Docket Dash
Competition Format

Teams

· 12 Barista Teams

o Each team consists of 2 baristas.

o A total of 12 teams will compete in a knockout-style, time-based tournament.

Competition Structure

Round 1 – Heats (6 Heats Total)

· Each heat features 2 Barista Teams

· Teams compete in a time trial, preparing a set number of beverages as quickly as possible.

· Beverages must meet quality standards set by the judging panel.

o If the drinks do not meet the standard, the timer does not stop until a passable set is produced.

· The faster team in each heat progresses to Round 2.

· Total advancing teams: 6

Round 2 – Semi-Finals (3 Heats Total)

· 6 winning teams from Round 1 are matched into 3 head-to-head heats.

· Same format: fastest team (with quality drinks) wins the heat.

· Fastest team overall across all 3 heats earns an automatic place in the Grand Final.

· Remaining 2 heat winners compete in an additional elimination round for the second Grand Final spot.

Grand Final

· 2 teams face off in the ultimate time trial.

· Same format: speed + quality.

· The winner is crowned Champion of the La Marzocco Local Christchurch 2026!

Rules

All shots must be dosed at #g (coffee beans to be confirmed by C4 prior to the competition). The grinder will be pre-programmed to the recommended dose.
All shots must run between #–# seconds (to be confirmed by C4 prior to the competition).
Shots must be started and stopped manually on the Linea PB.
You may use the PUQ Press.
Long blacks must have approximately a 1cm gap from the brim of the cup.
All drinks must match the docket exactly (including milk type and modifiers).
Any incorrect drinks will be sent back and must be remade before time can be stopped.
You must use the coffee provided by C4.
You must use the dairy and alternative milks provided by MILKLAB and Meadowfresh.
You must use the equipment and accessories provided.
Clean-up is not included in dash time.

Finishing:

Judging

Dash time begins when the judge calls “Ready, Set, Dash” and the docket is handed to the team.
Time stops when all drinks are completed, placed on the judges’ table, and time is called.
If a drink is incorrect, it will be sent back and the clock will resume until corrected.
One judge per side will oversee espresso preparation and dash time.
One judge will oversee docket accuracy (all drinks must match the order).
All three judges will assess shot consistency (via La Marzocco App) and presentation.

Winner Determination (Head-to-Head)

All orders must be completed accurately to stop the clock.

Each round is judged across three categories:

The winner is the team that takes 2 out of 3 categories.

If judges are split on a category, a majority decision determines the winner of that category.

Prizes

Prizes from La Marzocco including:

· 1st Prize - $200 + La Marzocco & Friends Merch Packs

· 2nd Prize - La Marzocco & Friends Merch Packs

· 3rd Prize - La Marzocco Local T-shirts

Contact the host of La Marzocco Local / Ōtautahi, Christchurch