Barista Masters 2025
November 7, 8 & 9, 2025
A competition inspired by the coffee shops of Belgium.
The Barista Master is a competition like no other! In teams of two, participants face off in an original and intense concept, putting the essential skills of baristas to the test.
In the dChallenge Barista , each team has 18 minutes to prepare a series of caffeinated creations designed to impress a panel of professional judges. As for the dInfusion Challenge , it pushes candidates to test their palates by identifying the flavors hidden in mysterious infusions.
No extravagant equipment or entry fees required: just bring your partner and your passion for coffee. The competition is open to everyone, from novice baristas to seasoned experts. Ready to take up the challenge and have some fun? The Barista Master is for you!
The 2025 edition will be marked by the organization of QUALIFICATION RACES in five major Belgian cities (dates to be confirmed):
ANTWERP - GHENT - BRUSSELS - LIÈGE LEUVEN
In each qualifying round, local teams of barista duos will compete for a place in the final of the Barista Masters 2025, which will take place on November 8 and 9 during the Brussels Coffee Show at Brussels' Gare Maritime.
Regulation
how it works
Teams of two baristas will compete in two events: the Barista Challenge and the Infusion Challenge. The team with the most points from both challenges will be crowned the winner of the Barista Master.
Equipment
Provided by our premium sponsors Schuilenburg and Perfect Moose:
- Mahlkönig E65S GbW
- PUQ press M3
- Dalla Corte 2-group espresso machines Zero / DC ICON
- Perfect Moose Jack + pitchers
- On-counter rinser
- Knockbox
Ceramic Mugs:
- Provided by a Belgian Ceramic Artisan TBC
Ceramic cups and mugs:
- Supplied by Belgian ceramics artisan TBC
Products available:
- Monin syrups
- Brita water
- Water
- TBC roasted coffee
- Milks
Judges
3 official judges from the world of specialty coffee will evaluate each beverage according to specific criteria.
2 surprise judges: selected from the public or special guests (such as a chef or influencer), will assess overall performance, including hospitality, order-taking and beverage quality.
Time
Each duo has 18 minutes on stage to prepare a total of 11 drinks for the Barista Challenge, and 5 minutes for the Infusion Challenge.
Round1: Baristas Challenge
Espresso:
The barista duo must serve 3 espressos to the official judges (one for each of the 3 judges). The espressos must contain a single shot of the coffee provided and can be served in any quantity. The duo must describe the aromas as well as the texture!
Milky drink:
The duo serves 3 milk drinks to the official judges (one for each of the 3 judges). The drink must contain a shot of espresso and can be made with any amount of milk, combining frothed milk and espresso according to their preferences. The duo must also describe the drink and its flavors.
Signature drink (non-alcoholic):
The duo prepares and serves 3 signature drinks using a surprise ingredient drawn at the start of the competition (one drink for each of the 3 judges).
Examples of surprise ingredients: Matcha , Cold Brew Coffee, Cascara , Chai...
Surprise drink :
The barista duo prepares two drinks for two surprise judges from the audience (one drink for each judge). Each surprise judge will choose a drink from the menu of 4 special recipes created by the duo.
Each team must bring its own menu for the surprise judges. Baristas are free to design the menu as they wish, and it can reflect the establishment in which they work. The official judges will also evaluate the menu for originality (up to 5 points). If the menu includes special ingredients or accessories, it's up to the team to bring them along.
If a recipe requires equipment not supplied, such as a drink prepared with an Aeropress, the team will have to bring the equipment itself.
Surprise judges are selected from the live audience, 10 minutes before the team's performance. They will place their orders between the 5th and 10th minute of the performance. The baristas will have to welcome these surprise judges, take their orders and prepare their drinks, while simultaneously serving the 9 drinks intended for the official judges.
Round 2: Infusion Challenge
Each barista duo will take part in a sensory challenge. They will have 2 minutes to identify 2 brewed coffees from 5 different coffees, using their sensory skills.
One correct answer earns 10 points, and two correct answers earn 35 points.
Score
Scoring system : Surprise judges: 5 points per drink per judge The surprise judges' final score will be based on service, order-taking, drink quality and menu originality. The official judges will evaluate each drink according to the following criteria:
Espresso: 15 points
- Crema (5 points): Evaluation of crema color, thickness and consistency.
- Flavor (5 points): Evaluation of the aroma as described and announced by the barista.
- Texture (5 points): Judgment on the espresso's mouthfeel and balance.
Milk drink: 15 points
- Crema (5 points): Evaluation of crema color, thickness and consistency.
- Flavor (5 points): Evaluation of the aroma as described and announced by the barista.
- Texture (5 points): Judgment on the espresso's mouthfeel and balance.
Signature drink (non-alcoholic): 20 points
- Use of surprise ingredient (5 points): Evaluation of creativity and efficiency in integrating the surprise ingredient.
- Creativity (5 points): Judging the originality of the drink and its concept.
- Flavor (5 points): Evaluation of the overall taste and balance of the drink.
- Appearance (5 points): Judging the visual presentation and appeal of the drink.
Surprise menu: 5 points
The surprise menu will be judged on its originality, complexity and use of trendy ingredients.
The team: 25 points
- Customer service and overall experience (10 points): Awarded for style, music, quality of customer service, beverage explanations and judges' overall experience.
- Calm and control (5 points): Awarded for calm and control demonstrated despite time pressure.
- Teamwork (5 points): Awarded for an organized and complementary performance between the two team members.
- Cleanliness and organization of station (5 points): Awarded for a clean, well-organized station at the end of the allotted time, as expected at the end of service before another barista takes over.
Calculating total points
To calculate the total points a team can accumulate in the competition, the possible points for each category are added together:
- Surprise judges: 10 points (5 points per judge)
- Espresso: 3 espressos × 15 points = 45 points
- Milk drink: 3 drinks × 15 points = 45 points
- Signature drink: 3 drinks × 20 points = 60 points
- Surprise menu: 5 points
- The team: 25 points
- Infusion challenge (optional): 10 points for one correct answer / 35 points for two correct answers
Total: 10 + 45 + 45 + 60 + 5 + 25 + 35 = 225 points maximum
Time penalties for the Baristas Challenge :
For each minute over the 18-minute limit, 5 points will be deducted from the team's total score. Each minute started will be counted.
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