2025 EMEA Barista Championship: the countdown begins
From 17th to 19th September, Starbucks top baristas will be travelling from far and wide to meet in London for the 2025 EMEA Barista Championship, which is returning for its 12th year. With 41 baristas representing 43 countries, this year’s competition will see some of the most talented baristas in the world come together to push the boundaries of coffee craft.
To get here, each barista had to earn their place by besting a combined total of 11,000 others from across the region, the largest number on record! Now the best of the best are setting their sights on the coveted winners apron, awarded to the one and only EMEA Barista Champion. Here’s what to expect from this year’s competition…
What’s new this year?
Over the course of three days, the EMEA Barista Championship will test every aspect of a barista’s craft, from their encyclopaedic knowledge of coffee to the steady hand needed to create intricate latte art. By the third and final day, our panel of judges will have whittled the cohort of 41 competitors down to just three finalists.
This year, in a new twist, the final three will face the ultimate challenge: a test that combines all the skills they’ve demonstrated throughout the competition. The nail-biting final showcase will be their last chance to impress the judges with their artistry, experience, and passion.
The final winner will be crowned the EMEA Barista Champion, but they’ll walk away with more than just the winners apron and a trophy. The EMEA Barista Champion will secure their place on next year’s Origin Experience, a truly once-in-a-lifetime journey to a coffee farm in Rwanda to see the “first 10 feet” of the Starbucks supply chain for themselves.
What makes a Barista Champion?
Becoming a Barista Champion takes a keen eye for detail, a creative spark, and an ability to connect with people through coffee. More than just trophies and bragging rights, the Championship is a celebration of everything that makes Starbucks partners extraordinary: their craft, commitment and care for the community.
The countdown begins
Countless hours of training and practice has led our Champions to this moment. One barista is just days away from being crowned the 2025 EMEA Barista Champion. Who will it be?
Tune in live from on 17th September to watch the drama over 3 days via this link . Keep an eye on @EMEACoffeeTeam over on Instagram for updates as the story unfolds, with the final crowning moment on Friday 19th September.
