Australian Latte Art Champion Amy Zhang returns to world stage – BeanScene

After a transformative break from the competitive circuit, 2022 Australian Latte Art Champion Amy Zhang is set to once again represent Australia on the world stage at the 2026 World Latte Art Championship (WLAC) this April.

“To represent Australia on the world stage again means a lot to me – it’s not only an honour, but also a responsibility. It reminds me how far I’ve come, and how much support I’ve received from the coffee community here,” says Amy.

Amy says her preparation this year is “more intentional and refined”. She reflects that in 2023, a focus was on pushing her limits – this year, it’s all about clarity, consistency, and execution.

“In competitions, improvement doesn’t happen overnight – sometimes you practise a design for weeks, and it still doesn’t look the way you want. There are definitely moments when you feel frustrated, but those moments also teach you the most – about discipline, resilience, and trusting the process,” she says.

Amy’s young daughter is a known inspiration behind her art, someone she says “brings a lot of joy and imagination into my life”.

“She reminds me to see things in a more playful and simple way, and that really influences my designs. Family is definitely a big source of inspiration for me.”

For those wanting to follow in Amy’s footsteps, one piece of advice she’d share with baristas who want to compete is: “don’t wait until you feel ready”.

“A lot of baristas think they need to be perfect before entering a competition, but competitions are actually one of the best ways to grow,” says Amy.

“When you compete, you learn how to push your limits, refine your skills, and understand coffee at a much deeper level. Don’t be afraid of failure – every competitor has poured thousands of cups that didn’t work before the one that finally did.

“If you’re thinking about competing – just start. You might surprise yourself.”

And although Amy will be the one in the spotlight, there’s a whole community behind her as she steps up to the podium.

“I’m really grateful for all the support from my community, Maillard Project, my family, my students, friends and the brands that stand behind me. I’m excited to step on stage again and share something meaningful through my work,” she says.

“I feel proud to bring my work, my story, and a part of Australian coffee culture to the world stage.”

The World Latte Art Championship will be held during World of Coffee San Diego from 10 to 12 April.