Raul Rodas, who placed 2nd in the 2010 World Barista Championship, didn’t let a little thing (insert sarcasm) like having his competition gear and coffees held up in customs hold him back: when his gear finally arrived yesterday, he prepped, took the final spot in the preliminary round, and blew into the semifinal round.

Raul welcomes his judges in the WBC Semifinals round.

Today, he’s bright, friendly, and totally on fire up on stage as he delivers his competition performance, which is heavily based on coffee cherry: he presents his judges with coffees in various stages, washed, natural, with mucilage, as well as beans from various stages in the roast process.

Raul is so engaging, interested—he delivers perfect service.

Raul begins work on his signature beverage.