Editor’s note: As we approach the beginning of the 2014 World Barista Championship, which takes place in Rimini, Italy, June 9 “12, at the SCAE’s World of Coffee event, we would like to introduce you to the National Barista Champions who all worked incredibly hard to earn a position in this preeminent coffee contest. Profiles of all 54 competitors will appear on Barista Magazine’s blog between Monday, June 2, and Monday, June 9, and can all be accessed under the category header “WBC 2014 Rimini.”
BARISTA CHAMPION OF GREECE
Christos Loukakis
TAF
Coach: Stavros Domatiotis
About you: World Latte Art Champion 2011; coffee addicted; never working alone; always helping people and learning from them; charming and dancing barista.
How many years have you worked with coffee or in the coffee industry?
14
Before coffee, did you work in a different job or industry, or what did you study in school?
I was a seafarrer.
How did you get started in coffee?
It was my hobby and I started working as a barista and then I fell in love with my job.
What was your first amazing experience with coffee?
Meeting the TAF team.
Who has been your greatest influence in coffee? Why?
Stefanos Domatiotis because of his passion for coffee.
What would you like to see change about the coffee industry/community?
Coffee knowledge; seed to cup information and training; professionalism while working and competing.
Name a coffee luminary (famous person) you would like to meet, and why:
Farmers and pickers.
What are your interests outside of coffee?
Sports.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Having my own company.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or who helped you prepare for the WBC?
I will say it on stage!
