Overall Champion and category winners crowned at the International Barista Cup 2026
VIENNA, Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ --
says Christina Meinl, VP Group Strategies, Brand & Corporate Communication and 5 generation family member.
The Grand Finale in Vienna marked the culmination of national competitions across 15 countries, including Austria, Italy, Germany, China, Georgia and Croatia. More than 350 baristas applied to take part in the Barista Cup 2026, with 15 national champions ultimately earning their place at the Grand Finale in Vienna. At the Grand Finale, all 15 baristas competed across three categories: Espresso, Cappuccino and Signature Drink.
An independent international judging panel of coffee experts evaluated the baristas' performances across all three categories:
won the Espresso category, while was named the winner of the Cappuccino category and won the Signature Drink category. With the highest overall score across all three categories, was crowned Overall Champion 2026.
"I am incredibly happy. Winning the Grand Finale is a huge achievement for me and a reminder that I am capable of more than I sometimes imagine. Once I stepped onto the stage, all the nerves disappeared - it was just me, the judges and the coffee. I am deeply grateful to my trainer, Provitus Grup and Odelle Patisserie, for guiding me throughout this journey, sharing their knowledge and believing in me every step of the way. Representing Moldova on the global stage and bringing the Overall Champion title home makes this moment even more special", says Elizaveta Rîmscaia after her victory.
All four winners will receive a place on an exclusive coffee origin trip to India. There, they will gain first-hand insights into coffee cultivation, harvesting and processing, while meeting the people and discovering the stories behind the coffee. As part of the experience, they will learn more about the Julius Meinl Generations Programme and meet some of the communities involved. In collaboration with Fairtrade, the programme aims to support selected farmers in building more resilient livelihoods and creating opportunities for the next generation. The journey will give them the opportunity to deepen their knowledge across the coffee value chain and develop an even greater understanding of coffee and its origins.
For the first time in 2026, the Grand Finale was open to the public. Thousands of visitors attended the event at Vienna's MuseumsQuartier to experience the competition live and learn more about coffee. More than a thousand cups of coffee were served throughout the day. The Barista Cup brought together those who prepare coffee every day and those who enjoy it every day.
Jaqueline SiebererCorporate Communications & Press SpokespersonJulius Meinl 1862 GmbH
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