Manos Mamakis
Greece
The Underdog Roasters
Please tell us a little about yourself:
I am proud member of The Underdog roasters, since 2015. In these past 4 years I have already competed 2 times in WCIGS. Both times I was the runner-up Champion (2017 and 2018), so I’m hoping 2019 will treat me better! No matter the result I always see competitions from the underdog’s point of view, and I try to learn and become a better person first, and then as a coffee pro.
How did you get started in coffee?:
As everyone in Greece, in order to be able to pay my bills as a student. Then eventually I saw the “love” effect of coffee on people, and decided to become a pro.
Please list the coffee competitions you have participated in, what year they took place, and your results:
Greek CIGS Champion 2017
World CIGS Runner-up Champion 2017
Greek CIGS Champion 2018
World CIGS Runner-up Champion 2018
Greek CIGS Champion 2019
What are you excited to do in Berlin?:
Compete of course. I’d like to do a coffee tour around the city and some sightseeing.
What was your first amazing experience with coffee?:
When our owner Tasos Delichristos was working behind the bar, and served me a Gesha from Finca Deborah. I still can taste the coffee.
Besides your own competition drink, do you have a favorite cocktail?:
A Negroni.
What coffee-producing country interests or excites you most?:
Brazil, cause in the last few years they’ve done some innovative processing, and they totally changed the way people think of Brazilian coffee.
What are your interests outside of coffee?:
Cocktails, food and drink, travelling, and some CrossFit in between the rest.
Where do you see yourself in five years?:
Still working in coffee industry and with my team, pushing the boundaries of flavor and combinations even further, raising coffee quality. Sharing my passion worldwide, inspiring more and more people to evolve with what we love.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize, or who helped you to prepare for the WCIGS?:
Michalis Dimitrakopoulos
Elisavet Leividioti
Tasos Delichristos
Grigoris Mountanos
Chris Douvas
and offcourse our roaster, George Delichristos
& the rest of the Underdog+Rabbit Punch family members!
—
