This is the final call for Coffee Masters - New York 2018 applications and the judging panel has been announced!
On August 31 the portal closes and the final 20 competitors will be chosen. These baristas will proceed to the live rounds to battle through four days of high-octane competition for the title of Coffee Master - New York 2018 and $5,000.
Do you have incredible skill, talent, knowledge and showmanship behind the coffee bar? Or do you know a barista worthy of the Coffee Masters stage? With two weeks until applications close, now is the time to register your interest.
For a splash of inspiration, we are delighted to announce our panel of judges and MCs. Comprising legendary names from the world of specialty coffee, it's a stellar line-up.
INTRODUCING THE JUDGES
ANNE LUNELL - HEAD JUDGE
Swedish Barista and Brewers champion and the visionary behind Koppi, Anne is an internationally respected and well-loved coffee roaster from Sweden. Having been Head Judge of Coffee Masters - New York and London since their inception, there's no one more up to scratch on what it takes to be a Coffee Masters champion.
MICHELLE JOHNSON
Michelle Johnson has been in the coffee industry for seven years, moving from barista, manager, and competitor to coffee writer, public speaker, and thought leader. She created The Chocolate Barista and currently works as the Marketing & Community Director at Barista Hustle in Melbourne, Australia.
KRIS SCHACKMAN
New York native Kris is co-founder of Five Elephant Coffee Roastery & Cake Shop in Berlin. He works there as CEO and Green Buyer, focusing on ethical and responsible practices and direct sourcing of quality coffee.
TYMIKA LAWRENCE
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Tymika fell into coffee rather accidentally eight years ago as a barista, and never looked back. Since then she’s been a cafe manager for Stumptown, a trainer,and wholesale account manager and educator for Counter Culture Coffee. Currently in green coffee sales for Genuine Origin, Tymika is just as passionate about people as she is about coffee. She currently serves on the SCA’s ED&I task force, and Sprudge’s inaugural advisory board.
DAVID DONDE
David’s Cape Town based cafe, Truth Coffee, has been named the best in the world by countless newspapers. He believes in results, individuality and playing on people’s strengths. The one thing he hates? Excuses.
And the MCs
LEM BUTLER
The 2016 USBC Champion and co-owner of Back Alley and Black & White Coffee Roasters Lem Butler is joining the impressive line-up of MCs for the fifth time. A leading American barista in his own right, he’s won the Southeast Regional Barista Competition no fewer than five times.
ERIKA VONIE
Erika Vonie is a veteran of the specialty coffee industry and reigning Coffee Master - New York. Recently appointed Director of Coffee at Trade, her near decade-long experience will come in handy in her first stint as MC.
JORDAN MICHELMAN
Jordan co-founded one of the most important coffee news sites in the world, Sprudge.com, in 2009. Now a network of over seventy writers around the world, Sprudge covers the latest and greatest in coffee.