The stakes have gone up in the 2016 Almond Breeze Breezy Masters with milk wizard Seng ‘Money’ Sanoubane winning the ACT competition.

The territory’s finest baristas descended on Espresso Room at Woden on Tuesday night to win the last spot in next month’s national final, made possible by Almond Breeze Barista Blend.

Third place was claimed Davos Sharp – all the more impressive given he only began pouring this year – while his brother Matt battled it out with Seng in the final. Just two points separated Matt and Seng, with both creating full flavoured coffees but Seng just getting the edge with his latte art.

Espresso Room owner Michael Rose was already celebrating a huge week with the opening of his first Sydney business, and was delighted that all three places were won by his team.

“It’s always great to get together in a room full of talented and passionate baristas in a head to head battle, and Espresso Room Woden was a perfect choice as its been recently renovated and the bar has a fantastic layout for an event like this with plenty of space for both competitors and spectators.”

Michael thanked the Canberra coffee for supporting the event, as well as judges Tony Macri (Coffee Brothers) and Mick Walker (Cosmorex) and Almond Breeze’s Roger Ringwood for making the event possible.

The man they call Money will throw down in the national final in Sydney next month against his fellow state and territory winners. Riding in fast and dangerous from the north will be Julian Mou (NT) and Raihaan Esat (QLD) while the southern swell will bring Josh Rivers (SA), Aaron Dongsu Shin (VIC) and Will Priestley (TAS) crashing on Sydney’s shores. Rounding out the final will be WA warrior Andy Tseng and the hometown kid Sam Taylor.

When the steam clears, who will be Australia’s Grand Breezy Master?