The atmosphere at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas was electric on Wednesday morning as approximately 14,000 Starbucks partners gathered for an event like no other.
With the sun barely up, the crowd was already buzzing with energy to the beats of a dance version of “Livin’ on a Prayer,” while a vibrant DJ animated the space with her presence.
Starbucks’ signature crown and mermaid logos adorned the digital displays circling the arena, and a stunning wooden globe topped with a crown underscored the brand’s global reach.
The event featured a special appearance by actress and singer KeKe Palmer, who expressed her newfound love for coffee as a new mom, adding flair to the morning’s excitement.
This festive gathering, akin to a tent revival blended with a grand coffee klatch, was a launchpad for celebrating the culmination of the first-ever Starbucks Global Barista Championship.
The championship process commenced more than a year ago, initially involving over 84,000 baristas from around the world.
Through a rigorous screening, this vast pool was narrowed down to just twelve semi-finalists—half from global regions and half representing Starbucks Reserve Roasteries.
The semi-finalists showcased their talents on Monday and Tuesday, participating in various challenges including blind coffee tastings and peak hour performance assessments.
From this competitive round, four finalists emerged, ready to demonstrate their artistry in front of the assembled audience.
On Wednesday, these finalists took center stage to display their skills in latte art, coffee roasting, and the creation of a signature beverage from two coffee counters set up on either side of the stage.
The competition concluded with Nobuki from Japan crowned as the inaugural world champion, earning a trip to every Starbucks Reserve Roastery and the opportunity for his signature pour to be featured on North American menus.
The stories shared during the competition were just as impactful as the announcement of the victor, highlighting how Starbucks fosters passion among its partners worldwide.
The first to compete was Sumayyah, representing Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
As her mother cheered her on from a large screen, Sumayyah prepared an iced cardamom honey shaken espresso, articulating her hopes that the drink would unite the East and West, much like Starbucks itself.
Next was Takahiro, who represented the Tokyo Reserve Roastery.
He presented a microblend with a roasted aroma reminiscent of sesame and a hint of citrus sweetness, emphasizing coffee’s role in inspiring human connections.
Chico, representing the Shanghai Reserve Roastery, captivated the audience with his intricate latte art, manifesting elaborate fronds and leaves.
He shared that each latte leaf he crafted represented a leaf growing from a coffee tree he had planted in Sumatra.
When it was Nobuki’s turn, the crowd erupted with cheers of “coffee samurai!” as he shared a personal story about a comforting cup of coffee his mother gave him before an exam, illustrating how that warmth inspired his approach to barista work.
He expressed the significance of serving drinks with both hands, noting that it conveys a message of care and importance: “It’s not just a gesture.
It’s a message that this drink matters, that you matter.”
The excitement reached its peak when Nobuki was declared the winner, drawing a well-deserved standing ovation from the exuberant audience.
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