GreatEast Cup™

Samo Smrke

PhD in Chemistry, Deputy Head of the Coffee Excellence Center – ZHAW

Samo is the deputy head of the Coffee Excellence Center at Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), where he’s brewing up some seriously cool coffee science.

He leads research projects with industry partners, diving deep into the chemistry and science behind that perfect cup of coffee.

When he’s not geeking out over coffee molecules, Samo’s busy teaching future coffee geniuses in the Coffee Excellence continuing education course at ZHAW and other exciting programs with their partners.

He’s also a regular at coffee conferences, co-authored the SCA Freshness and Water Handbooks, and has dropped some serious knowledge in scientific papers and book chapters. Samo’s on a mission to make coffee smarter, one sip at a time!

Rastislav Kasár

London Coffee Masters Champion 2022, UK CIGS Champion 2023, WCIGS Champion 2023

Rasty’s journey took him from the iconic American Bar at the Savoy to the heart of coffee culture. He’s since left his mark at legendary spots like Scarfes Bar and Kwānt by Erik Lörincz, blending coffee and cocktails like no one else.

Competitions have taken him to new heights! in 2022, he won the Coffee Masters competition in London. In 2023, he became the UK CIGS Champion. Later that year, Rasty represented the UK at the World CIGS Championship in Taipei, clinching the world title.

Now, Rasty is building his own path, merging passion and work at the highest level. What’s next? His very own space where these worlds perfectly collide.

Anastasiia Shishkina

Plotcoffee

With 11 years steeped in the world of specialty coffee, Anastasiia doesn’t just source green coffee – she lives it.

A certified Q Arabica Grader and a 2024 International Judge for Gems of Araku in India, she’s got the palate and precision to identify the finest lots before they even hit the roaster.

As the Sales & Operations Manager at Plotcoffee in Hamburg, Anastasiia connects roasters with standout coffees, ensuring every bean tells its best story.

Whether she’s dialing in a profile, leading a cupping session, or hunting down the next exceptional lot, Anastasiia is a force in the green coffee game.

Rana Hassianeh Ibrahim

Barista Hustle Arabic, US Coffee Shop, Edda Arabica & Qahwet el Souq

From the US to Africa, the UK, and back to Lebanon, Rana has brewed her way through cultures, turning coffee into a language of connection.

Co-founder of Qahwet el Souq, creator of Barista Hustle Arabic, and the mastermind behind the first Arabic coffee glossary, she’s been shaping coffee education across the region.

In 2022, she co-founded Edda Arabica, a Beirut hub where coffee meets conversation, and later US Coffee, a specialty shop built on the philosophy of “less is more”.

Certified Q Grader and trainer, Rana is here to keep coffee honest, sustainable, and always about the people.

Davide Orazi

New York Coffee Masters Champion 2022

Davide is a true coffee pro, deeply immersed in the specialty coffee world for nearly a decade. He’s been on a journey through the industry: Head Barista, Coffee Ops, Head of Coffee – you name it, he’s done it.

Passionate about every stage of the coffee experience, Davide blends technical mastery with a drive to bring people together.

A fierce competitor and an even fiercer advocate for the craft, he’s no stranger to the competition stage – whether as a contender, judge, or coach. His biggest achievement? Taking home the Coffee Masters title in New York in 2022.

Manos Mamakis

WCIGS Championship Runner Up 2017 & 2018, Hellenic Aeropress Champion 2018

Manos had such a blast at last year’s COFFEeAST that he’s back for round two!

A two-time World Coffee in Good Spirits runner-up since 2017, Manos is the definition of a coffee & spirits wizard. From roasting to mixing, he’s all about nailing the perfect balance of flavors, pushing boundaries, and elevating the craft.

As a master roaster, trainer, and all-around coffee powerhouse, he’s shaping the next wave of pros while setting the bar sky-high.

Get ready for some serious liquid alchemy!

Gabriel Carol

Paga Microroastery

Gabriel is the driving force behind PAGA Microroastery, a place where passion and next-level coffee collide.

A two-time Romanian Brewers Cup Champion (2017-2018), Q Grader, and respected Brewers Cup Judge, Gabriel lives and breathes specialty coffee.

From sourcing the best beans to dialing in the perfect brew, he’s all about pushing the craft forward — one cup at a time.

Whether he’s roasting, judging, or sharing his expertise, his mission stays the same: elevating coffee culture to new heights.

Alan Jarrar

Jokes Aside Coffee Roasters, STAV SE Espresso Bar

If there’s a dial-in to obsess over, a roast profile to tweak, or a barista to train, Alan is already on it.

As the CEO of Jokes Aside Coffee Roasters and STAV SE Espresso Bar, he’s built more than just businesses – he’s built a reputation for sharp skills, sharper wit, and an inability to drink bad coffee without making a face.

With years spent competing and judging, Alan has helped shape the specialty coffee scene. A dedicated trainer and mentor, he’s coached countless baristas to success, proving that great coffee is equal parts science, skill, and maybe a little bit of caffeine-fueled stubbornness.

At COFFEeAST, expect passion and a few well-timed jokes – because learning about coffee should be as enjoyable as drinking it!

Mihailov Cosmin

Bandit Coffee Shop

With 17 years in specialty coffee (and at least 17 more to go), Cosmin is all about precision, consistency, and chasing the perfect extraction.

At Bandit Coffee Shop, he’s not just making coffee – he’s refining a craft, always pushing for better, smarter, and more efficient ways to unlock complexity in every cup.

For Cosmin, taste is king, and coffee isn’t just art – it’s science. Every variable matters, every brew is an experiment, and the goal is always the same: flavor without compromise.

Catch him at COFFEeAST and see what 17 years of obsession tastes like!

Miruna Tudose

Origo Coffee Shop

For Miruna, coffee isn’t just a drink – it’s an experience. A passionate barista and sensory expert, she’s dedicated to pushing the boundaries of flavor, drawing from her deep industry roots at Origo and her background as a chef to create something truly special in every cup.

As the 10th anniversary winner of Diageo World Class Romania, Miruna has showcased her skills on both national and global stages. She’s also a proud member of the Campari Red Hands Project, constantly pushing boundaries and exploring new ways to innovate in coffee.

Her passion has earned her a place among the Top 8 at London Coffee Masters 2023 & 2024, proving that she thrives under pressure and is always refining her craft.

At COFFEeAST, expect Miruna to bring her creativity, deep sensory knowledge, and an endless curiosity for what coffee can be!