The lab is a sanctuary of focus, but today, it’s a beautiful chaos. The air, thick with the aroma of coffee, is punctuated by the gleeful shouts of a child. “Daddy, daddy, daddy!” Behind the bar, amidst gleaming equipment and bags of beans, sits a small bicycle and a baby chair. This is the world of Angel Kotsifakis, a man caught between two profound callings: perfecting his craft for the world stage and being a father to his two young sons. He’s practicing his competition routine, the pressure mounting, but his real audience is right there, a joyful, demanding distraction.
Angel Kotsifakis
“That was the most challenging part…,to be a father, a husband, and a barista pro.”
This scene is the heart of his journey. It’s not about the sterile pursuit of perfection, but about weaving passion into the messy, beautiful fabric of life. His older son had made a simple request before he left for the World Championship: “You’re going to bring an award, right?” Angel’s reply was a promise: “Yes, of course.” That trophy wasn’t just for him; it was for his family.
A Crusader for Tradition
In an industry captivated by the modern allure of pour-overs and espresso, Angel has chosen to champion a more ancient art. His weapon of choice is the Cezve/Ibrik, the small, long-handled pot used for centuries to make what some call Turkish or Greek coffee. For him, this isn’t about
nostalgia; it’s a mission to preserve a vital piece of coffee’s soul.
“I really believe that tradition has to maintain… and pass through the next generations. Cezva Ibrik has centuries of tradition.”
Angel Kotsifakis, Master of Cezva Ibrik Coffee
He sees it as a duty. While others chase trends, Angel is digging deep into history, determined to prove that the same exquisite Panamanian Geisha that sings in a V60 can find a different, equally profound voice in an Ibrik. He refuses to let this rich heritage fade away. This conviction led him to the World Cezve/Ibrik Championship in Geneva, a stage where he could make his case not just with words, but with a cup. The Anatomy of a Dream Success on the world stage is never a solo act.
“This one, is not based only on me,” Angel insists, his voice filled with gratitude. His journey to Geneva was powered by a five-person team, a brotherhood bound by a single goal. Stavros and Michalis, two of Greece’s finest coffee minds, led the R&D. Another Michalis, a head bartender, crafted the signature coffee cocktail. Apostolos was the stage manager, ensuring every movement was flawless. And then there was Alexis, his shadow and confidant.
“The person that I trust…Okay, Alexis, remind me this. I will forgot this. When I will crack my head, remind me this.”
The preparation was a grueling three-month marathon. The final 45 days were a complete lockdown. “You don’t change nothing, you just make the routines.” When his coaches suggested a minor change to his speech, he stood firm. “Guys, I don’t want to change nothing at all. Not even one word. Please, I want you to respect that.”
It wasn’t arrogance; it was the fierce discipline of a man who had found his rhythm and refused to break it, a man representing not just himself, but his team, his family, and his country.
The Final Word is Kindness. After all the training, the sacrifice, and the pressure of competition, Angel’s ultimate philosophy boils down to two simple words:
“Be kind.”
He believes this is the true meaning of specialty coffee. It’s a concept that transcends the price tag on a bag of beans or the score on a scoresheet. It’s about connection, community, and the generous act of sharing.
Angel Kotsifakis, Master of Cezva Ibrik Coffee
“Specialty coffee is not the coffee. To have an amazing competition coffee that costs $500 or whatever it is. Specialty coffee is what we do right now… We share our opinion… We are open to hear the other opinions.”
For Angel, the journey is the destination. It’s in the exchange of ideas, the willingness to learn, and the support for one another.
“Share your knowledge. There is nothing wrong or right. You have a personal opinion. And when you exchange it, it’s going to be better for you.”
In the end, Angel’s story isn’t just about winning a trophy or carrying on a family legacy. It’s about the kindness found in a shared cup, the tradition passed down through generations, and the promise made to a son. It’s a reminder that the most valuable thing in coffee, as in life, is the
human heart at the center of it all.
Editor’s note
As we publish Angel’s story, he is in the World of Coffee Dubai, once again stepping onto the Ibrik competition stage. While much of the coffee world is chasing new gear, new trends, and new “wow” moments, Angel is still there at the stove, defending a tradition that shaped him as a child in his family’s kitchen.
From Athens to the world stage, he carries more than a cezve and a recipe. He carries his father’s influence, his family’s history, and the quiet belief that some things are worth keeping alive. From all of us at I’M NOT A BARISTA, we’re wishing Angel courage, calm hands, and a joyful heart on stage in the UAE. No matter the result, the way he honors Ibrik coffee — and the people behind it — already makes him a champion in our eyes.
