Time is running out to apply to compete in the next Coffee Masters tournament, taking place at The London Coffee Festival from 12 to 15 April 2018.
Applications to enter London Coffee Masters will close 1 February, 2018.
Coffee Masters is a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary global barista tournament, taking place annually at The London and New York Coffee Festivals. It features 16 contenders, seven disciplines and one winner.
During the competition, baristas undertake different challenges that emulated the busy working environment of a professional barista. The different category rounds include cupping, brewing, latte art, the order challenge, the signature drink, the espresso blend and the origin. These disciplines are designed to test a barista’s skill, knowledge, creativity, professionalism and presentation in a head-to-head, fast-paced battle.
Entrants have the chance to join a prestigious line-up of world-class baristas and be in with the chance of taking home more than £5000 (more than A$8000) cash prize.
To enter, tell the expert panel about your coffee background and submit a short video that demonstrates “Your Signature Drink” via wetransfer, dropbox or email to info@coffeemasters.org.
An expert panel will review the videos and announce the final 20 contenders. This year, Coffee Masters will welcome back Anne Lunell as Head Judge. Tim Wendelboe, Freda Yuan, Kris Schackman, Mikaela Wallgren, Sonja Zweidick and David Donde will also take on judging roles.
Stepping up to the mic this year as emcees will be Gwilym Davies, Founder of Prufrock Coffee; Jordan Michelman, Co-founder of Sprudge.com; and Lem Butler, United States champion barista.
James Wise of Treves and Hyde won last year’s London Coffee Masters. His signature drink was called Lo Svizzero, in which he combined a Nicaraguan coffee mermouth from project origin, with campari, fernet-branca amaro, date syrup, and his own chocolate bitters, before shaking.
In 2016, Australia’s Ben Morrow took home the giant trophy, Coffee Masters title and novelty cheque.
To see examples of previous Signature Drink videos, click here.
For more information and to apply, click here.