Gradisca d’Isonzo, June 3, 2025 – One of the most anticipated stages of the Espresso Italiano Champion 2025 has just concluded in the evocative setting of La San Marco. The prestigious competition, promoted by the Istituto Espresso Italiano (IEI), celebrates the culture of high-quality espresso and showcases the talent of Italy’s finest baristas.

Nine selected competitors faced off in a high-pressure challenge, where they had to calibrate the coffee grinder and prepare four espressos and four cappuccinos in just 11 minutes. Their performances were judged by both technical and sensory panels, following the strict standards set by the International Institute of Coffee Tasters (IIAC).

Standing out among a field of outstanding participants were Tianyu Wang and Davide Zambrano, who claimed first and second place respectively, securing their spots in the national semifinals to be held on June 24–25 in Conegliano Veneto, at Dersut Caffè.

“Today was a great day of selections leading to the Italian finals of the Espresso Italiano Champion,” commented Nocera. “Among all the participants, two baristas stood out for their precision, consistency in extraction, and cup quality, under the careful evaluation of INEI-accredited judges. What makes this result even more meaningful is the success of the first-place winner, a barista of Asian origin—proof of the global reach of our iconic beverage and the worldwide appreciation for Italian espresso. We look forward to seeing who will win the national title and represent Italian excellence on the international stage!”

Hosting this competition once again confirms La San Marco’s ongoing commitment to promoting espresso culture and recognizing the vital role of baristas within the coffee value chain.