Mika & Ketumile

Mika competed in A Shot In The Dark, a roasting competition after his first 6 months of roasting and managed to place 26th overall!
Ketumile remembers his first Specialty Coffee Association latte art competition as a life changing experience that made him want to compete more (and even help others train for their competitions!).

Jody Ryan & Samurai

Jody Ryan is a passionate barista who’s competed in top events like Scasa Aeropress, Cupping, and La Marzocco’s Crush the Rush and Wally Latte Art—when he’s not brewing, he’s drumming as a part-time session musician.
Samurai is a former Starbucks Western Cape champion and national finalist, he is now the La Marzocco Wally Latte Art champion and a top five contender in Yellow Jacket’s Brewers League. He’s also represented leading coffee brands, served coffee to well-known figures, and modeled for La Marzocco.

James & Chris

James was nominated for Barista of the Year 2024 by Coffee Magazine and has competed in the SCA Barista Competition.

Dorian & Armin

Dorian represented South Africa at the 2025 Lavazza Barista Challenge International Finals in Turin, Italy. With a background in corporate coffee, he has worked to bring specialty and quality-focused coffee into hotels and workplaces.
Armin has once won the English reading award in grade 3…hopefully adding The Barista League: Africa title to that soon!

Munashe & Keilen

Munashe is a No. 1 Regional Champion and ranked 6th nationally.
Keilen has won the hearts of her customers and is proudly the only female barista at Father Coffee in Johannesburg.

Jonathan & Justin

Jonathan is the youngest competing latte artist in the field.
Justin made his competition debut this year, placing 2nd in Gauteng, and is eager to build on this success with many more achievements ahead.

Thapelo & Nelson

Thapelo, the 2023 National Barista Champion with Starbucks, is a certified Coffee Master and barista trainer. He has shared his knowledge across Bloemfontein stores and coffee is not just his work, but his way of living.
Nelson is a senior barista at Get Together coffee shop.

Luhle & Fanie

Luhle placed 2nd in the April Brewers Cup and 4th in the South African Barista Champs. Fun fact—he was also captain of the U7’s touch rugby team back in 2010.
Fanie is a two-time KZN Barista Champion and back-to-back 2nd place finisher at the South African Barista Champs in 2024 and 2025. Outside of coffee, he can (and will) deadlift 240kg.

Katlego & Mthandeni

Katlego and Mthandeni are baristas and a roaster at Home of the Bean. This is their very first coffee competition, so while the nerves are real, they’re fully ready to enjoy every bit of the experience! Driven by their shared love for coffee and the desire to grow within the community, they’re stepping onto The Barista League stage to learn, connect, and have fun along the way.

Gerhard & Frank

Gerhard is a very proud new uncle! Frank is known for his sweet latte art—and even sweeter coffee, always highlighting its natural sweetness of course.