There were 12 competitors from 10 countries across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia who competed for the highly coveted champion spot at Essse Cafe’s Flagship store in Bologna, Italy. On September 27, 2025, John Benjie de Galicia of Blu Coffee Distributors, Philippines, secured the champion title at the Barisssta Championship 2025 hosted by Essse Cafe.

As champion, de Galicia will have the opportunity to represent Essse Cafe, a member of the Istituto Espresso Italiano and their home country at the Espressso Italiano Championship World Finals to be held at Host Milano, the largest international food & beverage trade show on October 19, 2025.

The Barisssta Championship upholds the same format and criteria of the Espresso Italiano Championship wherein a barista must prepare four perfect espressos and four perfect cappuccinos in just 11 minutes, all under the eyes of the technical judges and then evaluated by a sensory jury that operates blindly according to the Institute’s standards of International Coffee Tasters (liac). Baristas are judged in 3 main areas: marketing, technical, and sensory—all of which put the barista’s passion, skill, precision, and consistency to the test.

John Benjie de Galicia, a Training and Beverage Specialist representing Blu Coffee Distributors, competed for the first time internationally. With years of experience as head barista trainer for independent and chain coffee shops in the Philippines and months of preparation, his efforts had ultimately paid off in securing the top spot.

For the 3rd year in a row, the Philippines has represented Essse Cafe in the Espressso Italiano Championship World Finals. It is an indication of the growing skill, mastery, and excellence of the Filipino barista community in international coffee competitions.