Milan, Italy (The Coffee Stage)
My Routine for the World Barista Championship
The world's best baristas made coffee for judges near Milan. A barista from Melbourne won. I prepared a routine.
The World Barista Championship was held near Milan, in Italy, the home of espresso. A barista from Melbourne, Australia, won, after coming third in 2023 and second in 2024. Competitors make coffee for a panel of judges and explain every step. I prepared my own routine.
My Routine
Minute one. I walk on, smile and introduce the coffee. “This is the best coffee. It knows it.”
Minute two. I grind the beans, loudly. The judges lean back.
Minute four. The espresso. Small and strong, like my handshake.
Minute six. The milk. I try to make a heart in the foam. It comes out as a potato.
Minute eight. The flavor notes. “Chocolate. Berries. Victory.”
Minute nine. I taste the judges’ coffee, to make sure it’s good. They didn’t love that.
The Judges’ Notes
The judges said my coffee was “very confident.” They said my latte art looked like a potato. I told them potatoes are underrated.
The champion’s coffee was much better than mine, I’m told, and he earned it, after two years of coming so close. So I’ve made a plan: third place next year, second the year after, and then I win. That’s how the champions do it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make a heart in the foam?
You pour the milk slowly, then pull through at the end. I pulled too hard. It became a potato.
What's a barista?
A coffee expert who makes your drink exactly right. I'm a coffee expert who drinks it exactly right.