Vasilina Levina and Kirill Gorelov took the highest spot at The Barista League: Asia, dazzling the group in Tokyo, Japan, with their heartfelt efficiency and signature aptitude. 

BY VASILEIA FANARIOTI
SENIOR ONLINE CORRESPONDENT

Photographs courtesy of The Barista League

The 2025 version of The Barista League has taken the competitors international, with six regional occasions on six continents, every producing a standout champion workforce. In Asia, the high-energy occasion, which was held in June in Tokyo, Japan, delivered the whole lot followers love about The Barista League: wild creativity, fast-paced rounds, and unforgettable tales.

Representing Russia’s beloved Surf Espresso, Vasilina Levina and Kirill Gorelov introduced not simply technical talent however deep sincerity to the stage. Their set was heat, private, and steeped in intentional design—from a crimson tablecloth and flowers, to hand-lettered choose identify playing cards. They even had a secret weapon: a number of heartfelt strains in Japanese, delivered by Vasilina, that lit up the room.

We sat down with Kirill to mirror on their whirlwind win and discover out what’s subsequent for this powerhouse workforce.

Barista Journal: Congrats in your win! How did you put together for The Barista League competitors in Tokyo? Did you’ve a technique entering into?

Kirill Gorelov: Thanks! We truly had simply completed competing within the Russian nationwide championship in Could, so there wasn’t a lot time to relaxation or put together for The Barista League in June. We needed to improvise (and) give you an idea and mocktail quick. The toughest half was discovering a signature ingredient that was each scrumptious and will survive the lengthy flight to Japan. It was a problem, but additionally actually enjoyable!

The Barista League has a fairly distinctive format—what was your favourite spherical or problem, and why?

Each rounds had been unimaginable, however I particularly beloved the sensory spherical. I compete in sensory championships yearly, so it’s one thing I’m deeply keen on. It was thrilling to use that in such a fast-paced and inventive format. And the mocktail spherical? An actual check of improvisation. It pushed us to make use of all our expertise, on the spot.

How did you goal to face out from the opposite groups, whether or not in strategy, type, or vitality?

There have been three issues that made our efficiency particular: First, atmosphere. We targeted on creating an emotional first impression. That’s one thing the Russian competitors scene actually emphasizes. Music, flowers, identify playing cards, a crimson tablecloth—it wasn’t simply ornament, it was storytelling. Second, sincerity. We traveled a great distance for this, and we knew we had been stepping right into a uncommon second—to current our work to a number of the most revered folks in espresso. We didn’t take that flippantly. Third, Japanese! Vasilina studied so onerous to say a part of our presentation in Japanese. The group’s response was unforgettable. It actually linked.

What do you assume makes The Barista League totally different from different competitions—and what did you’re keen on most about it?

The improvisation! It’s unpredictable and actually ranges the enjoying area. You possibly can’t over-rehearse, so it turns into about how properly you may actually “barista” in actual time. That felt each truthful and thrilling.

How did the workforce dynamic work between the 2 of you? Any humorous or memorable moments from backstage?

Vasilina and I am going method again—we began on the similar café and have competed collectively for years. Our rhythm was pure. A couple of hours earlier than the competitors, we had been pacing exterior, rehearsing our speech. Two Slavs on a Tokyo avenue nook, talking damaged English and Japanese—we will need to have regarded completely unhinged. Nevertheless it labored!

Let’s rewind: What bought every of you began in espresso, and what’s saved you hooked?

I got here to espresso throughout a time after I was trying to find one thing new. It fascinated me as a result of you may continue to learn endlessly. However one of the best half? The folks. Pals who flip into teammates, and a profession that by no means stops evolving.

Who or what conjures up you most within the espresso trade proper now?

What conjures up me is realizing how younger our trade nonetheless is. There’s a lot left to find. I additionally actually admire anybody who steps onto a championship stage. In Russia, folks like Ekaterina Transhkina, Bogdan Prokopchuk, and Danila Kochetkov actually encourage me.

And globally? Miki Suzuki. Years in the past, I noticed her within the documentary Baristas, and I used to be blown away. I by no means imagined I’d make a drink for her sometime. However at The Barista League, I did. Are you able to imagine it?

Tokyo had such an electrical crowd! How did the vibe of the occasion affect your expertise on stage?

Truthfully, it was a bit difficult due to the language barrier. However even with out understanding each phrase, we might really feel the assist and vitality. It was extremely welcoming—and enjoyable!

Now that you simply’ve taken house the win, what’s subsequent for you? Any large targets, tasks, or espresso goals on the horizon?

We’re preparing for the Russian nationwide finals—it’s an enormous duty representing a significant model, with hundreds of baristas cheering us on. However my larger dream? The World Championship. I don’t assume I’ll be capable of cease till I’m there, competing for Russia on the worldwide stage.

In the event you needed to describe your Barista League expertise in three phrases, what would they be?

Expertise. Friendship. Miki Suzuki. (laughs)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Vasileia Fanarioti (she/her) is a senior on-line correspondent for Barista Journal and a contract copywriter and editor with a major deal with the espresso area of interest. She has additionally been a volunteer copywriter for the I’M NOT A BARISTA NPO, offering content material to assist educate folks about baristas and their work.

Subscribe and Extra!

As at all times, you may learn Barista Journal in paper by subscribing or ordering a difficulty.

Learn the August + September 2025 Concern totally free with our digital version. 

At no cost entry to greater than 5 years’ price of points, go to our digital version archives right here.