1. General guidelines
1.1 The competition is open to all baristas interested in participating in the Latte Art Throwdown.
1.2 Competitors are required to register prior to the competition through the online form available on the ljubljanacoffeefestival.si website and to follow all instructions provided by the organizers.
2. Head-to-head competition
2.1 Competitors engage in one-on-one matches within an elimination system leading up to the final.
2.2 Each match commences with the judge rolling a die featuring various latte art patterns.
2.3 Both participants are required to replicate the pattern indicated by the die into a cappuccino cup.
2.4 Competitors must draw the pattern within 3 minutes.
2.5 During this period they may prepare multiple cups, but only one may be placed in front of the judges.
2.6 Three judges rate the cups by pointing to the better-drawn cup between the two contestants. The contestant who receives the most votes advances toward the final.
3. Final
3.1 During the final the organizer's FREE-POUR rules are enforced.
3.2 Each participant must present a photograph of the design they intend to draw and place it in view of the judges.
3.3 In this phase competitors do not compete one-on-one; each performs individually.
3.4 Judges assess each competitor individually and assign points based on the following scoring system.
4. Scoring system in the final
- 4.1 Symmetry (0–4 points) — the pattern's symmetry is assessed.
- 4.2 Contrast (0–4 points) — the contrast between coffee and milk is evaluated.
- 4.3 Definition (0–4 points) — the purity of the pattern lines is assessed.
- 4.4 Difficulty (0–10 points) — the pattern's difficulty level is assessed.
- 4.5 Precision (0–10 points) — the accuracy of the drawn pattern is evaluated against the reference image.
- 4.6 Cleanliness (0–10 points) — the cleanliness of preparation and serving of the cup to the judges is assessed.
5. Winners' announcement
5.1 The winner of the grand final is the barista who has received the most points according to the point system described above. Remaining competitors are ranked by points received.
5.2 In the event of a tie for place 1, 2 or 3, the judges determine an additional draw.
6. Additional regulations and provisions
6.1 Competitors are required to use the designated cappuccino cups provided by the organizer.
6.2 Competitors are required to adhere to the time limits and instructions provided by the judges.
6.3 Unsportsmanlike conduct could result in disqualification.
These regulations ensure equitable and professional competition, fostering creativity and technical excellence in latte art.
Judge score sheet — reference
Visual appeal (total 10)
- Symmetry (0–4): 0–1 little to no symmetry · 2–3 some symmetry · 4 perfect symmetry.
- Contrast (0–3): 0–1 poor · 2 moderate · 3 high.
- Definition (0–3): 0–1 blurry, poorly defined edges · 2 definition with some blurring · 3 sharp definition.
Difficulty (total 10)
- Complexity of the pattern (0–10): 0–3 very simple · 4–6 intermediate · 7–8 complex · 9–10 highly complex.
Execution (total 10)
- Precision (0–10): 0–3 poor · 3–7 moderate · 7–10 high.
- Cleanliness of the pour (0–10): 0–3 messy · 3–7 clean pour with little staining · 7–10 impeccable cleanliness.
