Meet the Baristas Competing in the 2026 Starbucks LAC Barista Championship
The 11th edition of the Starbucks Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) Barista Championship will bring together champions from 25 markets across the region in Costa Rica to celebrate the knowledge, creativity and connections that come to life through coffee. Once again, some of the region’s most passionate partners will gather to share the stories, experiences and learnings that have shaped their journeys.
Throughout the final stage, we’ll get to know the 25 champions more closely and hear their stories firsthand — what inspires their passion for coffee, the experiences that have shaped them as baristas and the journeys that have brought them together on this stage in Costa Rica.
Long before reaching the final stage, each champion has followed a journey shaped behind the bar: deepening their coffee knowledge, refining their craft, learning from fellow partners and finding new ways to create meaningful experiences for customers. Supported by their teams and leaders, the Barista Championship is an opportunity to put everything they have learned into practice and discover just how far their passion for coffee can take them.
That journey will lead the champions from Hacienda Alsacia, Starbucks coffee farm and global agronomy headquarters, to the stage at the Costa Rica Convention Center. Along the way, they will experience firsthand how agronomy and innovation help shape the future of coffee, connecting what happens behind the bar with the people, ideas and communities behind every cup. The experience will culminate as they showcase their craft while sharing the stories of their teams, their markets, and the diverse coffee cultures of Latin America and the Caribbean.
Beyond crowning a champion, the LAC Barista Championship creates a space for partners to learn from one another, build new connections and return home with fresh perspectives to continue sharing their passion for coffee behind the bar. Read more about our talented green apron partners competing in this year’s championship below!
Matías | Argentina
“My fondest memories of coffee began long before I ever wore the green apron. They live in the cup of coffee with milk my mom used to prepare me before school and in the afternoons with my dad, when we would share mate with a little coffee while watching sports.
I believe one of the greatest responsibilities we have as baristas is to connect the heart with coffee, whether through a smile, a conversation, or simply a moment of calm.
I’m incredibly excited about this final. Beyond taking my first flight and having my first opportunity to experience another culture, it represents an opportunity to hear new stories, share my passion for coffee and pursue the dream of becoming our region’s Barista Champion.”
Kiwandi | Aruba
“Coffee represents a moment when I can relax, focus on the process and find joy in every detail of the preparation. My coffee journey began before I became a Starbucks barista, but it was here that I truly came to understand what coffee can represent for each customer.
One of the things I enjoy most about being a barista is having fun while I work and sharing that energy with everyone who visits us. A genuine conversation and a well-crafted beverage can bring a little joy to every visit.
Nerves have been part of this journey, but the support of those who believed in me, along with my commitment and preparation, has helped me keep going. Reaching the regional final of the 2026 Barista Championship means achieving my goal of representing my market. I’m going in with excitement, passion and the desire to learn from every partner I meet along the way.”
Tayshawn | Bahamas
“My passion for coffee began with preparing beverages every day and discovering the processes and skills behind something that can seem simple from the outside. I also learned that coffee reflects the dedication and attention of the person preparing it, as well as the effort they put into delivering the best possible result.
I enjoy remembering customers’ customizations, offering a compliment or finding a small way to make their day better. My goal is for every customer to enjoy their beverage and leave feeling happy and satisfied, which is why I try to pay attention to every detail.
The Barista Championship challenged me to study, practice and improve so I could bring my best to every stage. Throughout the process, my fellow partners were always willing to help me, which made the learning experience even more meaningful. Representing The Bahamas is a responsibility I take seriously.”
Nathan | Barbados
“The world of coffee never stops surprising me. A combination of flavors, a new cold foam or a customization can open up possibilities I had never imagined before and allow me to connect with people in different ways.
What motivates me most is seeing how someone’s expression changes when they receive their favorite beverage. To me, hospitality and quality go hand in hand.
One of the happiest moments during the local final of the 2026 Barista Championship was realizing that I could overcome my own challenges and improve my latte art skills. Seeing the judges enjoy the custom beverages I had created was incredibly rewarding, and that motivates me to arrive at the final ready to share my creativity, my skills and the joy I find in this craft.”
Stefany | Brazil
“My passion for coffee grew as I explored different beans, brewing methods and beverages, paying closer attention to aromas and flavors along the way. Among those discoveries are memories I hold especially close, like the afternoons when my mom and I would sit together and share a cup of coffee and a conversation.
Being a barista has taught me a great deal about empathy and about putting myself in someone else’s shoes. It inspires me to always give my best, whether through a small gesture or a smile, because those details can make someone’s day a little brighter.
This will be my first international experience, and I’m looking forward to enjoying every stage while representing my partners with pride. I also carry with me the courage I have gained from facing every challenge and the gratitude that comes with representing a market so deeply connected to coffee.”
Fabio | Bolivia
“From my very first days at Starbucks, I understood that a cup of coffee could become a form of communication. Coffee is a way of expressing affection, friendship and memories; an invitation to pause and share something that can stay with us long after the last sip.
What I enjoy most is creating moments that can change someone’s day. Listening, offering a smile and paying attention to every detail are all ways of making someone feel welcome. A genuine connection can strengthen the experience we create within our community.
Participating in the LAC Barista Championship pushed me outside my comfort zone and showed me how far we can go when we set our minds to something, especially with the support of our fellow partners. Representing Bolivia means showcasing the talent, dedication and heart that exist throughout our market.”
Rohit | Cayman Islands
“My curiosity about coffee began when I discovered that every coffee has its own story and character. What initially seemed like just a beverage became a way of understanding the connections between farmers, baristas and customers. Learning about those differences sparked a passion in me to keep exploring.
In my experience, the details matter just as much as the preparation itself. Handing someone a cup that has been prepared with care can make their day better, and that possibility reminds me that our work is also about creating moments that feel genuine.
The competition pushed me outside my comfort zone and challenged me to stay calm, focused and confident. Along the way, I learned from my fellow partners and realized that there is always a new perspective to discover. I’ll arrive at Hacienda Alsacia grateful and excited to represent the Cayman Islands, experience other cultures and return with new insights that can inspire my team.”
Natalia | Chile
“My coffee knowledge has grown as I’ve come to understand everything that goes into each bean. Coffee tastings have allowed me to see customers’ faces light up when they recognize notes they had never noticed before, showing how sharing knowledge can completely transform an experience.
Throughout my Starbucks journey, I’ve developed a way of working that has made me more empathetic and more aware of how our actions can influence someone’s day. I no longer feel that I simply prepare coffee; I see myself as a craftsperson and an ambassador for all the work that goes into every cup.
For this edition of the Barista Championship, I dedicated months to practicing, building routines and seeking feedback, which taught me how to manage pressure and trust my team. Reaching Hacienda Alsacia, where so much of the coffee journey begins, is a dream.”
Juan José | Colombia
“My passion for coffee began with the very first sip of my favorite beverage. From that moment on, I set out to understand the origins, preparation and elements that come together in every cup. Sharing something I love with customers, friends, partners and family showed me that coffee could also become a way of life.
I feel that my role as a Coffee Master is like adding the final brushstroke to a work created by many hands. It means honoring farmers, roasters and everyone involved in the coffee journey so that the person receiving the cup can enjoy a memorable experience.
The 2026 Barista Championship presented different challenges at every stage: speaking in front of experts, perfecting my latte art and visiting different stores, each with its own story. Overcoming those challenges taught me consistency and resilience, two qualities that will help me represent one of the markets with the richest coffee history and culture.”
Francisco | Costa Rica
“My Starbucks journey began as an opportunity to support my family, but somewhere along the way, without knowing exactly when, that opportunity became a path for personal growth. Coffee allowed me to discover more about myself, make friends and dream again. Today, it represents pursuing a dream, making it a reality and asking myself how I can use that achievement to help others.
I remember someone once telling me that ‘coffee connects us,’ and over time I came to understand just how true that was. Many people, to whom I am deeply grateful, helped awaken dreams I thought I had lost. That is why I try to be an attentive, curious and service-minded barista.
Participating in this edition of the Barista Championship sparked an energy in me that is difficult to describe. I enjoyed encouraging my fellow partners, helping them when they felt nervous and celebrating together.”
Luis Enrique | Curacao
“I discovered how much I enjoyed this craft while learning to pull espresso shots, steam milk and prepare even the simplest beverages. One day, while working at a hotel, a customer told me they could see the effort and joy I put into every drink. That comment made me realize that passion can be felt even in the smallest gestures.
Being a barista gave me the confidence to talk to others, offer a kind word and approach people more naturally. I now understand how an interaction can improve someone’s day, which is why I always try to bring care into every moment. The connections I build with customers are among the lessons I value most from this journey.
Preparing for the championship required an extra level of effort because it coincided with my final exams and graduation, which took place on the same day as the competition. Balancing both goals rekindled an ambition I had not felt in years. Reaching Hacienda Alsacia represents hope, inspiration and growth.”
Cheila | Dominican Republic
“Coffee is an invisible thread that connects me to the countryside, my grandparents and my roots; the aroma of the coffee my grandfather brought home from the fields is still my favorite. Although I had been drinking coffee since childhood, becoming a partner helped me discover everything a single bean can bring to life, including the beginning of a meaningful story, a conversation or an invaluable connection.
Daily practice has taught me that every beverage requires its own process and carries its own story. As baristas, we are the bridge between intentional preparation and the connection we build with each customer, helping to make every experience more meaningful.
During the Barista Championship, I created a beverage inspired by my father. Sitting down with him to develop it became one of the most beautiful moments of connection we have ever shared. That experience showed me that preparing a beverage can also be a way of honoring where we come from and sharing our essence with others.”
Jhocksy | Ecuador
“I still remember my certification tasting as the moment when I truly began to enjoy my passion for coffee. It was a major challenge for me until a partner chose to believe in me and support me along the way. He taught me that technical knowledge matters, but knowing how to share it and inspire others matters just as much.
I try to offer others what I once received. I enjoy teaching, sparking curiosity and helping my fellow partners recognize their own potential. A barista is also a guide: someone who connects the origin of coffee with the person receiving it and uses their experience to help others grow.
I began preparing for this competition long before it officially started, and the process helped me strengthen several skills. I visited different stores across my market and discovered the diversity of coffee in Ecuador, something that also characterizes our entire region. I’m excited to experience that diversity directly though baristas in other markets, learn their stories and enjoy every moment of this experience.”
Jaqui | El Salvador
“Coffee brings together many of the things I value most, including peace, love and resilience. It connects me to my roots, childhood memories and the moments I’ve shared with my family. Conversations over coffee awakened a different kind of curiosity in me and helped me discover how much I enjoy learning, sharing what I know and listening to other people’s stories.
Being a barista has also helped me find my own voice. Over time, I learned to express myself with greater confidence, move past my nerves and understand that a meaningful experience begins by being fully present for others.
Reaching the regional final represents courage, pride and the decision to keep moving forward when something feels challenging. I want to return feeling fulfilled and, above all, with the satisfaction of knowing I gave my best and fully enjoyed the experience.”
Daniel | Guatemala
“My most special memories of coffee are the ones I shared with my grandmother. Taking part in some of the coffee processing steps with her and then sitting down together to enjoy many cups of it taught me that coffee can hold love, emotions and experiences that span generations. Over time, that personal bond became a desire to learn more and share everything a cup of coffee can represent.
Being a barista made me aware of the many hands involved in the journey of every coffee bean. That is why I feel a responsibility to protect its quality and honor the effort, dedication and passion that go into it long before it reaches the bar. Every beverage is an opportunity to respect that work and bring its story closer to the people who enjoy it.
For the regional final, I will carry with me the name of Guatemala, my family’s dreams and the affection of everyone who has helped keep our coffee culture alive. I’m excited to meet people who share this passion and to show how coffee can bring communities together and become a legacy of love and values.”
Julius | Guyana
“When I began my Starbucks journey, I saw coffee simply as a beverage. Working behind the bar allowed me to see it differently: as a craft built on knowledge, precision and teamwork. Today, I understand that every cup has a story and that achieving consistency also requires curiosity, discipline and a desire to keep learning.
For me, a barista’s work begins with making every person feel welcome. Even a simple moment, like sharing a beverage and a conversation, can brighten someone’s day and become an experience that stays with them.
Preparing for the Barista Championship while balancing personal responsibilities and my work behind the bar taught me resilience and consistency. I want to learn from baristas across the region, discover new perspectives and bring back ideas that inspire other baristas to continue elevating our craft.”
Milka | Honduras
“As an Industrial Chemistry student, curiosity was the doorway that led me to explore coffee more deeply. Meeting coffee farmers and hearing their stories completely transformed the way I understand each bean and helped me recognize the connection between my studies and my passion for coffee.
As a barista, I enjoy being the bridge between coffee farmers and each of our customer. A conversation, a recommendation or a beverage prepared with dedication can make someone feel special while helping them discover all the effort that goes into what they are enjoying.
Being the first Barista Champion from my market to reach the final in Costa Rica is an opportunity that inspires me to show that Honduras is full of talented, passionate people who are eager to keep growing.”
Abigail | Jamaica
“I grew up in Blue Mountains and remember drinking coffee with condensed milk in the mornings. Over time, I discovered flavor profiles, brewing methods and the stories behind every bean. Something that had always been part of my everyday life gradually became a true passion.
I feel like I’m being paid to do something I love, surrounded by partners and customers who have earned a special place in my heart. Starbucks became a workplace where people support one another, where everyone is encouraged to grow and where I have come to feel a true sense of belonging.
Seeing all of us encourage one another and celebrate each other’s achievements confirms for me that, even in a competition, coffee has the power to bring us together as a community. I will arrive at Hacienda Alsacia excited to experience other cultures, build new friendships and return to Jamaica with new experiences and insights to share with my team.”
Christian | Mexico
“My relationship with coffee began as a challenge, especially when it came to espresso and unsweetened beverages. Everything changed when I earned my Barista Basics certification and tried Starbucks® Single-Origin Kenya. Its story and flavor awakened something in me and helped me understand a phrase that now resonates more than ever: we don’t choose coffee; coffee chooses us.
I enjoy listening to customers talk about their achievements, their stories, and even the challenges they face in their everyday lives. Behind the bar, we can also create a space where someone feels heard and supported. That sense of connection fills me with joy, and it’s something I try to share with my partners as well.
Making it to Costa Rica is the realization of a dream built with the support of so many people who opened the doors of their stores to me, shared their time, and helped me believe in myself. Now, I want to carry with me the stories, dreams, and all the love Mexico has for coffee, and proudly represent my market in this final.”
Alejandro | Panama
“Before becoming a barista, I enjoyed drinking coffee, but I knew very little about everything that happened before it reached my cup. Coffee also holds something simple and familiar for me: it will always be a good reason to sit down and have a conversation with someone important.
One of the moments I remember most as a barista was when a customer came back simply to thank me for a beverage recommendation. That was when I realized the impact a small detail can have. Since then, I pay closer attention and ask more questions so that every visit can leave someone with a positive feeling.
Preparing for the final stage of the 2026 Barista Championship has required discipline, practice and the humility to ask my fellow partners for feedback. Representing Panama also means carrying with me the effort of my store team and everyone who has supported me along the way.”
Valentina | Paraguay
“My journey as a partner began the same year Starbucks arrived in Paraguay. Since then, I’ve come to understand that every cup holds knowledge, stories and experiences meant to be shared. My passion continues to grow every day thanks to the partners around me, whose enthusiasm has inspired my own.
Working behind the bar has taught me to bring intention to every conversation. When a customer recognizes me outside the store and remembers a moment we shared, I realize that even a brief interaction can have a positive impact and become meaningful for both of us.
At every stage of the championship, I felt that I was never competing alone; I was representing my store and everyone who believed in me. At the 2026 Barista Championship final, I’ll represent my entire market, and I hope our warmth, much like the coffees of Latin America, can be felt in every moment I share with partners from other markets.”
Luciana | Peru
“My passion for coffee and for connecting with people is something I’ve carried since childhood thanks to the people I love, especially my grandmother. Today, I feel that I continue with her legacy every time I prepare a cup with intention.
For me, coffee has always represented love and passion. Both can be shared through every beverage we serve our customers. Being a barista is part of my daily life, and bringing a smile to someone from behind the bar makes every day meaningful.
I’ve wanted to participate in this competition since the day I joined Starbucks, and throughout every stage I have learned to ‘enjoy the process.’ Now I’ll travel outside my market for the first time with the promise to enjoy every moment and return home carrying a little piece of every barista I meet.”
Lorraine | Puerto Rico
“For me, coffee took on a new meaning when I discovered Starbucks® Single-Origin Puerto Rico. Being able to tell the story of a coffee grown on my island filled me with immense pride in my roots and confirmed that every origin deserves to be understood and celebrated.
I believe listening can be just as important as mastering the technique. Welcoming someone with empathy, remembering a detail or making them feel at home can transform a beverage into something far more meaningful. Being a barista allows us to create memorable experiences and genuine connections in every interaction.
Reaching the Barista Championship final gives me the opportunity to bring the essence of Puerto Rico into a space where innovation, sustainability and learning come together. I’m excited to represent my market, my family and all the partners who have believed in me on this journey to the 11th edition.”
Vinnie | Trinidad & Tobago
“My first connection with coffee began at my grandmother’s house; its aroma would fill the entire home and turn its preparation into a comforting ritual. Starbucks coffee gives me that same kind of moment after the first sip, when I can breathe, feel present and recognize that I am part of something greater.
As baristas, we are among the people customers interact with most directly, and our work gives us the opportunity to brighten someone’s day through conversation and by preparing their favorite beverage. What we do allows us to build meaningful connections.
For every stage of the championship, I prepared through hard work, research and a work ethic I have built over nearly five years at Starbucks. As I move into this next stage, I want to showcase the warmth, culture and energy that characterize Trinidad and Tobago, along with the human spirit that distinguishes our entire region.”
Veronica | Uruguay
“My passion for coffee grew as I learned about its origins, preparation and the people who make every cup possible. That journey led me to become a Coffee Master, but it also brought meaningful friendships into my life with people who share the same passion.
Being a barista has helped me become more patient, detail-oriented and thoughtful about how I welcome others. Even latte art, which was one of my greatest challenges, taught me that confidence is built through consistency, many hours of practice and a willingness to try again.
Being a finalist in the 11th edition represents an opportunity to embrace new experiences that I want to fully enjoy. Latin America is filled with people who, just like its baristas, put their hearts into every detail and transform a cup of coffee into an experience.”
