Today is the day we Baristas have been waiting for. The day to cheer on our two time U.S Barista Champion, Michael Philips from Intelligencia, as he competes against the best Baristas from around the world in London. I have collected the best links to keep you covered during the event for June 23-25. Don’t worry, there won’t be any vuvuzela’s.

The World Barista Championship (WBC) is the preeminent international coffee competition. The organization—founded by the Specialty Coffee Association of Europe and the Specialty Coffee Association of America—focuses on promoting excellence in coffee, advancing the barista profession, and engaging a worldwide audience with an annual championship event that serves as the culmination of local and regional events around the globe.

Each year, champions representing more than 50 Nations each prepare 4 espressos, 4 cappuccinos, and 4 original signature drinks to exacting standards in a 15-minute performance set to music.

WBC Certified Judges from around the world evaluate each performance on the taste of beverages served, cleanliness, creativity, technical skill, and overall presentation. The ever-popular signature beverage allows baristas to stretch their imagination and the judges’ palates to incorporate a wealth of coffee knowledge into an expression of their individual tastes and experiences.

The top 12 competitors from the first round advance to a semi-final round to choose the top 6 competitors for the finals round… from which one winner is named World Barista Champion!

• Find out the competitors and event schedule on the WBC 2010 Official Site.
• Unofficial WBC 2010 Blog covers past champions, the WBC venue, London Info. and more!
• Barista Magazine’s Blog, Pasetboard, is also covering the event. Along with a great picture of the semi finalists.
• WBC 2010 in photos over on Flickr
• Food GPS has a wonderful interview with our own Michael Philips from April, when he won the U.S title. Be sure to check it out.

In case you missed Michael Philips, day 1, here is the link to his performance.

Congratulations to the Simi Finalists

• Australia
• Brazil
• Canada
• Denmark
• El Salvador
• Germany
• Greece
• Guatemala
• Honduras
• Ireland
• Mexico
• GO USA! – Michael Philips

Michael Philips Day 2 Semi Finals

Finalists Announced

Congratulations Michael Philips for making the US proud! Winner of WBC 2010!

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