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 SPAIN
Javier Garcia
Right Side Coffee Roasters
Coach: Noelia Prieto
About you: I ´m so happy to be back on board to the WBC as Spanish competitor. It’s been a long time since the WBC 2011 in Bogota, while we were running our business as Right Side Coffee, roasting coffee in Barcelona and currently opening of our coffee spot in San Sebastian, where you all are invited to come and drink coffee infront of the beach.
How many years have you worked with coffee or in the coffee industry?
Since 2007.
Before coffee, did you work in a different job or industry, or what did you study in school?
I left school when I was a teenager to ride motorbikes and compete in Spanish national competitions, after that I became a bartender for many years and always enjoying serving to customers.
How did you get started in coffee?
The first time I saw a barista competition I began to pay attention to quality and all things about coffee.
Which coffee producing country you would like to visit, and why?
I hope to visit many of them before I die. Each one of them has a different focus on growing and processing coffee, so it’s really interesting.
What are your interests outside of coffee?
Running, good bread, and food.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I don’t know [where I will be] in 5 minutes.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or who helped you prepare for the WBC?
I would like to thank to all the Right Side Coffee team for the great support and job they did for me.
