San Jose, Costa Rica — Starbucks celebrated the 11th Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) Barista Championship, bringing together the region’s top coffee talent at the Costa Rica Convention Center and Hacienda Alsacia, Starbucks global agronomy headquarters and coffee farm. The annual competition recognized coffee expertise, craftsmanship, storytelling, and the meaningful connections Starbucks partners create with customers every day.

This year, champions from more than 20 markets across Latin America and the Caribbean earned their place in the regional finals after competing in local and national qualifying rounds. Together, they represented the very best of Starbucks coffee passion, skill, and community across the region.

Juan José from Starbucks Colombia was named the 2026 LAC Barista Champion, recognized for outstanding coffee knowledge, technical expertise, creativity, and the ability to create meaningful connections through coffee. The competition also recognized Daniel from Guatemala and Milka from Honduras for their exceptional performances throughout the championship.

“This all started as a dream. I told myself, ‘I’m going to go and represent Colombia as best as I can.’ It’s an honor to represent Starbucks Colombia and every person behind each cup. I want to thank those who have supported me throughout this entire journey,” said Juan José, partner and 2026 LAC Barista Championship winner.

“The LAC Barista Championship showcases the extraordinary talent and coffee passion of our partners across Latin America and the Caribbean,” said Ricardo Arias-Nath, senior vice president and president, Starbucks Latin America and the Caribbean. “In a region that is home to many of Starbucks coffee origins, this event is an opportunity to celebrate the people, cultures, and coffee traditions that make it so special. We are proud to recognize our baristas for the expertise, creativity, and storytelling they bring to every customer to create the Starbucks Experience.”

The championship also featured a special appearance by Latin GRAMMY-winning artist Camilo during the final round. As finalists shared the stories behind their coffees and signature beverages, the Colombian singer-songwriter joined the conversation to recognize the creativity, authenticity, and sense of connection expressed through each creation, bringing a unique perspective to a competition that celebrates the talent and passion of Starbucks partners.

Building on that shared spirit of creativity and connection, Starbucks also announced a new partnership with Camilo called “My Coffee. My Ritual.”, in celebration of International Coffee Day on October 1, bringing together the personal rituals that make a cup of coffee part of everyday life.  The collaboration will come to life across Latin America and the Caribbean through Camilo’s music in Starbucks coffeehouses, Camilo’s favorite Starbucks beverages, and opportunities to participate in exclusive Starbucks x Camilo experiences. Together, these experiences will offer customers new ways to connect and celebrate the moments that come to life around coffee and music.

Now in its 11th year, the LAC Barista Championship continues to serve as a platform for partner development, coffee leadership, and cultural exchange. Since its inception in 2015, more than 75,000 baristas have participated in the competition, with over 200 national champions showcasing their knowledge, creativity, and commitment to coffee excellence.

As part of their championship journey, finalists spent time at Hacienda Alsacia, experiencing coffee from seed to cup and connecting with the agronomists, researchers, and coffee experts dedicated to helping secure the future of coffee. Located at the foothills of Costa Rica’s Poás Volcano, Hacienda Alsacia serves as Starbucks global center for coffee research, innovation, and farmer support.

Throughout the competition, baristas were evaluated across a series of challenges designed to test coffee knowledge, technical skill, creativity, and customer connection. Events included coffee storytelling, blind coffee tasting, store rush simulations, signature beverage creation, and latte art, all designed to highlight the artistry and expertise behind the Starbucks Experience.

More than a skills competition, the championship celebrated the power of storytelling through coffee. Competitors drew inspiration from their personal journeys, local cultures, and coffee heritage to create experiences that brought coffee to life for customers and communities throughout the region.

The 11th LAC Barista Championship stands as a testament to Starbucks enduring belief that coffee is more than a beverage. It is a catalyst for human connection, personal growth, and shared experiences that bring people together across cultures, communities, and borders.

To learn more about the champions who represented their markets at the 2026 LAC Barista Championship, including their personal coffee journeys and what inspires them as Starbucks partners, visit Meet the Baristas Competing in the 2026 Starbucks LAC Barista Championship.