Brainbows at First Barista of Belgium 2025: A Blend of Passion, Precision, and Style
Brainbows had the opportunity to attend the finals of the First Barista of Belgium 2025 competition, held at Schuilenburg Coffee Solutions in Dendermonde. As a proud sponsor, I got an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the intense competition and the world of professional baristas.
A Tense Yet Friendly Atmosphere
The event had a small but dedicated crowd, including the contestants, judges, organizers from FETAM, and representatives from Schuilenburg. The atmosphere was undeniably tense, as the finalists gave their all to impress the judges. But beyond the competition, I noticed something special: the Belgian coffee and barista industry is a close-knit community, where people know each other from previous events. This camaraderie brought a friendly, supportive energy to the competition, balancing out the pressure.
The Competition: Precision and Creativity
The six contestants had to prove their expertise through multiple rounds:
A written test to assess their coffee knowledge
The perfect espresso challenge, using Storme coffee beans within 25 minutes
A signature drink challenge, incorporating Oatly milk for a creative twist
A serving test, where three judges ordered drinks to test the finalists' service skills
I was particularly excited to see an equal representation of male and female contestants—three men and three women. However, it was a bit disappointing to notice that all the judges were men. Hopefully, we’ll see more diversity on the jury in the future.
Brainbows & Coffee: A Natural Pairing
When I was asked to sponsor this event, I didn’t hesitate for a second. Coffee culture is all about craftsmanship, passion, and self-expression—values that align perfectly with Brainbows. That’s why I was thrilled to sponsor 4 ‘The Barista’ bow ties, made from cork and coffee grounds, which will be gifted to the finalists.
Unexpected Moments & Exciting Reactions
Throughout the day, I had the chance to chat with some of the baristas and Schuilenburg team members. The biggest surprise? Being interviewed on camera—completely unprepared! A fun challenge, just like the competition itself.
The best part? Seeing people's amazement when they discovered The Barista bow tie. The mix of sustainability and style caught their attention, proving once again that fashion and craftsmanship can blend beautifully—just like the perfect espresso.
What’s Next?
The suspense isn’t over yet! The official winner of the ‘First Barista of Belgium 2025’ title will be announced on March 24th. The four finalists will have to wait a little longer to find out who takes home the title.
Are You a Coffee Lover?
If you share the same passion for coffee, why not wear it too? Check out The Barista – our unique bow tie crafted from cork and coffee grounds. A perfect gift for coffee enthusiasts and professionals alike!
