Journey to becoming the World Barista Champion PART 1: The Backstory

My journey towards becoming a World Barista Champion began shortly after I started working at Axil Coffee Roasters in 2013. The following year we had several competitors competing (6 in total), all in Barista competition. At that time, specialty coffee and the idea of competition were new to me. However, seeing these baristas refining their craft in the training room was exciting and awe-inspiring - I wanted to learn more.

I didn't feel ready to compete at that point. However, the following year, I decided to get involved. I didn't understand the rules and regulations properly, nor did I know how to create a plan and organise myself. There was a lot of time wasted focusing on the wrong priorities or fluffing about in the training room, not accomplishing a whole lot. My scores reflected that, and it was a humbling experience. My ego was a little tender but motivated. I decided to compete again the following year. I resolved to put a lot more time and effort into my preparation and develop a better understanding of the rules and regulations and how to score well.

In 2016, I had a lot to learn about effective training sessions and structuring my preparations. However, despite these inefficiencies, through brute force and hours spent, I placed 2nd in Victoria and 4th in Australia with Llano Grande, a delicious natural Pacamara from our friends at Sicafe in El Salvador. This result was exceptionally motivating for me, and it enforced that I had the potential to do well if I put in the effort. With this confidence behind me, I turned my attention to the following year's campaign.

Later that same year, I was lucky enough to attend my first World Barista Championship in Ireland, Dublin. This allowed me to see World level competitors performing their routines on stage, and it was an exceptional experience. The hype and atmosphere in the venue were exhilarating, and having seen it first-hand, I became even more driven to work towards being up there on the world stage myself one day.

- Anthony Douglas, The 2022 World Barista Champion