Viktor Ellingsson
Iceland
Kaffitár
Please tell us a little about yourself:
I am really interested in everything related to coffee. I started working as a professional barista 2 years ago, and instantly fell in love with coffee as a beverage, as well as the amazing community surrounding it. I am now studying chemistry at my local university, and hope to be able to tie together my academic work with my passion for coffee.
What are you excited to do in Boston?:
I always enjoy seeing and experiencing different coffee cultures, there is always something to be learnt. I have never been to Boston so I look forward to roaming the streets, taking in the city life.
Please list the coffee competitions you have participated in, what year they took place, and your results:
2018 Icelandic National Championship – 2nd Place
2019 Icelandic National Championship – 1st Place
How do you see the coffee industry changing in the future?:
The coffee industry is always evolving and changing, to meet customer demand and concern. The most pressing topic on the rise is in my opinion sustainability, and how we affect our environment. This also includes the future of coffee farming, and the threats that climate change and increased pest diversity poses to coffee plants. I think this will become a focal point for future coffee shops and businesses trying to minimize their negative impact and giving back to the environment.
Where do you see yourself in five years?:
I hope to be completing a masters degree in chemistry, while still maintaining a good connection with the coffee community.
What are your interests outside of coffee?:
My main interests would be chemistry as well as sports and reading.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize, or who helped you to prepare for the WBC?:
I would like to thank my coach Khadija, the former Icelandic barista champion from kaffitár, as well as Sonja Grant, for helping me train and prepare. I would also like to thank everyone from kaffitár that has supported me, as well as the company as a whole. Lastly I would like to thank my mother for enduring my frequent caffeine-fuelled rambles.
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