Competitions

Competitions are the proving grounds where coffee’s future is brewed. As these events have evolved from niche gatherings to global showcases, they’ve become laboratories for innovation, where baristas test ideas that eventually shape the industry. Yet, the balance between structure and creativity remains a delicate act—how do we preserve the spirit of experimentation while maintaining the rigor that elevates these competitions? At the heart of this tension is the role of standardized rules. As competitions grow in prestige, they’ve adopted stricter guidelines, from uniform equipment to precise time limits. This structure ensures fairness but risks stifling the spontaneity that fuels…