Victory for Coffee Rush Hour at TBL North America

Sean Lumpkin and Sun Le of team “Coffee Rush Hour” share thoughts on competing at home, the art of hosting on a competition stage, and what winning in your own city feels like.

BY VASILEIA FANARIOTI
SENIOR ONLINE CORRESPONDENT

Photos courtesy of The Barista League

The Barista League’s 2026 North America stop had already made a statement before a single shot was pulled. Returning to Atlanta for the second time (the city first hosted the event in 2023), the 2026 edition at The Loft, which took place on September 3rd, brought together six teams from across the continent, seven roasters in the Roasters Village, and a crowd that filled the room for an evening that managed to feel like both an industry gathering and a proper night out. 

When the scores came in, the winners were two of Atlanta’s own: Sean Lumpkin, founder of Peach Pit ATL and a familiar face in the city’s coffee community, and Sun Le, latte art competitor and coffee educator. Competing as Coffee Rush Hour, they took the win in front of a home crowd—which, as it turns out, changes things.

We caught up with Sean and Sun to talk through their preparation, their approach on stage, and what it felt like to win in the city they call home.

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

Sean & Sun: First and foremost, thank you! We both share a genuine passion for what we do in the coffee community, so when we got together to build our concept, we just leaned into what felt natural to us. We wanted our presentation to feel authentic—not rehearsed or forced. We brainstormed our theme pretty quickly and spent most of our preparation time refining the drinks and the flow of service. Our strategy was simple: Be ourselves, have fun, and show our love for coffee and community.

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

Sean & Sun: We knew going in that there would be incredibly talented teams from all over North America and beyond, so we focused less on trying to “beat” anyone and more on showing up as fully ourselves. Atlanta has such a rich, vibrant culture, and we wanted to bring that energy into our performance. We leaned into storytelling, warmth, and genuine connection with our judges. We also put a lot of thought into our drinks—making sure each one told part of our story while also being delicious and well-crafted.

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

Sean & Sun: The Barista League felt refreshingly human. It’s less about technical perfection and more about experience, connection, and creativity. We loved that it celebrated the full spectrum of what coffee can be—not just what’s in the cup, but the story, the service, the feeling you leave someone with. That’s what we care about most in our daily work, so competing in a format that values those things felt right.

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

Sean & Sun: Our dynamic was honestly really smooth. We’re both pretty easygoing and we just vibed well together from the start. Backstage, the energy was great—good vibes only! Everyone was so supportive of each other, which really set the tone. One thing that stood out was just how genuinely excited we were. We kept saying “This is so fun” to each other, which helped keep the nerves in check.

One unique aspect of The Barista League is the live interaction with judges. How was that experience for you, especially being able to respond and engage in real time?

Sean & Sun: This was honestly one of our favourite parts of the whole experience. We approached the judges not as judges, but as VIP guests we were hosting—people we genuinely wanted to take care of and have a great time with. That mindset shift made all the difference. Instead of feeling evaluated, it felt like a real conversation, which is exactly what great hospitality should feel like. We were able to respond naturally, share our story in the moment, and read the room in a way that felt alive rather than scripted.

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

Sean: I fell in love with coffee through the community around it. I started as a barista years ago and quickly realized that coffee was so much more than a drink—it was a space where people came together, where creativity flourished, and where you could build something real. That’s why I started Peach Pit ATL. Coffee keeps me hooked because it’s always evolving, and so is the community around it.

Sun: For me, it started with latte art. I was completely captivated by the craft and precision of it, and that led me deeper into the world of specialty coffee. What’s kept me here is the people—the connections you make, the things you learn, and the way coffee brings such diverse communities together.

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

Sean & Sun: Honestly, the people doing meaningful work in their local communities. It’s easy to get caught up in the “big names” or viral moments, but we’re most inspired by baristas and café owners who are showing up every day, building relationships, and making their corners of the world a little better through coffee. Atlanta has so many of those people, and being surrounded by that energy is what keeps us motivated.

Looking beyond the competition itself, how was your overall experience working with the TBL team and everyone involved?

Sean & Sun: The TBL team was phenomenal. From the moment we arrived, we felt genuinely supported and welcomed. The logistics were smooth, the communication was clear, and the overall vibe of the event reflected the values TBL stands for—inclusivity, creativity, and community. We also loved connecting with the other teams. Everyone was rooting for each other, which made the whole experience feel less like a competition and more like a celebration of what we all love about coffee.

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

Sean & Sun: We’re both continuing to grow our individual projects—Sean with Peach Pit ATL and Sun with her work in latte art and coffee education. But this experience has definitely sparked something in us as a duo. We’d love to keep collaborating, keep showing up for the Atlanta coffee community, and maybe even compete together again. The dream is to keep building spaces—physical and metaphorical—where people feel welcome and inspired by coffee.

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

Sean & Sun: Joy. Community. Celebration.

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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