Sara Alali to Qahwa World: Judging at Global Competitions Is a Responsibility and a Chance to Grow

On the sidelines of her role as an international judge at the Latte Art Championship during World of Coffee Geneva 2025, Saudi coffee professional Sara Alali shared her insights with Qahwa World on the challenges and nuances of judging at global coffee competitions.

“As an internationally certified judge in Latte Art, Barista, and Coffee Tasting Championships, I’ve had the privilege of judging across local and international platforms—including in Europe, East Asia, various Arab countries, and in world championships held in Taiwan, Jakarta, and now here in Geneva,” said Alali.

“Each experience has been unique and valuable. As judges, we grow with every event. These competitions are not just about evaluation—they’re opportunities to practice, refine, and sharpen our skills.”

On the differences between local and global events, she noted: “Local competitions often provide space for new judges to learn, while world championships demand higher levels of precision and professionalism—from both competitors and judges. The technical differences are also significant. In global events, everything from visual evaluation in Latte Art to flavor balance in Barista competitions is analyzed at a more advanced level. The expectations are higher, and the responsibility is greater.”

When asked what advice she would offer aspiring Arab judges, she emphasized: “Continuous practice is essential. A judge must be thoroughly familiar with the rules and standards of each competition. Accuracy, attentiveness, and integrity are critical. Judges are evaluated, too—based on performance, commitment, and interaction with organizers. You must also stay up to date with the latest developments in judging, whether in Latte Art, Barista, or Coffee Tasting.”

She concluded: “Judging isn’t a routine job—it’s a craft, a science, and a growing journey. To stay in this path, you need passion, dedication, and an eye for detail.”