Vasilina Levina and Kirill Gorelov took the highest spot at The Barista League: Asia, dazzling the group in Tokyo, Japan, with their heartfelt efficiency and signature aptitude.
BY VASILEIA FANARIOTI
SENIOR ONLINE CORRESPONDENT
Pictures courtesy of The Barista League
The 2025 version of The Barista League has taken the competitors international, with six regional occasions on six continents, every producing a standout champion crew. In Asia, the high-energy occasion, which was held in June in Tokyo, Japan, delivered every little thing followers love about The Barista League: wild creativity, fast-paced rounds, and unforgettable tales.
Representing Russia’s beloved Surf Espresso, Vasilina Levina and Kirill Gorelov introduced not simply technical ability however deep sincerity to the stage. Their set was heat, private, and steeped in intentional design—from a pink tablecloth and flowers, to hand-lettered choose title playing cards. They even had a secret weapon: a couple of heartfelt strains in Japanese, delivered by Vasilina, that lit up the room.
We sat down with Kirill to mirror on their whirlwind win and discover out what’s subsequent for this powerhouse crew.
Barista Journal: Congrats in your win! How did you put together for The Barista League competitors in Tokyo? Did you might have a method moving into?
Kirill Gorelov: Thanks! We truly had simply completed competing within the Russian nationwide championship in Might, so there wasn’t a lot time to relaxation or put together for The Barista League in June. We needed to improvise (and) provide you with an idea and mocktail quick. The toughest half was discovering a signature ingredient that was each scrumptious and will survive the lengthy flight to Japan. It was a problem, but in addition actually enjoyable!
The Barista League has a fairly distinctive format—what was your favourite spherical or problem, and why?
Each rounds have been unimaginable, however I particularly cherished the sensory spherical. I compete in sensory championships yearly, so it’s one thing I’m deeply keen on. It was thrilling to use that in such a fast-paced and artistic format. And the mocktail spherical? An actual check of improvisation. It pushed us to make use of all our abilities, on the spot.
How did you purpose to face out from the opposite groups, whether or not in strategy, fashion, or vitality?
There have been three issues that made our efficiency particular: First, atmosphere. We centered on creating an emotional first impression. That’s one thing the Russian competitors scene actually emphasizes. Music, flowers, title playing cards, a pink tablecloth—it wasn’t simply ornament, it was storytelling. Second, sincerity. We traveled a great distance for this, and we knew we have been stepping right into a uncommon second—to current our work to among the most revered folks in espresso. We didn’t take that flippantly. Third, Japanese! Vasilina studied so exhausting to say a part of our presentation in Japanese. The gang’s response was unforgettable. It actually linked.
What do you assume makes The Barista League totally different from different competitions—and what did you’re keen on most about it?
The improvisation! It’s unpredictable and actually ranges the enjoying discipline. You may’t over-rehearse, so it turns into about how properly you may actually “barista” in actual time. That felt each truthful and thrilling.
How did the crew dynamic work between the 2 of you? Any humorous or memorable moments from backstage?
Vasilina and I’m going means again—we began on the identical café and have competed collectively for years. Our rhythm was pure. Just a few hours earlier than the competitors, we have been pacing outdoors, rehearsing our speech. Two Slavs on a Tokyo avenue nook, talking damaged English and Japanese—we should have seemed completely unhinged. Nevertheless it labored!
Let’s rewind: What acquired every of you began in espresso, and what’s saved you hooked?
I got here to espresso throughout a time after I was trying to find one thing new. It fascinated me as a result of you may continue to learn endlessly. However the most effective half? The folks. Pals who flip into teammates, and a profession that by no means stops evolving.
Who or what evokes you most within the espresso business proper now?
What evokes me is realizing how younger our business nonetheless is. There’s a lot left to find. I additionally actually admire anybody who steps onto a championship stage. In Russia, folks like Ekaterina Transhkina, Bogdan Prokopchuk, and Danila Kochetkov actually encourage me.
And globally? Miki Suzuki. Years in the past, I noticed her within the documentary Baristas, and I used to be blown away. I by no means imagined I’d make a drink for her sometime. However at The Barista League, I did. Are you able to consider it?
Tokyo had such an electrical crowd! How did the vibe of the occasion impression your expertise on stage?
Truthfully, it was a bit tough due to the language barrier. However even with out understanding each phrase, we may really feel the help and vitality. It was extremely welcoming—and enjoyable!
Now that you just’ve taken residence the win, what’s subsequent for you? Any massive objectives, tasks, or espresso desires on the horizon?
We’re preparing for the Russian nationwide finals—it’s an enormous accountability representing a significant model, with 1000’s of baristas cheering us on. However my larger dream? The World Championship. I don’t assume I’ll be capable of cease till I’m there, competing for Russia on the worldwide stage.
For those who needed to describe your Barista League expertise in three phrases, what would they be?
Expertise. Friendship. Miki Suzuki. (laughs)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vasileia Fanarioti (she/her) is a senior on-line correspondent for Barista Journal and a contract copywriter and editor with a major give attention to the espresso area of interest. She has additionally been a volunteer copywriter for the I’M NOT A BARISTA NPO, offering content material to assist educate folks about baristas and their work.
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