PORTLAND, OR—Twenty-five of the best baristas in the Northwest will take it to the mat in one of the most wild and fierce competitions in coffee excellence in the world October 20–22 at the Wonder Ballroom in Portland, Oregon. Admission to this three-day all-day event featuring star barista appearances—including by reigning World Barista Champion Klaus Thomsen of Denmark—public coffee education classes, free give-aways, and a festive hipster atmosphere that’s quintessential Portland, is free. The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. October 20 and 21. The exciting final round will be held on October 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Northwest United States is known as the country’s coffee capital, thanks to the population of some of the highest-quality beans and most talented espresso artisans. Join the best of the best as they duke it out for the title of Northwest Regional Barista Champion at this three-day event hosted by Stumptown Coffee Roasters and the American Barista & Coffee School. The winner of the competition will represent the Northwest at the United States Barista Championship in Long Beach, Calif., at the Specialty Coffee Association of America’s annual conference. If the Northwest Champ wins in Long Beach, they will jet off to Tokyo to represent the United States in the World Barista Championships next July.

But it all starts right here in Portland with this premiere event for coffee and competition enthusiasts alike. Watch as 2004 Northwest Barista Champion Kyle Larson of Stumptown Coffee Roasters goes head-to-head against 2006 United States Barista Championship runner-up Billy Wilson of the Albina Press, or cheer on your own favorite barista. Competitors will hail from all across Alaska, Washington and Oregon.

A barista competition is a unique and devilishly fun event for professional baristas, where each competitor takes the stage for 15 minutes to prepare four espressos, four cappuccinos and four “signature beverages” for a team of seven judges. Baristas are judged on quality and technical excellence, as well as creativity and performance.

The winner of the Northwest Regional Barista Competition will receive $1000 and an all-expenses paid trip to Long Beach, Calif., to represent the Northwest region at the national barista championships in May.

For more information, please visit NW Barista.