I was really happy with the way it went, and I was pleased that my drinks were as good as they could be, the routine went well, I dealt with the problems I had and still finished in time. The deductions would probably keep me out of the top three, but I could live with that.
Lining up on stage for the results was tougher than competing – looking the audience in the eye – people you know watching you and nothing else to focus on. There is real kinship with the other competitors by now – we’ve all been through the same battle and come out on the far side.
The top three are announced in reverse order:
Third – Rob Dunne – DunneFrankowski. Wow! This guy was one of my favourites, and he does stuff with coffee and spirits all the time.
Second – Dan Fellows – Origin. Wow again! Dan was the Champion two years ago – came second last year and is a regular top ten UKBC competitor – in all honesty, I was SURE he was going to win.
At this point my heart starts beating out of my chest, because either I have won, or I’ve not made the top three.
I’m sure the rest of the competitors feel the same way too……
First – David Jameson – Union Hand-Roasted Coffee.
Unbelievable. I never imagined I would win this, and it was such a buzz to get my little trophy! I still haven’t stopped grinning.
So how did it all come together? I’ve been giving this some serious thought. I was definitely lucky to have such great coffee – I would not have been able to use such brilliant coffee if I didn’t work at Union.
The support and gentle guidance from my team of mentors too was invaluable. Having skilled, knowledgeable people around me to help coach and guide me was such a huge benefit, and the depth of knowledge and understanding of coffee at Union is like nowhere else I have ever worked.
Having judged competitions was really useful – I recommend it to anyone – the simple fact of knowing the tricks to get round my grinder problem for example, I would not have known without having judged. It also helped that I was familiar with the stage too!
My very very understanding boss, Matt Kennedy was also brilliant, giving me loads of time to prepare, practice and perfect the routine. It’s been an amazing project and very rewarding.
Next stop: Melbourne for the World Championship.
To see the live-stream of Dave Jameson at the WCTC semi-finals on Friday 16th May, click here.
Source: press release
