On Saturday, baristas from all over Champaign-Urbana gathered at BakeLab’s Lodgic location in Champaign to go head-to-head in the fourth annual Latte Art Throwdown.
The theme of the event was Y2K, with baristas, judges and spectators wearing 2000s-inspired clothes for the added touch of camaraderie.
There were no specific qualifications needed to enter the competition, besides a $10 registration fee and confidence in one’s skills. Experience from competitors varied, from those who work as baristas to latte art hobbyists.
First place won a prize of $100 and a box of coffee gear, while second and third place received $50 and $25, respectively.
Santi Cardenas, an Urbana resident and a Starbucks barista, came out with some friends to support local baristas.
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“I’m new to town, so it seemed kind of fitting to come to an event like this since being a barista is a pretty important part of my life,” Cardenas said.
The event check-in began at 5:30 p.m., with spectators piling in. While it was not necessary to RSVP, it did have its perks, such as a free drink and the chance of winning a raffle of coffee swag from BakeLab and its sponsors.
Mariana Flores, junior in the Division of Exploratory Studies, heard about the event on Instagram and wanted to see the event for herself. Being a barista at Starbucks as well, she felt it fitting to be in attendance.
“I was interested to see what the competition looked like, and if it looked like something I could maybe do in the future,” Flores said. “It seemed like a fun event, and it has been so far.”
The event was structured around baristas facing off in a bracket-style competition, where only two would be competing at a time. The names of two enrolled baristas would be called at random to throwdown and make their best latte art. A volunteer poured a shot of espresso so competitors could focus solely on getting the perfect milk froth in their steaming pitcher and creating their latte art of choice.
After the baristas had finished their pour, they would show their design to the panel of judges, who would decide which latte they thought was worthy of moving on. This style of competition would continue until the top three were chosen.
The first pour came at 6 p.m. At this time, spectators were huddling around the bar to observe baristas face off in intense coffee pouring. Cheers erupted from the crowd, and some viewers even made signs in support of their barista friends. The TVs that normally display BakeLab’s menu converted to live action footage of the steaming competition.
“It’s kind of intense,” Flores said. “Being a barista gives me a little insight to maybe what they’re going through. Like, all these people watching, it has to be intense. One wrong pour or improperly steamed milk can make a messy latte.”
Despite the eyes, baristas were up for the challenge. From a classic tulip design to more intricate replicas of animals, the latte art was extensive and the hand coordination was unmatched.
“I’ve never been to an event like this,” Cardenas said. “I think there should be more little things like this across town that get people involved in a community they are in. It’s been really great to be here.”
Bakelab’s Latte Art Throwdown allows baristas across the C-U community to be highlighted for their craft, while also allowing coffee lovers to enjoy and share their interests with others.
“Coffee is a huge part of people’s routine,” said Angel Benke, community member and friend of Cardenas. “Why not make an event where (baristas) can show off to people who will appreciate it?”
