Congrats to Nobuki representing Japan, the First-Ever Starbucks Global Barista Champion
Narrowed down from 84,000 baristas, Nobuki earns the title of Starbucks Global Barista Champion.
Cheers filled the air as a crowd of more than 14,000 partners (employees) witnessed the first-ever Starbucks Global Barista Champion be crowned: Nobuki representing Japan.
The last round of competition between Nobuki, Sumayyah, Takahiro and Chico pulled all aspects of the semi-finals into one eight-minute challenge for the finalists: deliver a single continuous routine including storytelling, brewed coffee tasting, craft latte art and their signature beverage.
Scoring focused on excellence in craft, quality and connection – incorporating all the facets of a world-class barista who delivers excellence in our coffeehouses around the world.
All four finalists amazed judges with their passion and expertise. As scores were being tallied, all four baristas came to center stage and received a standing ovation from the audience.
When Michelle Burns, evp global coffee & sustainability, read the name of Nobuki as the first-ever Starbucks Global Barista Champion, the audience stood and cheered.
Nobuki was thrilled and raised both of his arms into the air in celebration.
After the excitement of the announcement, Nobuki shared what this incredible achievement means to him:
How did you feel when you were on stage today and how did you approach this final round?
“I was more nervous yesterday than I was today because the size of the audience was so big, and in the moment, I didn’t realize the sheer volume of people. [With preparing for the final round] I thought to myself, ‘Just do it!’”
How does it feel to be the first-ever Starbucks Global Barista Champion?
“With being the first Starbucks Global Barista Champion, I want the next champion to go above and beyond!”
Reflecting on the competition, is there a moment that stands out to you?
“To win, sometimes luck matters. When I was doing the latte art round, whole milk and a heart design were the first two cups. The heart is the easiest to draw (for me) and for all three rounds, I got whole milk, which is the milk I hoped to get in this challenge! Looking back on the latte art competition, I recognized how lucky I was!”
“I also had so much fun engaging with the other champions. First of all, we are colleagues, not competitors. We recognize and celebrate one another, allowing us to be able to be ourselves.”
What do you want to share with fellow baristas around the world who may be putting on their green apron for the first time?
“We are serving a cup of coffee to each person, but that service could change the world. Because what we do as our service…it is a wonderful thing.”
What’s next for you and your coffee journey?
“Barista Champion of the galaxy!”
As the Starbucks Global Barista Champion, Nobuki will receive the grand prize of the opportunity to experience the six Starbucks Reserve® Roasteries around the world (Chicago, Milan, New York City, Seattle, Shanghai and Tokyo), with flights provided by Delta Air Lines. Nobuki will also have the opportunity to co-create a beverage that will be served in Starbucks coffeehouses to be released in the near future.
The Starbucks Global Barista Championship is the culmination of more than 84,000 baristas competing around the world for over a year. Event highlights from the past three days will be available on both Starbucks YouTube channel and About Starbucks.
For more than a decade, Starbucks partners around the world have been competing in regional competitions around the world. This is the first year Starbucks is hosting a global championship, celebrating what our baristas do every day—from building community and working together to creating connections with customers, to crafting high-quality coffee.
As part of Starbucks promise to ensure the future of coffee for all, the company is committed to deepening our partners knowledge and passion for coffee. Learn more about our Coffee Master and Origin Experience programming.
