After four tough days the World Coffee Championship competition has a winner.
Mikael Jasin from Indonesia took out the top gong, ahead of 53 baristas from around the globe.
Coming in second was Australia’s Jack Simpson. Jack missed out on claiming the top spot by one single point.
“I’ve been visualising the moment holding Hide’s, Dale’s, or Boram’s trophies (2014 World Barista Champion, Hide Izaki; 2016 World Barista Champion, Dale Harris; 2023 World Barista Champion, Boram Um), and to finally hold one feels surreal. It’s a combination of ‘if you dream it, you can make it work’,” Mikael said to Bean Scene magazine.
“It still feels surreal to be the World Barista Champion. After working for it for so long, I’m very grateful, and hopefully I can put the platform I’ve been given to good use.”
Coming in third was Takayuki Ishitani from Japan, while Honoka Kawashima of Aotearoa/New Zealand placed fourth.
As part of the competitors’ 15-minute performance, they had to prepare four espressos, four milk drinks, and four original signature drinks and present them to a panel of WCC-certified judges.
Competitors were then scored on the taste of beverages served, cleanliness, creativity, technical skill, and overall presentation.
Head Judge Scott Conary said the talent level keeps increasing each year.
“…as baristas embrace innovation along with their desire to keep our industry improving in every aspect, with the competition stage acting as a forum for sharing these ideas and the coffee preparations proving their points with tangible evidence,” he said.
The competition took place at the World of Coffee Busan tradeshow in South Korea in May 2024.
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