Need further proof that Melbourne is the coffee capital of the world? Well, here it is: local barista Jack Simpson – who is also Head of Innovation at Axil Coffee Roasters – has taken out the prestigious 2025 World Barista Championship, which was just held in Italy. Now that's news that's got us more jazzed than a triple shot espresso!
Back in May, we reported that Simpson had taken out the Australian Barista Championship, making it the third year in a row he had take out the local title. His win saw him travel to Milan for the 25th anniversary of the World Barista Championship, which took place over five fierce days of judging. Competitors travelled from 50 countries across the globe – including Greece, Vietnam, Costa Rica and Kenya – in an effort to claim the crown.
The championship is based around three categories: espresso, milk-based and specialty. Each barista had 15 minutes to create four of the same drink, which were then judged on key criteria like taste, technical skills, presentation and storytelling. Simpson's winning signature brew combined two coffees (from Panama and Colombia) and combined it with a housemade honey vinegar and passionfruit husk distillate to create a fizzy, refreshing drink with notes of raspberry kombucha and mango. Yum!
“It’s an incredible honour to bring the World Barista Championship title home to Australia,” says Simpson. “This win celebrates not only me, but the producers, roasters, and the entire Axil Coffee team who have supported me along the entire journey.”
Simpson's victory came after he placed second in 2024 and third in 2023. It also confirms Axil Coffee's status as one of the world's leading coffee legends – the business now has seven Aussie titles, the most of any coffee company. Previous winner, Anthony Douglas (who won in 2021), is also an Axil alumni.
You can find out more about the World Barista Championships here.
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