Submissions are now closed for the Barista Smackdown - huge thanks to everyone who entered. We'll email those who will have the chance to battle for the title of most legendary barista, competing head-to-head to win their share of $10,000.
It's going to be one heck of a night with bevvies from Bondi Brewing Co (and our local bottle o), Ruby J on the decks and a few familiar faces behind the mic and the judges table... We can't wait.
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Thursday, 26 October
Time: 6:30-8:30pm
Location: Will & Co HQ Tasting Bar
Corner of Beach Road & Gould Street, Bondi Beach
THE GOODS (AKA PRIZES)
First Place: $5,000
Second Place: $3,000
Third Place: $2,000
Mystery Round: The Ultimate Surf Pack
SMACKDOWN RUNDOWN
ROUND 1
LUCK OF THE DART
Competitors: 32 compete head-to-head, 16 move to next round
Challenge: Throw a dart and pop a balloon to unveil your pour. Pours could be a heart, tulip, rosetta, swan, Will & Co-related or a surf scene
ROUND 2
OATLY APPROVED
Competitors: 16 compete head-to-head, 8 move to next round
Challenge: Pour your best tulip using Oatly Oat Milk. Number of layers is up to you.
MYSTERY ROUND
SURFS UP
What's a Barista Smackdown without a little cheeky fun? Mid-way through the comp, we'll see two legends blend their latte art and surfing skills to win the ultimate surf pack. The rest of you can sit back, relax and enjoy.
ROUND 3
DON'T MISS YOUR FLIGHT
Competitors: 8 compete head-to-head, 4 move to final round
Challenge: Pour a coffee flight - piccolo, flat white, cappuccino - to be judged on appearance.
ROUND 4
MONA LISA
Competitors: 4 compete head-to-head to determine 1st, 2nd and 3rd
Challenge: Show us your two best free pours. The runners-up of the first two showdowns will pour for 3rd place and the winners will pour for 1st. Both 3rd and 1st place rounds will also be your two best free pours
ALL YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
Barista Smackdown
What are the entry dates for the competition?
Baristas can sign up from 29 September - 19 October.
When will I be notified if I'm selected to compete?
All baristas will be contacted on Friday, 20 October to notify them of whether or not they've snagged a spot in the competition.
Where will the Smackdown be held?
At the Will & Co HQ Tasting Bar in Bondi Beach. We're located on the corner of Beach Road & Gould Street.
Am I allowed to bring my own milk jugs?
Definitely. Baristas are welcome to bring their own. We'll have some extras on hand in case you forget.
Am I allowed to use tools?
The only time you'll be allowed to use tools is in Round 1 - Luck of the Dart if you are tasked with the Will & Co "okay" symbol or the surf scene. We'll also share more details about those potential pours with the baristas selected to compete.
Who competes in the mystery round?
We're glad you asked. Any barista that doesn't make it to R2 will have the chance to sign up to compete in the mystery round. We'll then decide the old fashioned way - by drawing two names out of a hat.