World Barista Championship Turns 25 in Milan: Applications Now Open
Milan – August 28, 2025 (Qahwa World) — The World Barista Championship (WBC) is marking a historic milestone this year as it celebrates its 25th anniversary at HostMilano in Milan, Italy. From October 17–21, 2025, the global coffee stage will once again spotlight innovation, talent, and passion, bringing together more than 50 national champions to compete for the world title.
What started in 2000 with just 14 baristas in Monte Carlo has now grown into the world’s most prestigious coffee competition. Over a quarter of a century, the WBC has defined modern barista culture, inspired innovation across the industry, and created a platform where champions set the tone for the global specialty coffee movement.
To mark this landmark edition, the World Coffee Championships (WCC) is inviting skilled professionals to apply as Calibration Baristas or Emcees. These roles are essential in ensuring the highest competition standards and delivering a seamless championship experience.
Calibration Baristas support Judge Certification and Calibration events by performing competition-level routines multiple times, helping align scoring standards across the judging panel. Applicants must have competed at least once in a national or world-level competition, possess two competition-ready routines, and demonstrate strong organizational skills and adaptability.
Emcees, meanwhile, take on the role of guiding audiences through the event, ensuring that the stories of competitors and the spirit of the championship are conveyed to spectators both in person and online.
The 25th edition of the WBC will not only crown a new champion but also celebrate the baristas and judges who have shaped coffee history over the past two decades. Audiences can join live at HostMilano or follow the competition online, ensuring global access to the world’s biggest coffee stage.
Applications for Calibration Baristas and Emcees are open for a limited time. More details, including eligibility requirements and deadlines, are available on the official website: wcc.coffee.
