Meet the four finalists competing to be Starbucks Global Barista Champion
Congrats to Nobuki, Sumayyah, Takahiro and Chico who were named as the finalists out of the 12 baristas who competed over the past two days!
Updated June 11, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. PT
Nobuki representing Japan crowned Starbucks Global Barista Champion
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.
The second day of the first-ever Starbucks Global Barista Championship concluded with the announcement of the four finalists that will compete tomorrow, June 11, for the title of Starbucks Global Barista Champion.
Congrats to Nobuki, Sumayyah, Takahiro and Chico who were named as the finalists out of the 12 baristas who competed over the past two days!
Nobuki
Category: Coffeehouse
Representing: Japan
I’m very happy that I’ve made it to the final four! During this competition, I demonstrated everything that I have – craft and passion.”
Signature drink: Blooming Yuzu Espresso
Inspiration: “For my signature beverage, first I asked myself, what is the most delicious coffee? After being a barista for over a decade, I found that just aroma and taste weren’t enough – the aftertaste had the deliver as well. Stepping into a store is like taking a first sip of coffee. So just like having a good experience as a customer – from walking in, to handoff to leaving – a coffee needs to do that, too.”
Sumayyah
Category: Coffeehouse
Representing: Europe, Middle East and Africa, Alshaya Starbucks
It’s too much to fathom right now! It’s surreal and amazing and I can’t believe this is the FIRST Global Barista Championship! I’m beyond words to be in the final four!”
Signature drink: Iced Cardamom Float Honey Shaken Espresso
Inspiration: “My signature beverage is a double shot shaken espresso with honey: The honey tames the bitterness in the coffee with natural sweetness. Cardamom is a common middle eastern spice while shaken espresso is a bit more western, and my goal was to bring those two things together. It’s really hard to make a refreshing drink with cardamon. I wanted to make a beverage that represents partners all around the world and how Starbucks brings us all together.”
Takahiro
Category: Reserve
Representing: Tokyo Reserve Roastery
I’m so surprised, I never imagined that I would be one of the four finalists! But my entire goal has been to get to the final four with Nobuki.”
Signature drink: Tokyo Roastery Harmony Latte
Inspiration: “The name of my beverage is the Tokyo Roastery Harmony Latte. It represents a sense of unity or harmony. This beverage is a harmony of stories and flavors. First of all, Tokyo Roastery consists of many zones – there’s coffee, cocktail and more – but we are one team welcoming people in so the different zones are coming together to create a welcoming experience for everyone. This beverage also features Tokyo Roastery Microblend which is a harmony of different coffees. I want this beverage to be a representation of Tokyo Roastery.”
Chico
Category: Reserve
Representing: Shanghai Reserve Roastery
I am extremely excited right now! This is the first time I’m standing on a stage this size – the global stage! And tomorrow, I just want to enjoy the stage…this is the highest point in my life.”
Signature drink: Chico’s Ginger Latte
Inspiration: I was so excited to come to the U.S. for the Starbucks Global Barista Championship and ready to try something new – I tried a Guangzhou ginger and milk curd; it tastes like pudding. I personally don’t like ginger but when I tasted it, it was so well-balanced, and I loved it! While this was happening, a new coffee launched from Ethiopia that had ginger notes and reminded me of how happy I was when I got confirmation I was coming to the U.S.!”
The final round of the Starbucks Global Barista Championship will begin at 7:30am PT tomorrow, June 11, and can be viewed on About Starbucks as well as Starbucks YouTube channel.
You can learn more about all 12 of the baristas who competed in the Starbucks Global Barista Championship, in the Barista Bio Booklet, and for more information about the competition, visit About Starbucks.
