Barista Competition

Barista Competition

Milan's Premier Barista Showdown

Showcase your coffee-making skills and compete for the title of Milan's Best Barista!

The Coffee Off Barista Competition is the highlight of our annual event. Professional and amateur coffee enthusiasts from across the region will demonstrate their craft, creativity, and technical skills in a friendly but intense competition.

This year's competition will be judged by a panel of coffee industry experts looking for excellence in technique, presentation, flavor profiles, and innovation.

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Competition Categories

Espresso Excellence

Master the art of the perfect espresso. Competitors will be judged on technique, extraction, crema quality, and flavor profile.

Prizes

  • 1st Place: $500 + Trophy
  • 2nd Place: $250
  • 3rd Place: $100

Latte Art Challenge

Show off your artistic flair with stunning latte creations. Judged on design complexity, symmetry, contrast, and overall visual appeal.

Prizes

  • 1st Place: $500 + Trophy
  • 2nd Place: $250
  • 3rd Place: $100

Signature Drink

Create an original coffee-based beverage that showcases innovation, flavor balance, and presentation skills.

Prizes

  • 1st Place: $500 + Trophy
  • 2nd Place: $250
  • 3rd Place: $100

Competition Rules & Guidelines

  • Open to both professional baristas and serious home enthusiasts
  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Participants must register by September 20, 2025
  • Limited to 20 participants per category (register early!)
  • Each participant may enter up to two categories

  • Standard espresso machines and grinders will be provided
  • Competitors must bring their own coffee beans
  • For the Signature Drink category, participants must bring all specialty ingredients
  • Basic milk, sweeteners, and supplies will be available
  • Participants may bring personal tools (tampers, pitchers, etc.)

  • Technical skill and proper procedure
  • Taste quality and flavor balance
  • Creativity and innovation
  • Presentation and visual appeal
  • Cleanliness and workspace organization
  • Time management

  • Espresso Excellence: 10 minutes preparation, 10 minutes performance
  • Latte Art Challenge: 5 minutes preparation, 10 minutes performance
  • Signature Drink: 15 minutes preparation, 15 minutes performance
  • 5 minutes for cleanup after each performance

Competition Schedule

Time Event Location
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM Participant Check-in Main Stage
8:30 AM - 9:00 AM Opening Ceremony & Rules Overview Main Stage
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Espresso Excellence Round 1 Competition Area
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Latte Art Challenge Round 1 Competition Area
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM Lunch Break & Coffee Tasting Food Court
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM Signature Drink Round 1 Competition Area
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Coffee Workshop for Attendees Workshop Tent
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Finals (All Categories) Main Stage
4:30 PM - 5:00 PM Awards Ceremony Main Stage

* Schedule subject to minor adjustments on event day

Meet Our Expert Judges

Judge 1

Sarah Johnson

SCA Certified Coffee Expert

Award-winning barista with 15+ years of industry experience and owner of Craft Coffee in Ann Arbor.

Judge 2

Marcus Chen

Master Roaster

Founder of Bean Origin Coffee and international coffee competition judge with expertise in flavor profiles.

Judge 3

Olivia Martinez

Coffee Consultant

Former US Barista Championship finalist and specialty coffee consultant for cafés across the Midwest.

Ready to Compete?

Registration is now open for The Coffee Off 2025 Barista Competition!

Secure your spot by completing the registration form. The entry fee is $35 per category, with a discount for entering multiple categories.

Register as Competitor

Registration deadline: September 20, 2025

Questions? Contact competition@milancoffeeoff.com

Past Competition Winners

Year Espresso Excellence Latte Art Challenge Signature Drink
2019 Miguel Sanchez Jessica Wu Brandon Taylor
2018 Lisa Chen David Miller Sophia Garcia
2017 James Wilson Emma Roberts Aiden Johnson
2016 Olivia Thompson Michael Brown Anna Martinez
2015 Ethan Davis Hannah Kim Chris Walker
2014 Sarah Phillips Ryan Jones Zoe Williams

Be Part of The Coffee Off 2025!

Whether you're competing, volunteering, or just attending, join us for Milan's biggest coffee celebration.

Register to Compete Volunteer Become a Sponsor