Malta places 2nd in Barista of the Year European Finals

Wayne Falzon, just 18 years old, placed 2nd in the Costa Coffee Barista of the Year European finals held in Warsaw, Poland. 

The competition took place over two days and consisted of two main challenges. The first tested their coffee making skills whereby participants had to produce technically faultless cups of hand-crafted coffee in a set amount of time. The second challenge required the contestants to create and present their own unique signature coffee beverage which is judged on its taste, presentation and inventiveness.

The Barista of the Year competition is organised annually to give Costa Coffee baristas all over the world the chance to showcase their skill, personality and passion in what they do. It recognises that every barista is unique. Not only are they the experts in making quality hand-crafted coffee with speed and precision but also that each barista brings their own flair and creativity to every cup.

The winner of the European finals, which this year happened to be Czech Republic, continues on to compete in the global competition for the Champion of Champions title.

Jennifer Sant, Malta’s core skills training manager, responsible for training all Costa Coffee baristas in Malta and who trained and supported Wayne throughout said, “I am very proud of him. It is an amazing achievement to place second and he deserves every bit of it. He worked extremely hard and it reflected in his performance throughout the whole competition.”

Wayne describes his time in Poland with a permanent smile on his face, “It was a truly amazing experience that I will never forget! Even though I didn’t place first I encourage others to participate because it feels so good to be able to stand on stage, prove your skills and share your passion with others.

"I am very grateful to Costa Coffee Malta for giving me this opportunity and I hope I one day make it to Champion of Champions!”