12 May 2026 · Team HG
The 2026 Northern Netherlands Barista Championships: words that mean one thing to every serious barista in the region — this is your moment. Ten minutes. One espresso machine. Two espressos and two cappuccinos. A jury with trained palates examines every gram of coffee, every second of extraction and every texture of milk foam. This is no casual hobby outing. This is the competition to become the best barista in the northern Netherlands.
World of Barista is once again organising the region’s leading coffee competition this year. Whether you work in a lively city café or a specialty coffee bar, or have long dreamed of recognition for what you serve every day, this is your chance to prove yourself.
Lasting recognition — and the opportunity to compete against the region’s best professionals on a stage that matters. The final of the Northern Netherlands Barista Championships takes place on 5 October 2026 during Horeca Xperience at Martiniplaza in Groningen. One of the northern Netherlands’ biggest hospitality trade events becomes your arena.
| Final date | 5 October 2026 |
| Location | Martiniplaza, Groningen |
| Event | Horeca Xperience |
| Organiser | World of Barista |
Competitors qualify through preliminary rounds, so start preparing early. Only the strongest reach the final. The winner can rightly call themselves the best barista in the northern Netherlands until the next edition.
Each competitor prepares two espressos and two cappuccinos in a maximum of ten minutes. You may bring your own coffee and grinder; everything else is provided. What you cannot bring is a second chance. The jury assesses technical execution, presentation, the work area and the overall impression you make.
Practise your routine down to the second. Championships are not always won by the person with the most expensive beans, but by the person who performs most consistently under pressure.
You will not be facing beginners. The jury consists of people who do more than drink coffee: they understand it down to the molecular level. Meet the three judges.
Merijn Gijsbers was Dutch Barista Champion in 2017 and Dubai International Coffee Champion in 2018. As a trainer, consultant and barista, he travels the world for his company, sharing his passion for coffee and representing various brands. As host, he keeps the Northern Netherlands Barista Championships running smoothly; as a judge, he knows exactly what should be in the cup.
Rose van Asten is a certified SCA barista trainer and one of the Netherlands’ most experienced coffee professionals. She has won several national titles — Dutch Barista Champion (2006), Dutch Latte Art Champion (2007) and Dutch Cupping Champion (2008/09) — and represented the Netherlands at world championships. She has trained baristas through Your Coffee Companion for over twenty years. In 2025 she published The New Barista, the handbook she co-wrote with Wendelien van Bunnik. As an experienced judge, she combines championship experience with a sharp sensory palate and a deep understanding of the craft.
Wendelien van Bunnik has worked as a barista and trainer since 2010. She is a community builder, content creator, public speaker and co-author of The New Barista — the Dutch-language reference book for baristas and coffee lovers. She founded The Happy Coffee Network, an international community for coffee professionals. Through @wendeliendrinkscoffee, she introduces a large audience to specialty coffee every day. As a judge, she brings a keen eye for craftsmanship, broad tasting experience and a fresh outside perspective.
During breaks in the competition, Kaspar Tammjärv — a two-time Dutch Latte Art Champion — gives free latte art workshops. Whether you are competing, watching or simply love coffee, this is a special opportunity to learn how to turn milk into art with one of the Netherlands’ best. The workshops are free for all Horeca Xperience visitors.
The 2026 Northern Netherlands Barista Championships are open to both beginner and experienced baristas. You do not need years of experience. You need passion, precision and the courage to face critical eyes and noses. The northern Netherlands has plenty of barista talent — but who will stand out?
Register through World of Barista and enter the preliminary rounds. Places are limited, so do not miss your chance.
