Community is important for our team at Acaia. Every year, as part of our community support, we sponsor a range of local & international industry events and barista competitors. We offer barista sponsorships to support and encourage a more diverse lineup of competitors. There are many obstacles for competing baristas on both the national and international levels. We hope the program will help them on their journey and achieve their goals on a more equal world stage.

Isabelle competed as an independent first-time competitor in the 2025 Dutch National Barista Competition. Acaia provided the Lunars and Pearls used in her competition routine. We are excited to share Isabelle’s competition experience below.

**Please introduce yourself. **

My name is Isabelle, and I’m 27 years old and from the Netherlands. I’ve been working in the coffee industry since I was 17, starting as a barista at Starbucks. Early on, I wanted to deepen my knowledge about coffee and develop my barista skills further. This led me to explore specialty coffee when I moved to a new city. I immersed myself in the industry, reading every book I could find about specialty coffee. While I’ve always loved patisserie and even considered becoming a baker, the world of specialty coffee captivated me. It became my true passion.

Why did you decide to enter coffee competitions?

At my previous job, I had the chance to compete in an internal barista championship. That experience was eye-opening; it allowed me to learn so much quickly while pushing myself to perform at my best. I thrive on challenges and aim for the top, so second place just wasn’t enough. That competition turned out to be a defining moment. I even earned a trip to Colombia as a prize, which deepened my understanding of coffee production and the global industry. Inspired by that journey, I decided to take on the Dutch Barista Championships a few years later. Competing challenges me personally. It also provides a platform to share my story and contribute to the broader coffee community.

How was your experience during the competition? Did you have a theme to your routine? How did you build it?

The experience was incredible, though I wondered, What have I gotten myself into? As a first-time competitor in a national championship, there was a steep learning curve. Thankfully, I had an amazing support system, including my coach, Noëlle, and an incredible team who helped me prepare. Despite all the advice, there’s nothing like experiencing it firsthand. For the prelims, I wanted to introduce myself and focus on sharing my story while serving exceptional coffee. That was my theme, letting the judges get to know me through my presentation. As I prepare for the finals, I’m taking a different approach. I’m working on a deeply personal routine that conveys a meaningful story, perfectly complemented by the coffees I’ve chosen.

What are your thoughts after competing? Will you compete again, and will it be in the same competition?

I was surprised by how calm and confident I felt during the competition; performing in front of the judges was such a thrill. I’ve learned much throughout this journey, from technical skills to storytelling. I genuinely enjoyed the process. So yes, I plan to compete again. Whether it’s in the same competition or something new, I’m excited to continue challenging myself and growing as a barista.

** How did you use your sponsored Acaia products?**

The Acaia scales were invaluable throughout my preparation and performance. I used the Pearl scales to ensure precise measurements of coffee grounds, and the Lunar scales helped me perfect the espresso recipes. They were instrumental during the competition. They allowed me to slide my cups under the portafilters, maintaining consistency seamlessly. These tools made dialing in my recipes so much easier and more reliable.

What’s coming up next in your journey with coffee?

Right now, my focus is on preparing for the finals. I’m fine-tuning my routine, perfecting every detail, and memorizing my presentation. We’ve found some incredible coffees to showcase, and I’m excited to bring my story to life through them. After the finals, who knows? The World Championships or diving straight into preparations for the next Dutch Barista Championships. The possibilities are wide open. [UPDATE: Isabelle placed third in the Dutch Barista finals. She was also the competitor with the highest-scoring performance that used plant-based milk.]

How was your energy right before your turn to compete? Did you feel focused,anxious, excited, or all of the above?

Surprisingly, I felt calm and focused. I wasn’t nervous or anxious; instead, I was excited to present my routine for real, finally. My preparation time went smoothly, and having my family and friends in the audience boosted my confidence. It felt like everything fell into place where it mattered most.

What is one tip that you have for aspiring competitors?

Master your techniques and study the rules closely. The points for technical skills are essentially "free points" because you can train for them. The expectations are clearly outlined in the score sheets. Knowing what the judges are looking for will give you a solid foundation. Training can sometimes feel overwhelming, but it pays off when standing in front of the judges, ready to give your best performance.

*Thank you, Isabelle, for sharing your competition experience with us! *

You can find Isabelle on Instagram: @isabellejulie