35 markets competed to be crowned Dunkin’ International Barista Champions
In 2021, Inspire Senior Manager of International Training Development Eric DeCicco was tackling his biggest challenge yet: reimagine the future of training for Dunkin’s international team members. His goal? “Go big on beverage. This was an opportunity to excite our teams and encourage espresso excellence while having a whole lot of fun.”
Fast-forward four years, and Dunkin’s annual International Barista Competition involves 35 markets in a show-stopping program featuring multi-level culinary dioramas and intricate free-poured latte art designs. Each year, participating baristas must advance through two rounds in their market before competing in a final regional championship round, held for the Americas, Asia-Pacific (APAC), Europe, and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regions.
Eric oversees the competition each year with an eye on teamwork, engagement, and – of course – training. “I always attend the final round of competition for each region, and let me tell you, the excitement our team members bring when making a beverage is infectious. Franchisees are there to cheer them on, and the increase in beverage quality year over year is always a big talking point. It’s something to take pride in.”
To honor the most innovative culinary creations, Dunkin’ partners with international franchisees to bring a finalist’s beverage to life in their home restaurant. “Now a barista is seeing their drink on the menu and sharing it with guests. It’s one of the reasons they look forward to the competition every year – before it’s even over, they’re already talking about what they’re going to do next year.”
In 2025, Europe and MENA combined their regional competition into one incredible final round that named three finalists and three honorable mentions. Congratulations to our 2025 Dunkin’ International Barista Champions:
Americas
- International Barista Champion: Cynthia Palma, Dunkin’ Honduras
- Second: Cielo Angelica Santisteban Cabanillas, Dunkin’ Peru
- Third: Kapitú Gajardo, Dunkin’ Chile
APAC
- International Barista Champion: Thamonpon Yuen, Dunkin’ Thailand
- Second: Hwang Ji, Dunkin’ Korea
- Third: Nur Rasyidan Binti Rahmat, Dunkin’ Malaysia
Europe/MENA
- International Barista Champion: Ichchha Rai, Dunkin’ UAE
- Second: Toolan Shaheen, Dunkin’ KSA
- Third: Erva Yayla, Dunkin’ Germany
Honorable Mentions:
- Tayler Atwa, Dunkin’ Egypt
- Violeta González Martínez, Dunkin’ Spain
- Gilbert De Guzman, Dunkin’ Belgium
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