In a night filled with excitement and creativity, barista extraordinaire Mondrik Alpas claimed the title of champion at the “Barista Brew Down” Year-End Competition, held in Dubai. The fierce competition, which lasted over seven hours, saw Shankar Nepal take second place, while Kevin Nduati secured third.

Organized by Nomads Roastery, in partnership with Victoria Arduino, the event was hosted at the Victoria Arduino Experience Lab in Al Quoz 3, Dubai. This state-of-the-art venue has become a hub for coffee competitions and events throughout the year, showcasing Dubai’s pivotal role in fostering a vibrant coffee community in the UAE and beyond.

The competition featured three thrilling challenges, each designed to test the participants’ skill and creativity. The first challenge, The Espresso Battle, showcased precision and expertise in crafting the perfect espresso. Next came The Plant-Based Beverage Battle, which highlighted innovation in preparing coffee-based drinks with plant-based ingredients. Finally, the competition concluded with The Latte Art Battle, where participants displayed their artistry through intricate and captivating latte designs.

Despite the short preparation time for the competition, the event was a resounding success, attracting a large audience of coffee enthusiasts eager to witness the intensity and artistry on display. Abdullah Al Rasasi, CEO of Nomads Roastery, expressed his pride in the event’s success and promised that next year’s competition would be even grander, with enhanced activities, larger scale, and more valuable prizes. Meanwhile, Federico Orteli, General Manager of Simonelli Group Middle East, reaffirmed Victoria Arduino’s commitment to supporting initiatives that nurture the coffee community in Dubai, the UAE, and the region.

In a statement to Qahwa World after his victory, Mondrik Alpas expressed his joy at achieving this significant win, which adds to his illustrious record of achievements. His previous accolades include titles such as UAE National Latte Art Champion in 2024, 2021, and 2019, as well as the UAE National Latte Art Battle Champion in 2021. Albas emphasized his passion for continuing this rewarding journey in the coffee world and wished success to everyone in the field.

This event underscored Dubai’s status not only as a global economic hub but also as a center for innovation and excellence in the coffee industry. By attracting talent and expertise from around the world, Dubai continues to provide platforms that empower the coffee community and inspire creativity and passion.