Because Africa’s coffee talent needed a stage of its own, the Barista League lands in Johannesburg on 4 October 2025. A single night of espresso, music, and games will take over Katys Palace Bar, a bright venue already famous for its buzz. No complicated rules mean that any passionate barista can simply sign up, pull great shots, and focus on fun and creativity.
The 17:00 start officially opens the venue doors and lets early birds grab the best balcony seats before the crowd thickens.
The continent’s rising barista culture is the star. Twenty teams applied with essays and videos, and judges picked the best roasters and pourers from Cairo to Cape Town. Competitors won’t cram for months; they’ll just show up and do the same tasks they face in their cafés. Costumes, jokes, and disco lights replace stiff white aprons. The goal is to pull great shots and tell stories that tighten the coffee community, not to rack up medals.
Cairo to Cape Town’s teams bring cafés to the stage—shots, stories, disco.
Spectators can step up as Mystery Judges or roam the Roasters Village for fresh cups and swag. DJs and coffee cocktails turn the bar into a party once the portafilters cool.
The format matches events already booked for Prague, Tokyo, and Sydney. Each continent will crown one champion duo. After five hours of brewing, the initial African champs will lift a wooden trophy made from reclaimed crates.
Tickets cost 120 Zar for general guests, yet working baristas get in free. Sponsors like Rancilio, Oatly, and Toddy pay for flights and pour gear. They’ve also tossed in a surprise Coffee Vacation giveaway for one lucky guest.
The Ordna Event Agency, creators of the worldwide League, handle lights, scoring clocks, and latte art stations. Local roasters get an additional platform as Katys opens its balcony for side tastings.
Organizers hope this single night sparks long term growth. With Johannesburg hosting, baristas from Lagos to Lilongwe now have a continental yardstick and a ready made network. Phones will stream the finals live, letting a wider audience cheer as Africa claims its initial Barista League crown.
