Coffee is more than just a morning ritual;
it’s a craft that requires skill, passion, and dedication.
Around the globe, a select group of baristas has risen to the top baristas list, mastering the art of coffee making and setting new standards in the industry.
These individuals have not only perfected their brewing techniques but have also become icons in the world of specialty coffee, influencing trends and inspiring countless others to follow in their footsteps.
For those in the Netherlands or those considering moving here, the journey of these coffee masters might just be the spark you need to start your own barista journey.
In this article,
we will explore the lives and careers of some of the world’s most renowned baristas, their contributions to the coffee industry, and how you can start your own journey with our Barista courses in the Netherlands.
The Rise of the Specialty Coffee Culture
Before diving into the biographies of the top baristas, it’s important to understand the context in which they operate.
The specialty coffee movement has grown exponentially over the past few decades, emphasizing quality, sustainability, and innovation.
This movement has transformed coffee from a mere commodity into an artisanal product, where every step from bean to cup is meticulously controlled and crafted. Baristas play a crucial role in this process, bringing out the best in each coffee bean through their expertise and creativity.
Mikael Jasin: So So Good Coffee Company
Mikael Jasin is a prominent figure in the global coffee community, celebrated for his outstanding achievements as a barista.
Originally from Indonesia, Jasin has become one of the leading representatives of Southeast Asia in the world of specialty coffee.
Jasin’s journey in the coffee industry began with a deep passion for coffee, which led him to pursue roles as a barista, coffee consultant, and competitor.
Over the years, he honed his skills and developed a reputation for his meticulous approach to coffee preparation, focusing on the nuances of flavor, brewing techniques, and presentation.
Jasin first gained international recognition when he competed in the World Barista Championship (WBC), where he consistently performed at a high level.
His most notable achievement came in 2024 when he won the World Barista Championship, held in Busan, South Korea.
This victory marked a significant milestone not only in his career but also for the Indonesian coffee community, as he became the first Indonesian to win the prestigious title (World Barista Championship).
In addition to his competitive success, Mikael Jasin is also known for his work in advancing the coffee culture in Indonesia and beyond.
He has been involved in various initiatives to improve the quality of coffee production and has shared his knowledge through workshops and collaborations with other coffee professionals.
His influence extends beyond just winning championships; he is a key figure in promoting Indonesian coffee on the global stage and inspiring the next generation of baristas.
Mikael Jasin’s journey reflects his commitment to excellence in coffee, and he continues to be a vital contributor to the specialty coffee industry.
Jack Simpson: Axil Coffee Roasters
Jack Simpson is a prominent figure in the specialty coffee industry, particularly known for his achievements as a barista.
Based in Melbourne, Australia, he is affiliated with Axil Coffee Roasters, a highly respected name in the coffee world.
Jack’s coffee journey spans over a decade, during which he has refined his skills and become a two-time Australian Barista Champion.
In 2023, he placed third in the World Barista Championship, and in 2024, he improved his standing, finishing as the runner-up in the same competition held in Busan, South Korea.
His innovative routines, which focus on themes like growth and continuous improvement, have earned him accolades and admiration from the coffee community.
Simpson’s competition routines are known for their creativity and technical precision.
For instance, in his 2024 routine, he used a nitrogen macerated Geisha coffee for his espresso and a unique blend of cryo-desiccated coconut milk for his milk-based coffee.
His signature drink combined elements like peach juice transformed into honey through advanced techniques, showcasing his deep understanding of coffee chemistry.
Jack’s commitment to innovation and excellence makes him a key figure in the global barista community, and his journey reflects the evolving nature of coffee culture (Axil Coffee).
Ian Kissick: Formative coffee
Ian Kissick is an Irish barista known for his excellence in coffee craftsmanship.
In 2024, Ian made significant strides in the global coffee community by competing in the World Barista Championship held in Busan, South Korea. Representing Ireland, he reached the semi-finals and placed sixth overall, showcasing his remarkable skill and creativity.
Ian’s signature drinks at the competition included a white honey processed Gesha variety and an anaerobic fermented Yellow Bourbon, both sourced from Colombia.
His meticulous approach, which included using freeze-distilled Jersey cow milk and oat milk blends, highlighted his dedication to achieving the perfect balance of flavors.
His performance at the World Barista Championship earned him widespread recognition, cementing his status as one of Ireland’s leading baristas and a prominent figure in the global coffee scene
Agnieszka Rojewska: Independent
Agnieszka Rojewska is a renowned Polish barista who made history by becoming the first woman to win the World Barista Championship (WBC) in 2018.
Her victory marked a significant moment in the coffee industry, breaking the long-standing male dominance in the competition’s history.
Agnieszka, often referred to as Aga, has been a prominent figure in the coffee competition scene since 2011, participating in various events such as the Barista, Brewers Cup, and Latte Art championships.
Before her groundbreaking win at the WBC, she had already established herself as a formidable competitor in Poland, winning national barista and latte art championships multiple times.
In 2022, she added another accolade to her name by winning the World Coffee In Good Spirits Championship, making her the first woman to hold two world titles in coffee competitions.
Rojewska is known for her innovative approach to competitions, where she focuses on creating a strong connection with the judges and delivering unique presentations.
Outside of competitions, she is actively involved in the coffee industry in Poland, working on projects like opening a roastery and promoting specialty coffee.
Her achievements have inspired many women in the coffee industry, showing them that they too can reach the highest levels of success.
Aga’s journey reflects her competitive spirit and dedication to her craft, despite the challenges and sacrifices involved in preparing for these high-stakes events
Diego Campos: Amor perfecto – cafe de Colombia
Diego Campos is a celebrated Colombian barista and the first from his country to win the World Barista Championship (WBC), achieving this milestone in 2021.
Born in the coffee-rich region of Tolima, Colombia, Diego’s journey in coffee began at the age of 18 when he started working as a roaster for Amor Perfecto, a specialty coffee company based in Bogotá.
Over the years, he honed his skills and passion for coffee, becoming a three-time Colombian Barista Champion in 2014, 2016, and 2019.
Diego’s victory at the WBC in Milan was particularly significant as he used coffee grown, roasted, and prepared entirely in Colombia, showcasing the quality and potential of Colombian coffee on the world stage.
His win is seen as a major achievement not only for him personally but also for Colombia’s coffee industry, inspiring a greater appreciation and recognition of Colombian coffee both domestically and internationally.
Apart from his competitive achievements, Diego is also deeply involved in coffee production.
He co-founded the Diamante Coffee Farm in the Huila Department, where he focuses on improving coffee quality and sharing his expertise with the next generation of coffee producers.
Diego’s dedication to coffee extends beyond competitions; he actively promotes Colombian coffee through various initiatives, including his project, “The Diego Campos Experience,” which aims to elevate Colombian coffee globally
For those in the Netherlands who are interested in making a mark in the European coffee industry, Lunell’s journey offers valuable insights. At our academy, we provide the tools and training needed to excel in the European coffee scene, just as Anne Lunell has done in Sweden.
How to Start Your Journey as a Barista
The biographies of these top baristas are not just stories of personal success; they are blueprints for anyone who dreams of becoming a master in the craft of coffee making.
Whether you’re inspired by Jack Simpson scientific approach, Agnieszka Rojewska artistic flair, Ian Kissick innovation, Mikael Jasin precision, or Diego Campos sustainability, the first step in your journey is to acquire the right skills and knowledge.
Our Barista courses in the Netherlands are designed to help you develop these skills, whether you’re a beginner or looking to take your expertise to the next level.
Located in the heart of Europe, our academy offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers everything from the basics of coffee brewing to advanced techniques and trends.
By enrolling in our courses, you’ll not only learn from experienced instructors but also become part of a vibrant community of coffee enthusiasts and professionals.
