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Ken’s and my faces hurt from smiling so much, we’re so happy for Stephen Morrissey of Ireland, the just-crowned 2008 World Barista Champion. He is an incredible guy, one of the funniest I’ve met, and holy cow, the best barista in the world. Hats off to you, Stephen. You deserve every inch of this.

It was an effing intense final round, with just five points in the end separating second place finisher, David Makin of Australia, from Stephen’s winning performance. Cheers to all six of you—you’ve literally made history.

1. Stephen Morrissey, Ireland

2. David Makin, Australia

3. Liesbeth Sleijster, The Netherlands

4. Daniel Remheden, Sweden

5. Michael Yung, Canada

6. Soren Stiller Markussen, Denmark

Be sure to get your copy of the August/September issue of Barista Magazine which will, as tradition dictates, feature the new World Barista Champion on the cover and featured in an extensive article. Before we leave you to go wear out our dancing shoes at the final party of the event — hosted by La Marzocco at Cafe Europa — we’ll leave you with some photos from the awards ceremony…

It’s starting to sink in…

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2007 WBC Champion James Hoffmann is perhaps even more emotional than Stephen… the two work together with Anette Moldvaer at Square Mile Coffee Roasters in London.

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But Stephen gets a bit teary as he thanks his wonderful girlfriend, Jenny, for all her support.

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Here’s Jenny…

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James cant contain his excitement…

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EVERYONE AROUND THE WORLD, PLEASE RAISE YOUR GLASSES TO STEPHEN, BARISTA CHAMPION OF THE WORLD!

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