THE BARISTA LEAGUE 2026
BARISTAS ARE THE CURATORS OF THE COFFEE EXPERIENCE
Their job is not to grow, source, roast coffee but to translate the work, competence, skill, meaning, culture and stories of the coffee industry to consumers. Through the service and preparation of drinks the barista is responsible for the actual delivery of that experience to consumers every day all around the world.
We believe an amazing coffee experience is built on three pillars: CONCEPT, SERVICE and PRODUCT. All of which are intertwined and equally important. On these pillars we build a new era of coffee competitions.
HOW DOES THE COMPETITION WORK?
TEAMS OF TWO
have 10 minutes to make 5 drinks. With no entry fees and a stage with the best equipment and coffee in the world, The Barista League is a platform for all baristas, not just the ones with access to cash.
CREATING INNOVATIVE COFFEE EXPERIENCES
based on three pillars of Concept, Service and Product. Baristas are given freedom to push the industry forward and deliver the future of coffee experiences.
LIVE STREAMED FOR THE WORLD TO SEE
with live feedback from judges, creative drink challenges and more space in the competition to make a statement, we are finally making a competition worth watching.
A BARISTA COMPETITION FOR REAL BARISTAS
The Barista League has and will always be a competition for baristas. It’s free to enter and we provide everything you need to succeed. So if you have a perspective to share, a story to tell or a concept that you think the industry needs to hear – then TBL is the competition for you.
WHY COMPETE?
Aside from being on a stage in front of tens of thousands of coffee people, teams take home some incredible prizes from our partners including a once-in-a-lifetime trip on the Mystery Coffee Vacation.
Teams can apply by submitting both a written and a video submission which is evaluated by our independent selection committee.
