Julius Meinl

Vienna – September 13, 2026 -- Elizaveta Rîmscaia of Moldova was crowned Overall Champion at the Julius Meinl International Barista Cup 2026 Grand Finale, held September 4 in Vienna's MuseumsQuartier, beating 14 other national champions across three brewing disciplines.

Austrian barista Mario Benetseder claims cappuccino title on home turf

Benetseder secured the win in the Cappuccino discipline, judged on the interplay of espresso and milk plus latte art execution. Stefan Kot of Poland took the Espresso category, evaluated on taste, balance and crema, while Luka Darispanashvili of Georgia won Signature Drink for creativity and flavor cohesion.

Competition drew over 350 applicants across 15 countries

National qualifying rounds ran in 15 markets including Austria, Italy, Germany, China, Georgia and Croatia, narrowing more than 350 barista applicants down to 15 national champions who advanced to the Vienna final.

Vienna – September 12, 2026 -- Julius Meinl named Elizaveta Rîmscaia of Moldova as Overall Champion of its International Barista Cup 2026 Grand Finale, held September 4 at Vienna's MuseumsQuartier, capping a global competition that drew more than 350 applicants across 15 countries.

Fifteen national champions competed across three judged disciplines

Baristas from markets including Austria, Italy, Germany, China, Georgia and Croatia advanced through national rounds to Vienna's finale, where an independent international jury scored competitors on Espresso, Cappuccino and Signature Drink categories.

Vienna – September 12, 2026 -- Elizaveta Rîmscaia from Moldova was crowned Overall Champion 2026 at the Julius Meinl Barista Cup Grand Finale, held on September 4 at Vienna's MuseumsQuartier, beating 14 other national champions across three competitive categories.

More than 350 baristas from 15 countries entered the annual competition

National competitions were held across 15 countries, including Austria, Italy, Germany, China, Georgia and Croatia, drawing over 350 applications before 15 national champions advanced to the Vienna finale. Competitors were judged by an independent international panel across Espresso, Cappuccino and Signature Drink categories.