In the world of competitive coffee, things are heating up as National Champions from across the globe prepare to perform on coffee's biggest stage, the World Barista Championships in Milan, October 17-21.
We are a month away from the World Barista Championships 2025 in Milan, this will be your second time competing in this city, do you see that as an advantage in your preparation and getting settled before competition?
Milan is a great city, with such a great energy. Sadly, the last time I visited the world was still upside down and I had to assume the judges were smiling behind their masks.
Nonetheless, I do think that knowing how to get around, where to book accommodation and what the venue looks like is very helpful to my mental preparation.
Seeing that my visa is not limited to 120 hours, I might actually take a day or two to have a negroni in the country of its origin!
You have worked closely with Sasa Sestic (World Barista Champion 2015) this year, can you tell us a bit about that relationship and how the coaching has gone?
Sasa was the first person that I connected with when I landed in Milan, 2021.
Since then, we have built a strong relationship where he assisted me in comp for my ‘23 WBC in Athens and ‘24 National Barista Competitions. After that year I knew that I wanted to work with Sasa again and with more proximity, so my goal was to win nationals ‘25 and spend time with Sasa prior to WBC. So, I committed to it and recently spent some time in Canberra with the team there.
Since then, my training has been running sets, sending videos, tasting drinks and then sharing experiences online. The time difference makes things a little harder, but there’s also benefit that someone is always working on my set and drinks - even when I am sleeping!
The Platō team back home made this a possibility and that support is something that I appreciate so much!
Does this year’s prep feel different? And why is that?
Definitely!
I have always kind of worked alone or I have been the one with the ideas, but this year I am in the big league with a team that knows what they are doing!
Doing work online is pretty great, but it can also feel a little lonely.
Winning a National competition takes a certain coffee, but to perform well on Global stage, you need a completely different coffee.
I think I get around and travel quite a bit, but realised that there is a specific calibration that is needed for WBC.
That’s probably the most valuable thing of my prep in Canberra and I don’t even think a price tag can be added to that trip and the experience it gave me.
It’s a very competitive field this year, with many returning National Champions, what are your goals going in?
Yeah - apparently people are hungry!
That’s a good thing.
Honestly, I have always believed that I can’t compete against anyone but myself. This year I want to bring the most integrated version of myself to the stage.
I have always believed that I can make it to the top 10 and this year I’d like to believe that it is possible.
I have some incredible coffees and a team that truly push me to become the best version of myself and for that I am truly thankful.
What are you most excited about for your 15 minutes on stage?
From the coffees, to the concept and the stories around it have all been years in the making. To be able to share this not only in my training room, but also on a global platform is really exciting. I can honestly say that I will not only be representing myself and the brands I work with, but the inspiration behind why I see coffee and the industry the way I see it.
This excites me!
Is there anything the South African coffee community can do to support you?
Our community is really great and people have been super supportive in their messages and conversations. For now, I think a little patience in scheduling training until after WBC goes a long way! But post WBC, book training, please!
I have also received quite a bit of support from the teams at Platō, Bluewater and Yellow Jacket thus far. Thank you for believing in me and supporting me on this venture.
I would like to say that I appreciate every message and high-five from everyone on the road to Milan.
Be part of the journey and follow my IG for more @stevobrewscoffee
