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More than a competition: What our barista championship is really about

Last week saw the conclusion of our annual Barista Championship, with an incredible final that celebrated not just technical skill, but creativity, confidence and the growing strength of our barista community.

After a brilliant day of competition, Calvin was crowned our 2026 Barista Champion, with Nadeyah taking second place and Ramon securing third. The standard this year was exceptional, making it one of the closest and most exciting finals yet.

But for me, what stood out most was the atmosphere in the room.

The audience was fully engaged, the judges shared brilliant insights throughout the day, and there was a real sense of encouragement and support between competitors. It felt less like a competition and more like a celebration of the talent, passion and personality within our teams.

Creativity behind every cup

The format mirrors the national barista championships, with competitors challenged to produce four espressos, four milk or non-dairy drinks, and four signature beverages of their own creation.

That signature drink category is always where personalities really come through.

Calvin’s winning signature beverage took inspiration from a piña colada, combining pineapple and coffee in a calm and confident presentation, while Nadeyah’s spiced chai-inspired drink celebrated her heritage and memories of home cooking.

What impressed me most was not just the quality of the drinks, but the amount of learning, experimentation and personal growth behind each routine.

Why competitions matter

Competitions like this push people outside their comfort zones. Competitors spend weeks refining coffees, understanding flavour profiles, experimenting with ingredients and practising presentations.

It can be nerve-racking, but time and time again people come away proud of what they achieved and eager to do it again.

That is exactly why these events matter.

Of course, they are about recognising and celebrating talent, but they are also about learning and development, building confidence and creating opportunities for people to grow within coffee and hospitality.

Support behind the scenes

One of the strongest themes throughout the event was the level of support surrounding every competitor.

Managers, trainers, colleagues and peers all played a huge role in helping competitors prepare, practise and believe in themselves.

Speaking about Nadeyah’s journey, Stuart shared:

“She’s worked so hard. She’s tried and tested so many different styles of coffee and really pushed herself throughout the process. I’m very, very proud.”

Agata from the Talent Team also reflected on Hristo’s growth throughout the competition:

“Hristo finally believed in himself, and he’s really worked hard for this. Everyone should be extremely proud of themselves for the effort they’ve put in. We try to facilitate as much support as possible.”

That support and encouragement could be felt throughout the day, both on and off stage.

Learning from the industry

It was fantastic to hear industry guests reinforce that message throughout the day.

UK Barista Champion, Will, spoke honestly about competition nerves and the importance of being yourself on stage. His advice was simple: do not be afraid to give it a go.

“You have to push yourself to feel a bit uncomfortable,” he explained. “Nobody remembers small mistakes. What people remember is personality, energy and the experience you create.”

Daryll also reflected on how coffee and food culture continue to evolve together, and how competitions like this help push creativity and standards forward across the industry.

“Coffee and food are a true partnership,” he said. “What’s happening here is moving coffee culture forward and pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve.”

Building a coffee community

What makes this competition special is that it is not really about scores.

We announce a top three, but ultimately it is about celebrating everyone who takes part, bringing teams together and continuing to build a strong coffee culture across the business.

That sense of community was visible throughout the entire event, from competitors supporting one another backstage to the energy in the audience between routines.

As one audience member attending their first championship shared:

“The energy’s high, and it’s been wonderful to be part of the experience.”

More than a trophy

Of course, there were some fantastic prizes on offer, including a coffee machine and grinder for second place and an exciting trip to Colombia for this year’s winner.

But the real value comes from the confidence, creativity and connection that events like this inspire.

Most importantly, they remind us that hospitality is always about people.

And this year’s championship was a brilliant example of that.