Latte foam will be the source of artistic expression, competition and judgment during SPLAT, the second annual Sacramento Public Latte Art Tournament.

On the last Thursday of the month through September, the best baristas in the region will showcase their pouring abilities in head-to-head knockouts, round by round, tournament by tournament. Essentially, bracket-style. Who can create the best heart, tulip or rosetta? A panel of judges will make that decision, based on contrast, texture and symmetry. Yes, it’s an artform.

Winners come out of each singular tournament, but baristas accumulate points over the course of the months, and an ultimate winner is announced at the end. Last year, the winner was Temple’s Cole Cuchna, who pretty much ran away with it with 710 points despite not placing first on any individual evening. It’s anyone’s game.

The event grows this year with the addition of Naked Coffee Lounge as one of the tournament hosts, in addition to Chocolate Fish Coffee Roasters, Insight Coffee Roasters, Old Soul Co. and Temple Coffee & Tea. There will also be a grand finale tournament and party on Sept. 24 at Beatnik Studios. Each tournament starts at 7 p.m., with the first at Chocolate Fish (4749 Folsom Boulevard) on April 30. To keep updated on stats and rankings, visit the SPLAT Facebook page.