PACIFIC
THE BARISTA LEAGUE:
CONGRATULATIONS
to The Barista League: Pacific champions!
Emily & Fernanda from the team Cherry Bourbon
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
MEET THE JUDGES
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FRANKIE SHI
Infinity Coffee Roaster
@frankieshiFrankie Shi is the founder of Infinity Coffee Roasters and a true sensory wizard behind the cupping table. With two Australian Cuptasters Champion titles (2024 & 2025) and a 6th place finish at the World Cuptasters Championship 2025, Frankie’s palate is as sharp as his passion for coffee. He’s all about precision, community, and pushing the boundaries of taste.
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HUGH KELLY
ONA Coffee
@hugh_t_kellyHugh Kelly is a three-time Australian Barista Champion (2016, 2017, 2021) and a two-time World Barista Finalist who’s spent the last 15 years diving deep into every corner of the coffee industry. From developing cutting-edge gear with Sanremo and Nucleus Coffee Tools to mentoring the next generation of coffee pros, Hugh brings serious expertise and a whole lot of passion to the judging table.
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SERENE YU
Smay Coffee
@serennee_yuuSerene Yu is the 2024 Australia Coffee in Good Spirits Champion, blending serious coffee chops with a love for flavor and flair. When she’s not crafting boozy brews, you’ll find her swimming at Balmoral Beach, throwing elbows at the Muay Thai gym, or rewatching Friends for the fourth time. She’s got a sharp palate, a sharp jab, and a soft spot for MasterChef: The Professionals.
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SUPANAN SOPAPOL
Fonix Studio
@baristafonSupanan “Fon” Sopapol is a Sydney-based Barista Trainer, Café Consultant, and founder of Fonix Studio, where coffee meets creativity and mindfulness. With over a decade in specialty coffee and top placements in Latte Art Smackdowns, Fon’s all about helping baristas and café owners level up their skills and confidence. Whether she’s designing signature drink menus or leading sensory workshops, Fon brings heart, hustle, and a whole lot of latte art magic.
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ROWENA CHANSIRI
Ickle Coffee / Ama Surry Hills
@RowenafunparkRowena Chansiri has spent 13 years immersed in specialty coffee, earning two national finalist spots in the ASCA Coffee Roaster Championship. She’s the founder and roaster behind Ickle Coffee and Ickle Café, and the culinary force behind Ama Surry Hills. From roasting to restaurant creation, Rowena brings bold flavors, deep expertise, and a whole lot of heart to everything she does.
MEET THE TEAMS
Thank you to our Pacific Selection Committee for hand-picking the very best teams to compete in this event!
Paul Geshos, Artemis Gavriilidou, Danny Andrade & Ben Richardson
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V-SQUARE
Alvin & Vee
Fresh off their victory at The Barista League Sydney 2024, Alvin and Vee return as a powerhouse duo. With Alvin’s ten-time latte art championship titles and Vee’s sharp competitive edge, this team brings both precision and flair to the stage — and they’re ready to defend their crown. -
MUM'S FAVOURITE BARISTAS
AJ & Dom
AJ and Dom represent White Horse Coffee with energy and enthusiasm, ready to take on The Barista League stage. While neither has claimed a first-place title yet, their shared drive and team spirit behind the bar make them a pair to watch in the competition. -
CHERRY BOURBON
Emily & Fernanda
A blend of fresh energy and seasoned skill, Emily and Fernanda strike the perfect balance. While Emily steps into her first competition with curiosity and enthusiasm, Fernanda brings the experience of multiple national contests — including awards for Best Espresso and Best Cappuccino in Spain. Together, they’re a team to watch at The Barista League. -
ECHO CRACK
Winscor & Rujaroj
For Winscor and Rujaroj, coffee is all about connection — with friends, family, and the joy of learning. Winscor shares their coffee journey online, while Rujaroj’s passion began at home, perfecting every cup to suit his mom’s taste. Together, they bring warmth and heart to The Barista League stage. -
DID WE JUST BECOME BEST BREWS?
Jeffrey & Ryan
Jeffrey and Ryan bring a mix of creativity and quiet confidence to The Barista League. Jeffrey’s experience spans from winning barista comps and judging brew championships to designing custom sneakers for global brands and musicians. Ryan keeps things grounded with an easygoing approach — together, they’re proof that skill and personality make a winning blend. -
UDOM TEAM
Aum & Melanie
Two-time Barista League champions Aum and Melanie are back, aiming to add another title to their streak. With Aum’s latte art accolades and their shared history of success, this duo knows exactly what it takes to perform under pressure — and they’re ready to do it again. -
COFFEE SUADA
Pepe & Jenny
Pepe and Jenny share a thoughtful approach to coffee — one rooted in connection, craft, and creativity. Pepe brings competition experience and a deep curiosity for flavor and service, while Jenny blends her barista skills with a designer’s eye, capturing coffee’s beauty in her artwork. Together, they represent both the heart and the art of coffee at The Barista League. -
DRAGON WARRIORS
Bora & Vlastislav
Representing ONA Coffee Marrickville, Bora and Vlastislav bring a blend of creativity, precision, and flavor-driven innovation to The Barista League. Bora leads with vision and warmth, shaping ONA Sydney into a hub of excellence, while Vlastislav bridges the worlds of coffee and cocktails with over a decade of experience. Together, they embody the craft, community, and curiosity that define ONA’s spirit. -
EXCUSE ME, WHERE’S MY COFFEE?
Nguyen & Jimmy
Nguyen and Jimmy approach The Barista League with generosity and heart. Their focus goes beyond competition — they’re here to create something meaningful, using their passion for coffee to give back. Whether it’s perfecting a brew or supporting others, this team proves that purpose can be just as powerful as skill. -
BREVILLE'S WITHOUT A CAUSE
Paul & Matt
With over 35 years of combined coffee experience, Paul and Matt bring depth, humor, and heart to The Barista League. Both devoted dads and long-time professionals, they balance technical precision with a genuine love of flavor exploration. Whether optimizing extraction or reminiscing about a prized Lavazza pod machine, this duo proves that passion and perspective make the perfect brew.