Back on top for the second time: Madalin is Austrian Barista Champion 2026
Some moments you never forget.
At the 12th Vienna Coffee Festival, held from 11 to 13 September 2026 at Vienna's Marx Halle, Madalin Truica, barista at Wildkaffee Vienna, became Austrian Barista Champion. After 2020, it's already his second title.
A record weekend at the Marx Halle
The Vienna Coffee Festival is Austria's biggest coffee event. In 2026 it drew more than 10,000 visitors and 110 exhibitors, with World Barista Champion Jack Simpson as guest of honour. Right in the middle of it all, the Austrian Barista and Latte Art Championships took place. Competitors were judged on espresso, milk beverage and signature beverage, as well as technique and presentation.
The guest comes first
Behind the win are months of training, recipe development and countless practice runs. But what really sets Madalin apart is his attitude. As he told Falstaff:
"In a café, it's not about you – it's about the guest."
That's exactly what he lives every day behind the bar at our café in Pilgramgasse, alongside Martin Wölfl, World Brewers Cup Champion 2024.
Next stop: Tokyo 2027
With this title, Madalin will represent Austria at the 27th World Barista Championship in Tokyo from 28 April to 1 May 2027. Follow us on Instagram at @wildkaffee as we take you along on the road there.
Want to taste championship-level coffee? Drop by Pilgramgasse in Vienna and let Madalin make your espresso in person.
We're incredibly proud and keeping our fingers crossed for Madalin in Tokyo. Congrats, Madalin! Stay Wild.
