For many baristas, it is a passion, a daily challenge and a unique form of art. With perfectly frothed milk, plenty of practice and the right technique, stunning designs are created in the cup, enhancing the coffee not only in taste but also in appearance.
The origins of latte art are believed to lie in Italy. In the 1980s, barista Luigi Lupi and his mentor Pietro Merlo began experimenting with finely textured milk foam. Their goal was to enhance the aesthetic of the cappuccino.
The technique soon made its way across the Atlantic to the United States. David Schomer, a barista from Seattle, is considered one of the first to perfect the art of free pour, creating patterns directly while pouring the milk foam. With this, he took latte art to a whole new level.
Thanks to increasingly advanced espresso machines, improved milk frothing techniques and not least the influence of social media, latte art evolved rapidly and eventually led to the official Latte Art Championship, the World Latte Art Championship (WLAC).
In latte art, there are two main techniques:
Latte art is also possible with plant-based milk like oat milk, though frothing it is significantly more challenging. If you want to learn how, we recommend Thermoplan’s latte art course, where you will be guided step by step through the techniques and knowledge needed.
The World Latte Art Championship (WLAC) is the most prestigious competition for latte art baristas worldwide. Since its introduction in 2005, the championship has combined technical skill with creative milk foam artistry at the highest level, highlighting the growing importance of latte art in global coffee culture.
The WLAC is organised by World Coffee Events (WCE), a subsidiary of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). Its aim is to promote latte art as a professional discipline and to provide a platform for the global barista community.
Only those who have won a national qualifying competition are allowed to take part, with just one competitor per country. For many baristas, the WLAC represents the pinnacle of their career and a unique opportunity to showcase their skills and passion on an international stage.
1. Preliminary Round
Art Bar: 5 minutes to create a personalised latte art design
Stage Performance: In 8 minutes, competitors must prepare two identical free pour lattes and two designer lattes
The top 12 advance to the semi-finals
2. Semi-Final
Art Bar: Another 5 minutes to create a creative latte art pattern
Stage Performance: Within 10 minutes, two identical free pour lattes and two identical free pour macchiatos must be made
The top 6 move on to the final
3. Final
Stage Performance: Three sets in total – two free pour sets and one designer set – all within a fixed time limit
Since the introduction of the Thermoplan machine, baristas have only 3 minutes of prep time (previously 5 minutes with portafilters)
Judging is based on two main criteria
Visual
Technical
Whether it’s a barista course, a home barista course, or a specialised latte art course, anyone wanting to learn latte art needs above all patience and a willingness to practise a lot. It starts with understanding the right milk, the ideal temperature (cold milk is best to start with), the correct frothing technique, the pitcher and, of course, the perfect espresso as the base.
With every step, with every new cup, skills improve. And eventually, with dedication, the perfect latte art heart, tulip pattern or rosetta will emerge.
A special highlight for all latte art fans: The World Latte Art Championship 2025 will take place this year from June 26 to 28 in Geneva. This makes Switzerland the host of the largest international competition for latte art, a must see for everyone passionate about coffee, barista culture and creative milk art.
A particular focus is on the Black&White4 Competizioneby Thermoplan. It has been appointed by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) as the official competition machine for the WLAC from 2024 to 2027, a strong testament to Swiss quality and precision.
Anyone who wants to experience live how the world’s best baristas pour breathtaking designs into their cups should not miss this event. Pure inspiration and maybe the motivation to dive deeper into the world of latte art themselves.
For everyone looking to develop their skills intentionally, Thermoplan offers its own Coffee Academy in Weggis. Here you will learn everything about espresso, milk foam, latte art techniques and sensory knowledge—hands-on, professional and at your level. The courses are designed for both home baristas and hospitality professionals.
Whether it’s for your first perfect milk foam or as preparation for a barista course with competition ambitions, the Coffee Academy sharpens your skills and deepens your understanding of the art in the cup.
All information and course bookings here.
