Latte Art Throwdown
Congratulations to our 2026 Latte Art Throwdown Winners!
Congratulations to our 2026 Latte Art Throwdown Winners and Competitors!
Who will win the 2027 Cincinnati Coffee Festival Latte Art Throwdown?
Let us know if you are interested in competing next year!
Beauty is in the eye of the cup-holder and latte art is the hallmark of beautifully pulled espresso, carefully steamed milk, and the artistic touch of a dedicated, skilled barista. Calling all baristas for the Annual Cincinnati Coffee Festival Latte Art Throwdown. Wherever baristas gather, you can expect a latte art throwdown as a means of camaraderie, friendly competition, and expression of our craft. Register here.
The Latte Art Throwdown is a live barista competition dedicated to the highly popular skill of latte art. At the Cincinnati Coffee Festival our throwdown will feature some of the area’s most skilled latte artists.
Latte Art Throwdown Overview
PRIZES
1ST PLACE: $400
2ND PLACE: $200
3RD PLACE: $100
The competition will be head-to-head, bracket style and three judges will determine whose milk pouring aesthetics will advance. At the end of the competition, one steady-handed barista will be crowned the Supreme Latte Artist of Greater Cincinnati.
To purchase a latte art throwdown competitor ticket click here. Only registered competitors with tickets will be allowed to compete.
The latte art throwdown is on Saturday, October 24, 2026 and begins at 2:00pm. All competitors should be at the Festival by 1:30pm.
Ready to show your skill?
RULES
The Throwdown will start at 2:00pm – you must be available when your name is called. Two baristas will pour head-to-head for three judges to determine who advances to the next round. The finalists will battle for prize money and bragging rights!
This is a one-pull, one-pour throwdown.
You are welcome to bring your own steaming pitcher or use one provided.
Whole milk will be provided by Snowville Creamery. There will be one round using barista quality oatmilk provided by Oatly.
Latte art will be judged on overall aesthetic. While factors of great latte art (color infusion, contrast, symmetry) will be considered, judges will independently choose their preferred pour and the barista who earns at least 2 out of 3 judges’ votes advances.
- Complete the registration form.
- Tickets are $12 and include your entry fee as well as one guest attendee.
- Purchase your competitor ticket.
- Get your pour on!
Good luck to all competitors!
2026 Judges
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Past Winners
Congratulations to our 2026 Latte Art Throwdown Winners!
First Place: Angelo Lozade, Mission Coffee
Second Place: Austin Ferrari, Mom ‘n ‘Em
Third Place: Andrew Nielsen, KH Credit Union, formerly Pettibone
Congratulations to our 2025 Latte Art Throwdown Winners!
First Place: Frankie Alers, Mad Llama
Second Place: Vikram Kumar, Luminary by La Terza
Third Place: Christopher Brown, Sunergos
Congratulations to our 2024 Latte Art Throwdown Winners!
First Place: Cris DeJesus, Red Tree Gallery 
Second Place: Kyle Sweetland, Red Tree Gallery
Third Place: Ivan Rodriguez
Congratulations to our 2023 Latte Art Throwdown Winners!
First Place: Robbie Blankenship, Hyde Perk Coffee
Second Place: Keaton Neely, Deeper Roots Coffee
Third Place: Hali Perez, Sleepy Bee
Want to join us for next year’s Throwdown? Let us know!
