Coffee remains an indispensable part of daily life, and baristas continue to push the boundaries of the craft, transforming each cup into a personal signature. The regional coffee scene is about to welcome a new chapter with the opening of applications for the Barcaffè Barista Cup 2026, the most prestigious coffee preparation competition in the region. The grand finale will take place on October 1st in Belgrade.

The Barcaffè Barista Cup has seen exceptional interest and growth in previous years, bringing together the best baristas from Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. This year, the competition introduces a new phase: semi-finals will be held in each participating country, allowing candidates to showcase their skills and creativity in person.

Applications are open from May 15th at 10:00 to June 15th at 23:59. Interested candidates can apply through the official Barcaffè Barista Cup website. The application process involves filling out a form and submitting a video demonstrating their skills, technique, and personal approach to coffee preparation.

The 2026 edition brings the most significant change yet, with semi-finals in each participating country. After reviewing video applications, the top candidates will present their skills to a panel of expert judges. During the semi-finals, participants will prepare an espresso and their signature drink, with a focus on technical precision, creativity, and presentation quality.

The final will feature the ten best baristas from the region, with each country guaranteed one representative and the remaining finalists selected based on the quality of their applications and semi-final performance. The grand finale will take place on October 1st, 2026, at the iconic Fabrika Events venue in Belgrade. The finalists will compete in front of an audience and expert judges in a challenging environment that combines technique, creativity, and personal expression. The competition includes the preparation of espresso, latte art, and a signature drink, offering competitors the chance to tell their coffee story. The winner will receive a cash prize of 5,000 euros and the prestigious title of the best barista in the region.