This is not the first and hopefully not the last time Bilbo Steyn will be competing. She placed 3rd this year, upholding the reputation of women in this industry.
Gerald Charles aka Doc G is one of the top roasters in the country and takes his work as a judge very seriously. He travelled to each of the 4 regionals and was a finals judge at Nationals.
Interest in the speciality coffee industry is growing as demonstrated by the Van der Wat sisters as they got up on stage for an AeroPress face-off.
The Global Coffee team at the WC Regionals. Beer is also a much loved past time in the coffee community.
The huddle before the announcement. The comraderie at these competitions is amazing. The baristas are all very close and support each other in any way they can.
Celebrations! David Coleman rejoices his WC victory with Zach his fellow Ours Cafe barista.
TheCoffeeMag's Iain Evans and winner Craig Charity showing off his fancy new watch.
Ishan Natalie, two time National Champ and complete professional. We just love this shot of him.
Dirk Maritz, Maxine Keet and George Bertolis at the KZN Regionals.
The support betweeen the baristas really is quite exceptional. This is the KZN Top 6.
Wendy Charity ran on to stage to congratulate her husband. The road to Italy starts now!
George Karatzas had an incident with Zuko's milk tarts in the EC Regionals and ended up being on her panel of judges at Nationals too. Don't eat the milk tart George!
Byron Keet, rising talent in action. This is a very impressive young man. He's just joined the Urban Espress team in PE
Roberta Jusson poured her cappuccinos like a champ.
One of the head judges, Alessandro Morricco with his serious face on. Alessandro provides the Nuovo Simonelli machines at each event across the country.
Angeline McLagan watching her husband Don McLagan perform on stage. It may not look like it on first glance but the Barista Championship is a team sport.
Coffee t-shirts with coffee humour, gotta love 'em.
Daniel Erasmus rocking an uber cool Synesso shirt during his finals set.
Braden Muhl was the runner up in the AeroPress competition. He is an economist from Joburg that has absolutely nothing to do with the coffee industry. Good job Braden!
Bruce Manning has consistently earned a place at Nationals. He always brings slightly unconventional ideas to the table and is always fun to watch.
The Eastern Cape Champ was fighting off illness and was on hectic medication. We wouldn't have known unless he'd told us, his set was that good.
Martin danced and sang his way through his set, he always looks like he is having so much fun up there!
20 year old Wency Masawi has a long career in coffee ahead of him.
Arno Els' winning latte art
Bash has been the MC at the Nationals for many years now. He is loved by all the baristas and gives of his time and talent willingly. Here he is with Bilbo and Stephan.
