Mikael Jasin of So So Good Coffee Company Crowned 2024 World Barista Champion

A big congratulations to Mikael Jasin of So So Good Coffee Company in Indonesia, your new 2024 World Barista Champion! His journey to the top was no small feat, battling through a highly competitive field to claim the title.

This victory was particularly sweet for Jasin, who had competed in the World Barista Championship (WBC) twice before, placing fourth in 2019 in Boston and seventh in 2021 in Milan. Returning in 2024, he faced stiff competition in Busan, South Korea, especially from Australia’s Jack Simpson, a strong competitor who led the scores in earlier rounds but ultimately finished second by just one point in the Finals.

Overcoming Burnout to Rediscover Passion

Though Jasin performed consistently at the top level throughout the competition, there was a point where he nearly stepped away from the WBC circuit entirely. After missing out on the Finals in 2021, he took a break from competing to recover from burnout and to reassess whether he wanted to continue his barista journey. His winning routine in 2024 was deeply personal, centered around mindfulness and rekindling his passion for coffee. “I had to use the same fire that was burning me as fuel to get me back to coffee,” he said during his performance.

Jasin's routine was a thoughtful meditation on mindfulness—how being present can transform not just your coffee experience, but life itself. He guided the judges through breathing exercises, incorporating calm reflection into the pace of his routine, with music gradually building to a powerful crescendo to heighten the moment.

A Flawless Coffee Execution

A World Barista Championship win isn’t just about a good script—it requires exceptional coffee. Jasin brought two outstanding coffees to the competition: a yeast-inoculated Ethiopian variety from Finca El Diviso in Colombia and a washed Gesha from Panama’s Finca Deborah.

For his milk course, which represented "the Mind," Jasin used the Ethiopian Aji coffee paired with a three-milk blend—60% dairy, 20% cashew milk, and 20% oat milk—evaporated down to 80% concentration. The flavors of peach liqueur, cantaloupe, and marzipan, with a rich chocolate truffle aftertaste, offered a complex and satisfying start to his routine.

In the signature drink, dubbed "the Body," Jasin again used the Aji, this time blending it with lemon juice-clarified milk, palo santo aromatics, and Indonesian cacao nibs. The drink was served at a perfect 50°C and offered vibrant flavors of honeydew, watermelon, and sage.

Finally, for the espresso course, or "the Soul," Jasin switched to the Finca Deborah Gesha. The espresso was a beautiful expression of the coffee's natural floral and citrus notes, including jasmine and orange blossom, finishing with a silky golden raisin note. Throughout the experience, Jasin led the judges through a mindfulness exercise, emphasizing the importance of savoring each sip.

A Journey of Reflection and Achievement

Mikael Jasin’s win at the 2024 World Barista Championship was a testament to both his coffee skills and his personal growth. His routine, more than just a competition performance, was a reflection on the importance of being present and finding joy in the journey, regardless of the outcome. His message of overcoming challenges and rediscovering passion resonated deeply with the judges and the audience alike.

As Jasin looks forward to hosting the global coffee community at World of Coffee Asia 2025 in Jakarta, he continues to shine a light on Indonesian coffee and the importance of mindfulness in all aspects of life.

Congratulation! 2024 World Barista Champion Mikael Jasin