Share your coffee stories with us by writing to info@comunicaffe.com.
LAS VEGAS, USA – The energy and anticipation could be felt in the room the first day of the semi-finals as emcees Rebekah Frye, a partner (employee) on the coffee education and experiences team, and Laurence Unsworth, a member of the international coffeehouse operations team, took the floor to welcome and introduce the 12 baristas who traveled from around the world to compete.
The overhead lights dimmed, leaving the audience and stage surrounded by a perimeter of green-lit columns as a video highlighting all of the contestants played. Cheers filled the room as the lights came back on, and with that, the competition commenced.
Blind Coffee Tasting
Beginning with blind coffee tasting, baristas identified the characteristics and flavors of Starbucks coffee (brewed in a coffee press by the judges), demonstrating their coffee knowledge and sensory skills.
Coffee Storytelling
The next semi-final event will focus on coffee storytelling, and the baristas’ ability to articulate Starbucks commitment to the coffee Starbucks source, and the communities served.
“Our 12 barista champions are amazing! I watched every one of them step into a situation that was overwhelming. They represented Starbucks, our partners, our farmers…I had no doubt that every single one of them was going to be the best at what they do. They showcased great skill and expertise in tasting coffee. They told us stories that brought the first ten feet to the last ten feet, and highlighted how we ensure the future of coffee for all. I saw smiles, I heard excitement and a lot of laughter. I can’t wait for tomorrow!” – Lennon Fediw, a partner on the coffee education & experiences team.
On June 10, the semi-finals concluded with three rounds of competition including latte art, store rush and presenting a signature beverage they created themselves. Closing out the day will be the announcement of the four finalists who will compete for the title of Starbucks Global Barista Champion the following day, June 11.
The live broadcast for tomorrow’s semi-finals will begin at 7:15am PT and can be viewed here.
In celebration of the baristas who embody their commitment to community, connection and craft, Starbucks is hosting its inaugural Starbucks Global Barista Championship June 9-11 in Las Vegas.
Over the three-day competition, 12 baristas from around the world will showcase their coffee passion, expertise and craft through a variety of skills and knowledge-based competitions. The event will take place during the Starbucks Leadership Experience conference with more than 14,000 partners (employees) from the United States and Canada in attendance to watch the first-ever Starbucks Global Barista Champion be crowned.
Meet the baristas
The Starbucks Global Barista Championship is the culmination of more than 84,000 baristas competing around the world for over a year.
Competing this year are the 2024 Barista Champions from China, Japan, EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa), Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America & the Caribbean, as well as the six Barista Champions from each of the Starbucks Reserve Roasteries (Shanghai, Tokyo, Milan, New York, Chicago and Seattle).
You can find more details about the competitors in the Barista Bio Booklet.
