NZSCA's amazing response to new competition format – BeanScene

The NZSCA has introduced The Barista Open to reinvigorate its competition scene, and the response has been nothing short of amazing.

For years, regional barista competitions have taken place across New Zealand in the main regions of Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington. They have always been run to the same incredibly high standard as the National Championships, allowing many competitors to get a taste of the ‘big stage’ before stepping on to it.

These competitions were operated to the exact WCC rules and format, which can ask a lot of competitors, not only from a time perspective but also in terms of financial outlay.

After years of dwindling competitor numbers, the New Zealand Specialty Coffee Association (NZSCA) wanted to find a way to reinvigorate these competitions and solve issues we’ve so often been told about: baristas want a space where they can make coffee in front of a crowd to practice the presenting aspect of the competition, which is often the part that holds people back from entering.

This year, the NZSCA decided to try something new. The result was The Barista Open: a fast, head-to-head, throwdown style format built to lower the barrier to entry without lowering the bar on skill. It’s designed to help new and emerging competitors step forward, build confidence, and access the support our community can offer as they begin their competition journey.

The new format strips competition back to the barista essentials. Each knockout round consists of five minutes to dial-in, a one-minute introduction to showcase personality, then seven minutes to serve three courses of drinks: espresso, dairy milk, and oat milk.

Once finished and as they wait for the judges’ verdict, baristas clean their stations just like they would behind the bar in their own cafés. Judges make quick paddle-up decisions live, based on some key aspects considering taste and visual presentation, and the winning competitor moves through to the next round.

The simplified format invites the audience to be involved – supporting and cheering on their friends and peers as they share their speech or serve up their coffees. It’s also a great way for people to step into judging without the pressure of a full score sheet.

The result has been enthusiastic and encouraging. The events have been packed out across the regions and have enabled people to get involved and enjoy the experience.

Five regions hosted the new format: Arrowtown, Whangarei, Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch. More than 70 competitors took the stage, most of them stepping behind the machine in a competitive format for the first time.

The winning position of each Barista Open is reserved for competitors who haven’t placed in the top three at Nationals in the past five years, keeping the pathway focused on emerging talent while still welcoming experienced baristas to compete and be part of the atmosphere.

Five winners now carry their regions through to the Aotearoa Barista Champs, each backed by NZSCA support: a new buddy program to help them prepare for the national stage.

The buddy program acknowledges the huge step from The Barista Open to the national format, and pairs the winners with industry professionals who have experience as coaches, barista competitors, and judges to act as a sounding board and help them prepare for Nationals.

If the turnout is any indication, the format has done exactly what it set out to do: create an opportunity for more people from more regions to step up to the competition stage and get involved. We can’t wait to see which regions step up to host next year.

Thanks to our Barista Champs 2026 and Barista Open sponsors: Principal sponsor Meadow Fresh, La Marzocco NZ, Cafetto, Acme Cup Co, Boring, Machine Limited, MONIN, Decent Packaging, and Ārepa.

The Barista Open’s first season wraps with its regional winners now looking ahead to Nationals in September.

Arrowtown hosted by Wolf Coffee Roasters: Samara Huang, Coffee Jo Good
Whangarei hosted by Sabio Coffee: Pinja Mäkipää, All You Knead
Auckland hosted by Ozone Coffee: Nobana Suzuki, Dear Deer Coffee Roasting
Wellington hosted by L’affare: Charlotte Green, Swimsuit Coffee
Christchurch hosted by  Prima Roastery: Jasmine Bower, Rook Cafe