Starbucks crowns first-ever global barista champion

• The final round took place before an audience of more than 14,000 Starbucks store managers and employees during the Seattle-based company's Leadership Experience event in Las Vegas.

Zoom in: The winner was Nobuki from Japan, who now has the chance to create a beverage that will go into Starbucks across the U.S. (Full names for the winner and finalists were withheld by Starbucks for privacy.)

• Baristas were tested on latte art, presenting their signature beverage while also connecting with the judges with storytelling.
• "The first step is sparkling smile," Nobuki said during the competition on how to make a latte. "Yes, I'm serious. When we smile, everything tastes so much better."
• For latte art, Nobuki made a rosetta design and then a tulip. His signature drink was the Blooming Yuzu Espresso, which he uses a Japanese sauce to make.

Between the lines: One finalist represented Europe, Middle East and Africa, another represented the Tokyo Reserve Roastery and the last represented the Shanghai Reserve Roastery in China.

• There were four U.S.-based baristas in earlier rounds of the competition, including one from the New York, Seattle and the Chicago roastery locations.

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