The Road to the 2026 EMEA Barista Championship
From the store to the big EMEA stage, the Starbucks Barista Championship is a journey of knowledge, skill and passion for coffee. This year, Cyprus continues that journey with Mariia, the 2026 Barista Champion of Cyprus, who will represent our market at the 2026 Starbucks EMEA Barista Championship.
The Starbucks Barista Championship celebrates a passion for coffee, the craft of our baristas and the values behind every meaningful customer connection.
The journey begins in our stores, continues through the district and national levels and leads to the selection of the National Barista Champions. From there, the winners advance to the EMEA level, where top baristas from Europe, the Middle East and Africa come together, with the journey continuing all the way to the Global Barista Championship.
Coffee craft at the heart of the competition
Through challenges such as Coffee Storytelling, Signature Beverage, Latte Art and Store Rush, participants showcase their knowledge, technical skills, creativity and ability to create genuine connection.
From Cyprus to the EMEA Barista Championship
With a passion for coffee, creativity and exceptional skills, Mariia was named the 2026 Barista Champion of Cyprus and is now preparing for the next big step in her journey.
From 11 September, she will join National Barista Champions from across EMEA on a coffee journey that begins in London, continues at the Amsterdam Roasting Plant and then returns to London for the Championship days.
Mariia will represent Cyprus, bringing with her a passion for coffee, her own coffee craft and everything that defines the Starbucks Experience.
The EMEA stage
The Semi-Finals of the 2026 Starbucks EMEA Barista Championship take place on 16 and 17 September, while the competition reaches its peak on 18 September with the EMEA Finals.
There, the top performances will take to the big stage, leading to the crowning of the 2026 Starbucks EMEA Barista Champion.
The Championship is both a competition and an opportunity for partners to share knowledge, discover different approaches to coffee and celebrate their shared passion for the craft.
Follow the journey
Mariia’s journey continues, with London and the big EMEA stage as the next destination.
The Championship will be broadcast via Starbucks EMEA Retail – YouTube, while you can follow more content from the competition through @emeacoffeeteam and @starbuckscy.
A journey that began in the store and is now heading to the EMEA stage.
Good luck, Mariia.
Cyprus and all our partners are with you every step of the way. ☕💚🏆
Let the journey continue.