O Espresso Skills Championship 2026 is the stage where mastery of the espresso machine merges with the art of hospitality. In this edition, we've raised the bar: we're no longer judging pure technique alone, but rather sensory communication, creativity and the ability of each barista to create a memorable experience.
With only 12 participants selected to take to the stage, the competition is a test of precision and charisma under pressure. Each barista has 15 minutes to present a unified concept through three drinks: the rigour of a perfect Espresso, the silky texture of a Vegetable Cappuccino (Oatly) and the audacity of an Author's Drink.
Here, the secret is not just in what comes out of the portafilter, but in being able to predict what the judges will feel. The sensory judges aren't just looking for quality; they're looking for the truth in the cup: if the competitor describes a citric acidity or a velvety texture, that's what the judges have to find. It's a game of honesty, technique and vibe.
At the epicentre of the Coffee Market, at 8 Marvila, Espresso Skills is transformed into a spectacle of modern hospitality. Between dynamic presentations, the use of cutting-edge equipment and the contagious energy of the audience, this is the place for those who want to see coffee service elevated to a form of entertainment and mastery. Come and support national talent, be inspired by innovative recipes and find out who will be mastering the machine and the palate in 2026.
The Espresso Skills Championship takes place on 28 March during Lisbon Coffee Week, at 8 Marvila, Lisbon.
The Espresso Skills Championship is back! For 2026, we've shifted the focus from pure technique to sensory communication, creativity and the “vibe” of your service.
Each competitor must prepare and describe the following:
The scoring is designed to be transparent and rewarding:
|
Category |
Points |
Criteria |
|
Espresso |
1 - 10 |
Technique + matching your description to the judges' experience. |
|
Cappuccino |
1 - 10 |
Visual appeal (Latte Art) + precision in texture and flavour. |
|
Author's Drink |
1 - 10 |
Creativity, balance and innovative use of syrup. |
|
Concept and Service |
0 - 5 |
Hospitality, professionalism and the “fun factor” of the presentation. |
Pro Tip: A perfect 10 is awarded when the judges agree 100% with your sensory description. Be honest and precise about what's in the cup!
We believe that every barite who takes to the stage deserves recognition, but the best extractions will take home incredible prizes.
|
Place |
Prize |
|
1st place |
Personalised Espresso Skills Trophy + Espresso grinder IZAGA W + Merch La Marzocco + Nasty Jug by Irvine Quek 600ml + T-shirt Go Coarser. + Tasteology Tote Bag + LCW Cupping Spoon + Coffee. |
|
2nd place |
Nasty Jug by Irvine Quek 400ml + Merch La Marzocco + Tasteology Tote Bag + LCW Cupping Spoon + Coffee. |
|
3rd place |
Victory Jug + Merch La Marzocco + Tasteology Tote Bag + LCW Cupping Spoon + Coffee. |
If you can't find the answer to your question, please contact us.
Lisbon Coffee Week is the capital's edition of the biggest national coffee festival.
Seven days dedicated to coffee and, above all, to celebrating coffee culture. The events range from workshops to parties, championships and much more.
In its first full edition in Lisbon, Lisbon Coffee Week is highlighting the AeroPress Portugal 2025 championship.
We want to bring the smell of coffee to the city of Lisbon, so the workshops and parties of this coffee festival are spread across the city. See where all the events are pop-up here.
For seven days Lisbon will smell of coffee.
From Monday to Sunday you'll find Lisbon Coffee Week events all over the city, with workshops taking place in coffee shops, restaurants and schools.
See ours diary all the events you can't miss.
Lisbon Coffee Week is designed for coffee lovers - from the consumer to the coffee professional - producers, importers, entrepreneurs, roasters and baristas, with events and championships for all levels of coffee knowledge.
A coffee festival for everyone.
Lisbon Coffee Week has speakers of various nationalities and participants from all over the world, so this year Lisbon Coffee Week has events in Portuguese and English.
At all events we will always have staff available to help you translate if you have language difficulties and want to take part.
So check the language of each event and, if in doubt, get in touch.
Yes, our photographers will be identified, as well as any press who may attend.
By buying tickets for Lisbon Coffee Week you agree to be photographed and filmed within the framework of the events, as well as allowing us to use your image to publicise the event in the future.
Photographs and videos taken by visitors
As you understand, we want to protect the integrity of the festival, our speakers and exhibitors. Therefore, if you intend to photograph or film parts of the event, we ask that you exercise common sense and abide by some basic rules.
Although you may photograph or film during Lisbon Coffee Week for personal use, you may not sell any photos or videos of the festival. Please respect the privacy of other participants who may not wish to be filmed or photographed.
Photography, recorded video and audio and children
The safety of children is very important to us, so images or voices of children used online will not identify the child unless we have permission from the child's carers to do so.
We can't guarantee access to all the workshops for people with reduced mobility, as the various spaces where they will take place may not be accessible. Therefore, if you need assistance, please contact us.
