Filipino barista Harmon Nataya has been crowned champion of the Refill Battle of Baristas Championship Season 2, capping one of the most fiercely contested editions of the competition since its launch.
Nataya topped a field of 48 registered baristas in a competition that organizers described as one of the closest to date. Indonesia’s Hendriawan Nurhidayatulc placed second, while another Filipino, Lablibell Bajarias, rounded out the podium in third — an outcome that underscored the multicultural depth of the UAE’s specialty coffee scene.
The result also extends a Filipino streak at the top of the competition. The inaugural season, held in 2025, was won by Filipino barista Kiah Parangue, whose technical precision, creativity, and craftsmanship established a strong benchmark for future competitors.
Run by Al Ain-based Refill Roastery, Season 2 unfolded across a series of preliminary batches in which rankings shifted continuously, placing a premium on consistency, technical execution, creativity, and composure as competitors fought for a place in the Top 10. Those ten finalists advanced to the Grand Finale, where each was tasked with creating an original signature beverage using the Refill Ace Blend competition beans — a round designed to test not only technical skill but also beverage development, presentation, and personal creativity.
“Competitions such as the Battle of Baristas give baristas a platform to challenge themselves, express their creativity, and gain valuable experience alongside their peers,” said Maktoum Alsheraifi, CEO of Refill Roastery. He added that the company’s aim is “not only to crown a champion, but to contribute to a stronger, more connected, and more progressive barista community.”
The championship is part of a broader push by Refill Roastery, which over the past five years has invested in barista-focused events and community platforms where coffee professionals can compete, learn, and develop their craft. Season 2 also reflected the growing diversity of the UAE’s coffee industry, drawing competitors from a range of nationalities.
The event was supported by a roster of industry sponsors, including the Victoria Arduino Experience Lab, which hosted the first two editions, and co-presenter the Beanz App, alongside Aiya Matcha, Al Menhaz, Polpanorte, Boncafe Middle East, official milk sponsor Oatside, Hotpack Global, and the Coffee Green Project.
Refill Roastery congratulated Nataya, Nurhidayatulc, Bajarias, the Top 10 finalists, and all 48 competitors for their dedication and sportsmanship, and said it looks forward to continuing to build platforms that showcase talent and strengthen the coffee community.
