WBC Panama - The Contenders & Predictions | w Axil’s DAVE MAKIN!

Get excited, the World Barista Championship is almost upon us! And joining us to discuss the upcoming event is Founder and Managing Director of Axil Coffee Roasters, Dave Makin.

We reminisce on Dave’s competition history, and reflect on how the competition shaped his coffee business. Then we look to the future: time, money, resources… What does it take to compete in 2026? What should viewers watch for in Panama? And how will this year differ from previous WBCs?

From the investment behind Jack Simpson’s world title to the coffees, tools and competitors to keep an eye on, this is your pre-Panama briefing.

Much to discuss!

If you're new here (welcome), our show dives into some of the best coffee conversations on the internet, but we will always remind ourselves at the end of the day — It's Just Coffee!

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Dave Makin on the World Barista Championship
06:17 Dave’s 2008 WBC Near Miss
10:24 How Axil Builds World Champions
12:59 How Much Does It Cost to Compete?
21:23 Is Winning the WBC Worth It?
27:47 Jack Simpson’s Road to World Champion
34:37 Is Barista Competition Accessible?
40:35 WBC Panama Preview
42:00 APAX Lab
42:38 WBC History & Australia’s Success
49:38 WBC Rules & Equipment
52:30 Do You Need Panama Gesha to Win?
54:15 Coffee Tools: Competition to Cafe
59:31 WBC Competitors to Watch
1:05:04 WBC Predictions
1:07:49 Advice for New Competitors
1:08:52 Why Coffee Prices Are Rising
1:11:33 The Team Behind Axil

Find Axil Coffee Roasters here:
instagram.com/axilcoffeeroasters

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Proudly sponsored by:

Apax Lab:
apaxlab.com

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