Stevo takes out National Barista Championships, Headed to Milan for WBC 2025

When Steve took the stage at this year’s National Barista Championship, his message was clear: Value matters.

From coffee selection to cup choice, every part of his set was built around this core theme — and it paid off, earning him the title of 2025 National Barista Champion.

We caught up with Steve to talk about his journey, the coffees that made the stage, and how Ni Wares cups helped elevate the experience.

On the Theme: Why Value?

“My theme this year was value. It’s something deeply personal to me — not just as a competitor, but as someone who wants every decision, every flavour, and every moment to mean something.”

The Coffee Lineup

For his espresso course, Steve chose a honey-processed Sidra, known for its vibrancy and elegance. For his milk course, he introduced an innovative blend: Sidra paired with Malaysian Liberica — a bold move that paid off.

“Both drinks were just phenomenal. The Liberica added unexpected depth to the milk course. It was exciting to share something so unique.”

Lessons from the Journey

From regional rounds to Nationals, Steve’s greatest learning curve was in the milk course.

“I dove deep into blending — not just different coffees, but also experimenting with milk types. It was challenging but hugely rewarding. This layering technique is now something I’ll carry forward.”

A Moment of Pressure

Not everything went to plan. Just before the semifinal round, Steve had to make a major change to his routine:

“I had planned to move the judges to help push my narrative forward, but due to venue constraints, it was suddenly not allowed. I had to change my workflow overnight — and again before the finals. It threw me, but I’m proud that it still came together. Hopefully I can adapt faster for WBC.”

Why Ni Wares?

Cups weren’t an afterthought in Steve’s routine — they were a vital storytelling tool.

“Cups make such a big impact on flavour and tactile perception, and I’m yet to come across a cup like the Ni Wares Toto. For this comp, I had judges drink from both rims — starting with the thin side for acidity, then switching to the thick side for texture and sweetness.”

A cup that Elevates Coffee

“The variation between the rims allowed me to showcase value through experience. The thin lip highlighted red fruit and sparkling acidity. The thick lip brought a coating mouthfeel and yellow fruit sweetness. It wasn’t just a gimmick — it enhanced clarity and made complexity easy to understand.”

Advice to First-Time Competitors

“Don’t just do something because it looks cool. Know why you’re doing it — from the coffee you choose to the cup you serve it in.”

What’s Next?

With Nationals behind him, Steve is setting his sights on the World Barista Championship in Milan later this year.

“It’s full steam ahead. I’m selecting coffees and finding the best way to deliver them. The goal? Elevate everything — just like we did here.”

A Final Reflection

“After being on the world stage, coming back to compete is tough. Last year didn’t go to plan. This year was about redemption — both personally and professionally. And I feel like I’ve grown in both.”

Congratulations again to Steve — your journey is a testament to purpose, precision, and progress. We’re proud to be part of your cup of champions.