Filipino baristas showcased their exceptional brewing talents at the Qatar National Brewing Championship, held from November 29 to December 1, 2024, at Harvest Coffee, The Pearl Qatar. The highlight of the competition was John Eduard Inocencio of Honoroast Specialty Coffee Roasters, who claimed the championship title in a dramatic and closely contested final.
The championship saw an impressive turnout of talented brewers, with Filipino competitors dominating the top spots. Francis Lanuza of Fuel Roastery secured second place, while Davelyn Galupe of Pourover Coffee clinched third, further demonstrating the prowess of Filipino baristas in the international coffee scene.
The three-day event tested the skills and creativity of participants through multiple challenging rounds. The opening day featured an open service round, where ten brewers presented their signature creations. Six finalists advanced to the compulsory service challenge on the second day, brewing coffee provided by the judges and evaluated in a blind tasting session. The final showdown on December 1 saw the top six push their boundaries in a high-stakes competition, culminating in Inocencio’s victory.
Inocencio’s win grants him the honor of representing Qatar at the prestigious World Brewers Cup Championship in Jakarta, Indonesia, in May 2025. This milestone not only marks a personal achievement for Inocencio but also underscores the growing recognition of Filipino baristas on the global stage.
The event, overseen by elite judges led by Katarzyna Zyzało-Moczydłowska from World Coffee Events, maintained the highest standards in evaluating the competitors. The championship also served as a platform for Qatar’s burgeoning coffee community, with announcements about the Qatar World Coffee Expo 2025, set for January 23-25.
Major sponsors like Refill Roastery, Harvest Coffee, and other industry leaders contributed to the championship’s success, fostering an environment for baristas to thrive.
