The World Barista Championship: History and Champions

The World Barista Championship (WBC) is the top international competition for espresso baristas. First held in 2000 in Monte Carlo, Monaco, and won by Norway's Robert Thoresen, it brings together national champions who each prepare espresso, milk drinks and an original signature beverage for a panel of judges in a timed 15-minute routine. It is run by World Coffee Events, part of the Specialty Coffee Association.

Over a quarter of a century, the world barista championship has crowned champions from Europe, the Americas, Asia and Australia, and it has shaped how cafés everywhere think about espresso. Here is how it started, how it works and who has won.

A Short History of the World Barista Championship

The first WBC took place in Monte Carlo in 2000. In its early years the Nordic countries dominated: Norway and Denmark won six of the first seven titles, and that era helped spread the lighter, origin-focused style associated with Scandinavian coffee.

The competition then grew into a truly global event. Host cities have included Seattle, Tokyo, London, Bogotá, Melbourne, Seoul, Busan and Milan. The 2020 championship, planned for Melbourne, was cancelled because of the pandemic, and competition resumed in Milan in 2021.

Today the WBC is one of several World Coffee Championships, alongside events for brewing, latte art, roasting and more. The championships were originally established by the US and European specialty coffee associations, which merged into the Specialty Coffee Association in 2017.

How the World Barista Championship Works

Competitors earn their place by winning a national championship. At the world event, the format has traditionally looked like this:

• Three rounds: a first round with all national champions, a semifinal with the top competitors and a final with six baristas.
• A 15-minute routine in each round, during which the barista serves four sensory judges.
• Three drink categories: espresso, a milk beverage and a signature beverage, an original non-alcoholic espresso-based creation.
• Two kinds of judging: sensory judges score taste, balance and presentation, while a technical judge evaluates workflow, technique and cleanliness.

Rules are updated regularly, so the exact drink requirements can change from year to year. What never changes is the pressure: competitors must talk the judges through their coffee, explain their choices and deliver consistent drinks against the clock.

Want to understand the drinks they make? Our guides to espresso crema and latte vs cappuccino vs flat white are a good start.

World Barista Championship Winners

The 2026 championship is hosted in Panama City, Panama. Check the official World Coffee Championships website for the latest results.

Notable Champions and Milestones

The Nordic beginning

Robert Thoresen and Tim Wendelboe of Norway, plus four Danish champions in the first seven years, put Scandinavia at the center of the coffee world early on.

First American champion

Michael Phillips won in London in 2010, becoming the first champion from the United States. Pete Licata added a second US title in 2013.

Latin American winners

Alejandro Méndez of El Salvador won in 2011 at the championship held in Bogotá, and Raúl Rodas of Guatemala followed in 2012, showing that coffee-producing countries could win on the espresso stage too. Diego Campos of Colombia won in 2021.

Asia rises

Hidenori Izaki (Japan, 2014), Berg Wu (Taiwan, 2016), Jooyeon Jeon (South Korea, 2019) and Mikael Jasin (Indonesia, 2024) all brought the title to Asia.

Breaking barriers

Agnieszka Rojewska of Poland became the first woman to win the World Barista Championship in 2018.

Australia's strong run

Paul Bassett, Sasa Sestic, Anthony Douglas and Jack Simpson give Australia four titles, fitting for a country famous for its café culture.

What Home Baristas Can Learn From the WBC

1. Start with fresh coffee. Competitors obsess over roast dates. Beans roasted within the last few weeks give better crema and aroma.
2. Weigh everything. Dose, yield and time are measured precisely. A coffee scale is the single best upgrade for home espresso.
3. Taste and adjust. Champions dial in by taste. If a shot is sour, grind finer; if bitter, grind coarser.
4. Get creative. Build your own signature drink with espresso, a syrup, citrus or tea. Keep it simple and balanced.

World Barista Championship FAQ

Who won the first World Barista Championship?

Robert Thoresen of Norway won the first World Barista Championship in Monte Carlo, Monaco, in 2000.

Has an American ever won the World Barista Championship?

Yes, twice. Michael Phillips won in 2010 in London, and Pete Licata won in 2013 in Melbourne.

Which country has the most World Barista Championship titles?

Through 2025, Denmark and Australia each have four titles, and the United Kingdom has three. Australia's four wins came in 2003, 2015, 2022 and 2025.

What is a signature beverage at the WBC?

It is an original, non-alcoholic drink built around espresso that each competitor designs to showcase their coffee. Baristas explain the concept and flavors to the judges as they serve it.

Conclusion

The world barista championship turns espresso into a sport of precision, creativity and storytelling. You do not need a stage to apply the same care at home. Practice your shots with our house 6 Bean Blend, try a bright African Espresso for milk drinks, or experiment with a single origin like Ethiopia Natural for your own signature drink. Every Feel Espresso coffee is roasted 1–5 days before delivery, just the kind of freshness competitors look for.