We Have New National Champions in Latte Art!

Ljubljana, 5 February 2026 – At GASTexpo, the leading professional event for the HoReCa sector in the wider region, the national championship LAGS Competition Slovenia 2026 brought together baristas from across the country to compete in one of the most visually demanding coffee disciplines: latte art. The competition delivered tightly contested face-offs, precise technical execution, and impressive artworks created on the surface of each cup.

In the battle for the prestigious cups, Primož Miklavčič secured the Green Cup, Luka Bergles won the Red Cup, and Žan Levski claimed the Black Cup after a tense final duel. The Golden Cup remains with Aleš Gorenc, who had no challenger this year but continues to hold the highest national title.

The competition, which ran from early morning until late afternoon, once again attracted numerous coffee enthusiasts and latte art masters, reaffirming the growing popularity of the discipline in Slovenia. The event also highlighted the steadily rising standard of performance — a development noted by Maja Šterk Primožič, Marketing Manager at Barcaffè Espresso Slovenia.

Since 2023, LAGS competitions in Slovenia have been officially organized by Barcaffè, which has long been committed to developing barista skills and promoting high-quality coffee preparation. This year’s event was supported by Barcaffè Espresso and Mleko BarLatte, whose partnership helped ensure a professional and inspiring environment for all participants.

The championship was overseen by an experienced panel of LAGS- certified judges, including:

• Aleš Gorenc – LAGS Examiner and Judge, holder of the Golden Cup

• Matija Matijaško – LAGS Examiner and Judge, holder of the Black Cup

• Toni Matas – LAGS Examiner and Judge, holder of the Black Cup

Competitors faced off in three categories in a one-on-one tournament format, with judges evaluating symmetry, contrast, creativity, and overall visual impact. Under time pressure, remarkably precise and aesthetically refined designs emerged, with every movement of the hand determining who advanced to the next round. Although there was no duel in the highest category — the Golden Cup — the remaining competitors demonstrated impressive skill and originality.

In the Green Cup category, first place went to Primož Miklavčič from CenterCafe in Krško. After his victory, he said:

“This is my third competition, and apparently the third time’s the charm. I was really nervous in the first round and almost got knocked out. That’s why this win means even more to me.”

A mechanical engineer by training, he discovered the world of latte art during the pandemic and now aims to compete next year in the Red or even the Black Cup category.

In the Red Cup category, Luka Bergles from Kavarna Kino Radovljica became the champion:

“This win means a great deal to me, especially because I decided to compete at the very last minute. I’ve been drawing on coffee for eight years. I won the Green Cup three years ago, and I’ve been competing regularly ever since. I’m looking forward to the world championship, where I hope to compete next year in the higher — Black Cup — category.”

The Black Cup final delivered a thrilling showdown. Both finalists impressed with outstanding technique and creativity, but after a closely contested finish, the winner was Žan Levski from Lena Caffe in Lenart.

“I’m pleased with today’s result and with the fact that all the effort I put into preparation has paid off. Congratulations to my opponent, who was an excellent competitor,” said Žan after the competition, already setting his sights on the world championship and further refining his latte art techniques.

The highest title, the Golden Cup, once again remains with Aleš Gorenc, senior barista at Barcaffè and currently the only holder of this prestigious title in Slovenia. Although he had no challenger this year, his presence continues to set the benchmark for excellence within the Slovenian latte art scene.

“I’m glad to see the competition grow every year and to witness more baristas obtaining LAGS certificates. The battles are becoming more intense. Competitors are returning with greater confidence and courage — both essential for a steady hand and a well-executed pattern. Congratulations to all participants,” concluded Aleš, who also served as Head Judge at the championship.

The winners received cash prizes and an invitation to the world championship, scheduled for November in Gijón, Spain.

As the curtains close on this year’s event, one thing is clear: Slovenia’s latte art community is growing in confidence, skill, and international potential.