GreatEast Cup™
Get ready for Eastern Europe’s next-gen coffee championship
GreatEast Cup™ is a celebration of future-ready talent, where instinct, speed and creativity matter just as much as technical precision.
It’s a fun, inclusive, no-fuss, all-thrill throwdown, fueled by creativity, camaraderie and pure coffee passion.
3 Days. 2 competitions. 2 Rounds each.
No entry fees. No logistical headaches.
All essential gear provided.
Coming back in March 20-22, 2026, during COFFeEAST Festival!
Become the GreatEast Barista
Step Up in Mastery Cup, your solo arena.
Two rounds push your creativity, speed and technical flair to the max.
From signature drinks to espresso & milk mastery, this is your chance to shine, impress the crowd, and show off everything a barista can do.
No extra fees. All gear on us. Just bring your skills and your style.
Become the GreatEast Team
Pair Up in Team Cup.
Grab your barista bestie and sign up together. It’s all about chemistry and timing. Work as one, serve fast, nail latte art and stay sharp under pressure, while also having lots of fun.
Two rounds of duo challenges test your flow, coordination and creativity – just like a coffee shop shift, but on stage.
All equipment is provided. No fees. Just you, your teammate, and your best coffee moves.
Last edition’s stellar line-up of judges
Samo Smrke
Deputy Head of the Coffee Excellence Center at Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW)
From post-harvest chemistry to extraction science, Samo turns complex data into better brews. A lead researcher with a PhD in Chemistry, educator, and co-author of the SCA Freshness and Water Handbooks, he’s shaping the future of coffee quality one variable at a time.
Rastislav „Rasty” Kasár
London Coffee Masters Champion | World Coffee in Good Spirits Champion
With a bartender’s precision and a barista’s finesse, Rasty redefines coffee mixology. From the Savoy’s American Bar to world championship podiums, he’s a force in coffee cocktails, blending technique, storytelling, and next-level flavor pairing.
Anastasiia Shishkina
Green Coffee Expert | Q Grader | Sales & Operations, Plotcoffee | International Judge Gems of Araku 2024
With 11 years in specialty coffee and a deep focus on sourcing and quality control, Anastasiia ensures the finest beans make it to roasters. As a Q Grader and international judge, she’s dialed into sensory evaluation, cupping protocols, and green coffee profiling.
Rana Ibrahim
Barista Hustle Arabic FOUNDER | Edda Arabica co-founder & Qahwet el Souq Founder | Q-grader
A leader in coffee education and cultural storytelling, Rana is dedicated to making specialty coffee accessible across the Arab world. From glossary development to hands-on training, she’s shaping a new wave of knowledge-sharing and sensory exploration.
Davide Orazi
New York Coffee Masters Champion | Project & Community Manager, WatchHouse
A competitor, judge, and coffee operations expert, Davide brings nearly a decade of specialty coffee experience. Committed to excellence in every aspect of the coffee journey, he combines deep technical knowledge with a commitment to fostering community within the specialty coffee scene.
Manos Mamakis
Two-Time WCIGS Runner-Up & Hellenic Aeropress Champion 2018
Master roaster, mixologist, trainer – Manos does it all.
With a track record of shaking up the competition scene, he’s back at COFFeEAST to bring more innovation, balance and bold flavors.
Gabriel Carol
Founder of PAGA Microroastery | Brewers Cup Champion, Judge & Q-GRADER
A specialist in sensory analysis, Gabriel’s focus is on dialing in clarity, complexity, and extraction efficiency. As a two-time Brewers Cup Champion and Q Grader, he’s dedicated to refining specialty coffee standards.
Alan Jarrar
Career barista | CEO at Jokes Aside Coffee Roasters & STAV SE Espresso bar
„Sometimes competitor, sometimes judge but always judging.” Alan is a coffee powerhouse with an eye for precision and a taste for perfection. Whether he’s coaching baristas or fine-tuning extractions, he’s always raising the bar.
Cosmin Mihailov
Bandit Coffee Shop FOUNDER | 17 Years in Specialty Coffee
„Taste is king and coffee is not an art but a matter of science.” With 17+ years of experience, he’s all about mastering extractions, refining techniques, and chasing complexity in every cup.
Miruna Tudose
Origo Coffee | Sensory Expert & World Class Romania Bartender of the Year 2024
Top 8 at London Coffee Masters. World Class Romania Champion. Chef-turned-barista. Miruna blends culinary creativity with coffee craftsmanship & mixology, crafting unforgettable flavor experiences.