After an electrifying competition that saw participants from different corner of the world, the 2024 World Barista Championship was brought to a close. The event, which brings together top coffee aficionados to exhibit not only their skills but their deep understanding and appreciation of coffee, was as exciting as ever, with the final battle crowning a new champion.
Prelude to the Championship
Leading up to the finals, there were several pre-filtering rounds. In each round, a contestant would present their signature coffee beverage to a panel of judges, demonstrating not only the taste of the drink but also explaining the sourcing of the beans and the processing methods. With each participant's unique touch, these rounds were always anticipated, snugly shedding light on the specialty coffee industry's diversity. In the wake of these rounds, coffee enthusiasts were allowed to step into an immersive experience that peeled back the curtain on the meticulous process that births the delicious cup of coffee they enjoy daily. Here, six remarkable finalists emerged, each with a distinct approach to coffee-making.
A Thrilling Display of Craftsmanship
The intense final round saw these six finalists battling against time and the high standards of internationally renowned judges. Their task — presenting an espresso, a milk drink, and a signature drink. The challenge lies not just in their coffee preparation skills, but also in their artistry, storytelling, customer service, and technical skills. Among the contenders was Rohit Kundal from India, making his mark as the first contestant from the country to achieve such a feat. His performance, where he used solar energy to heat milk and paired his signature drink with hazelnuts and basil, was not only ingenious but also a testimony to sustainable coffee making practices.
The Heat of the Final Battle
The final battle was a passionate display of prowess that involved more than just brewing an excellent cup of coffee. The baristas shared personal stories that gave their drinks life, evoking the essence of the coffee industry in their presentations. Their displays highlighted the synchrony of technical skills, innovation, and the heart of the barista that goes into every cup of coffee.
The Emergence of a Champion
After an intense, heart-gripping competition, it was Betül Salman from Turkey who emerged as the winner. Her approach to making coffee reflected an appreciation of nature and the environment, as well as the importance of sustainability in the coffee industry. Looking at her, Salman seemed as though she held the planet in her hands as she delicately transformed coffee beans into stunning presentations that stole the judges' hearts. Her espresso was described as having a vibrant acidity and a refined sweetness, with notes of red apple, white grape, and milk chocolate, while her milk beverage was said to have a silky texture with hazelnut, caramel, and dark chocolate flavor profiles.
Conclusion
Apart from acknowledging individual skills, the World Barista Championship serves as an eye-opener to the wide range of possibilities one can explore with coffee. As the curtain closed on the 2024 championship, the inspiration and creativity from the competition lingered on, leaving each participant and viewer with something - a lesson, an idea, a memory. In essence, the 2024 World Barista Championship is an ode to coffee and the craft that goes into making it. The competition fosters a community that thrives on knowledge-sharing, innovation, and above all, a deep, shared love for the beloved cuppa.