This year Australia played host to the World Barista Championships and the World Brewers Cup. This was a huge achievement for the Australiasian Specialty Coffee Association of Australia. Their part in promoting Australia and especially Melbourne to the World Coffee Events entourage in order to secure the events was integral to the outcome. The competitions attached themselves to the Melbourne International Coffee Expo, which ensured plenty of activity and a great vibe for spectators. Our own Australian Barista Champion, Matt Perger, confirmed his place on the world stage, coming in a close second to the final winner, Pete Licata from the USA.

Following the Barista Championships and Brewers Cup, all eyes turned to Nice in France, as the World Latte Art, World Coffee in Good Spirits and World Cup Tasters Championships took place. Australia’s Latte Art Champion, Jen Marks from Veneziano Coffee, and Australia’s Cup Tasters Champ, Elisha Mauger from Gloria Jean’s, both took to the world stage with exceptional performances. Jen just missed out on a finals spot against stiff competition, and Elisha finished in ninth place overall. Well done!

World Barista Championship

Champion:

 Pete Licata, Parisi Coffee, USA

2nd: Matthew Perger, St ALi, AUSTRALIA

3rd: William Hernandez, Viva Espresso, EL SALVADOR

4th: Colin Harmon, 3FE, IRELAND

5th: Nick Clark, Flight Coffee – Specialty Coffee Roasters, NEW ZEALAND

6th: Francesco Sanapo, Independent, ITALY

World Brewers Cup

Champion:

Erin McCarthy, Counter Culture Coffee, USA

2nd: Jung In-Sung, Koreait College, SOUTH KOREA

3rd: Joshua Tarlo, Pig Iron Coffee Roasters, CANADA

4th: Sang Ho Park, Square Mile Coffee Roasters, UK

5th: Carolina Franco de Souza, Lucca Cafes Especiais, BRAZIL

6th: Tibor Varady, Espresso Embassy, HUNGARY