete in Coffee Championships : Starbucks Stories Asia","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/stories\/2025\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Crafted with Passion: Starbucks Baristas Compete in Coffee Championships : Starbucks Stories Asia","og_description":"From the aroma of freshly ground beans to the artistry of a perfect pour, Starbucks partners (employees) across Asia Pacific are elevating coffee craft to new heights. This year, partners from India to New Zealand have stepped onto competitive stages, showcasing their skills, passion, and dedication to the craft of coffee. Their journeys are not […]","og_url":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/stories\/2025\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\/","og_site_name":"Starbucks Stories Asia","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Starbucks","article_published_time":"2025-08-19T04:00:00+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1280,"height":720,"url":"https:\/\/about.starbucks.com\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/08\/group-photo-collage-2.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Yoonah Kang","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@starbucks","twitter_site":"@starbucks","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Yoonah Kang","Est. reading time":"9 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/stories\/2025\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/stories\/2025\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\/"},"author":{"name":"Yoonah Kang","@id":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/#\/schema\/person\/144a1e70353ba7fbc24dc14132945e47"},"headline":"Crafted with Passion: Starbucks Baristas Compete in Coffee Championships","datePublished":"2025-08-19T04:00:00+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/stories\/2025\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\/"},"wordCount":1387,"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/stories\/2025\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/about.starbucks.com\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/08\/group-photo-collage-2.jpg","keywords":["AeroPress","asia pacific","barista championship","Competition"],"articleSection":["Coffee & Craft","People"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/stories\/2025\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\/","url":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/stories\/2025\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\/","name":"Crafted with Passion: Starbucks Baristas Compete in Coffee Championships : Starbucks Stories Asia","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/stories\/2025\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/stories\/2025\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/about.starbucks.com\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/08\/group-photo-collage-2.jpg","datePublished":"2025-08-19T04:00:00+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/#\/schema\/person\/144a1e70353ba7fbc24dc14132945e47"},"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/stories\/2025\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/stories\/2025\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/stories\/2025\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/about.starbucks.com\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/08\/group-photo-collage-2.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/about.starbucks.com\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2025\/08\/group-photo-collage-2.jpg","width":1280,"height":720},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/stories\/2025\/crafted-with-passion-starbucks-baristas-compete-in-coffee-championships\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Crafted with Passion: Starbucks Baristas Compete in Coffee Championships"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/#website","url":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/","name":"Starbucks Stories Asia","description":"Stories and News from Starbucks in Asia","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/#\/schema\/person\/144a1e70353ba7fbc24dc14132945e47","name":"Yoonah Kang","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/c4ae1313942e3d4a3c9279d3044807003896d3c8379e6cab53dd417084337bf2?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/c4ae1313942e3d4a3c9279d3044807003896d3c8379e6cab53dd417084337bf2?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/c4ae1313942e3d4a3c9279d3044807003896d3c8379e6cab53dd417084337bf2?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Yoonah Kang"},"url":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/stories\/author\/5b87e248-868b-44e9-91e4-e4245ea11d2c\/"}]}},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Starbucks Stories Asia","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30321","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/498"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30321"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30321\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":30421,"href":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30321\/revisions\/30421"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/30341"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30321"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30321"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stories.starbucks.com\/asia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30321"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}