Surf Coffee Takes the Win at The Barista League: Asia

Vasilina Levina and Kirill Gorelov took the top spot at The Barista League: Asia, dazzling the crowd in Tokyo, Japan, with their heartfelt performance and signature flair. 

BY VASILEIA FANARIOTI
SENIOR ONLINE CORRESPONDENT

Photos courtesy of The Barista League

The 2025 edition of The Barista League has taken the competition global, with six regional events on six continents, each producing a standout champion team. In Asia, the high-energy event, which was held in June in Tokyo, Japan, delivered everything fans love about The Barista League: wild creativity, fast-paced rounds, and unforgettable stories.

Representing Russia’s beloved Surf Coffee, Vasilina Levina and Kirill Gorelov brought not just technical skill but deep sincerity to the stage. Their set was warm, personal, and steeped in intentional design—from a red tablecloth and flowers, to hand-lettered judge name cards. They even had a secret weapon: a few heartfelt lines in Japanese, delivered by Vasilina, that lit up the room.

We sat down with Kirill to reflect on their whirlwind win and find out what’s next for this powerhouse team.

Barista Magazine: Congrats on your win! How did you prepare for The Barista League competition in Tokyo? Did you have a strategy going in?

Kirill Gorelov: Thank you! We actually had just finished competing in the Russian national championship in May, so there wasn’t much time to rest or prepare for The Barista League in June. We had to improvise (and) come up with a concept and mocktail fast. The hardest part was finding a signature ingredient that was both delicious and could survive the long flight to Japan. It was a challenge, but also really fun!

The Barista League has a pretty unique format—what was your favorite round or challenge, and why?

Both rounds were incredible, but I especially loved the sensory round. I compete in sensory championships every year, so it’s something I’m deeply interested in. It was exciting to apply that in such a fast-paced and creative format. And the mocktail round? A real test of improvisation. It pushed us to use all our skills, on the spot.

How did you aim to stand out from the other teams, whether in approach, style, or energy?

There were three things that made our performance special: First, ambience. We focused on creating an emotional first impression. That’s something the Russian competition scene really emphasizes. Music, flowers, name cards, a red tablecloth—it wasn’t just decoration, it was storytelling. Second, sincerity. We traveled a long way for this, and we knew we were stepping into a rare moment—to present our work to some of the most respected people in coffee. We didn’t take that lightly. Third, Japanese! Vasilina studied so hard to say part of our presentation in Japanese. The crowd’s reaction was unforgettable. It really connected.

What do you think makes The Barista League different from other competitions—and what did you love most about it?

The improvisation! It’s unpredictable and really levels the playing field. You can’t over-rehearse, so it becomes about how well you can truly “barista” in real time. That felt both fair and thrilling.

How did the team dynamic work between the two of you? Any funny or memorable moments from backstage?

Vasilina and I go way back—we started at the same café and have competed together for years. Our rhythm was natural. A few hours before the competition, we were pacing outside, rehearsing our speech. Two Slavs on a Tokyo street corner, speaking broken English and Japanese—we must have looked absolutely unhinged. But it worked!

Let’s rewind: What got each of you started in coffee, and what’s kept you hooked?

I came to coffee during a time when I was searching for something new. It fascinated me because you can keep learning forever. But the best part? The people. Friends who turn into teammates, and a career that never stops evolving.

Who or what inspires you most in the coffee industry right now?

What inspires me is knowing how young our industry still is. There’s so much left to discover. I also really admire anyone who steps onto a championship stage. In Russia, people like Ekaterina Transhkina, Bogdan Prokopchuk, and Danila Kochetkov really motivate me.

And globally? Miki Suzuki. Years ago, I saw her in the documentary Baristas, and I was blown away. I never imagined I’d make a drink for her someday. But at The Barista League, I did. Can you believe it?

Tokyo had such an electric crowd! How did the vibe of the event impact your experience on stage?

Honestly, it was a bit tricky because of the language barrier. But even without understanding every word, we could feel the support and energy. It was incredibly welcoming—and fun!

Now that you’ve taken home the win, what’s next for you? Any big goals, projects, or coffee dreams on the horizon?

We’re getting ready for the Russian national finals—it’s a huge responsibility representing a major brand, with thousands of baristas cheering us on. But my bigger dream? The World Championship. I don’t think I’ll be able to stop until I’m there, competing for Russia on the global stage.

If you had to describe your Barista League experience in three words, what would they be?

Experience. Friendship. Miki Suzuki. (laughs)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Vasileia Fanarioti (she/her) is a senior online correspondent for Barista Magazine and a freelance copywriter and editor with a primary focus on the coffee niche. She has also been a volunteer copywriter for the I’M NOT A BARISTA NPO, providing content to help educate people about baristas and their work.

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