Nikos Antzaras

When people talk about the champions of Greece, Nikos Antzaras’ name is impossible to ignore. A two-time barista champion of Greece and a mechanical engineer by training, Nikos is a testament to resilience, passion, and the drive to make meaningful change in the coffee world. His journey from the lecture halls of medical engineering to the coffee stages of Rome and Melbourne reflects his spirit of determination and love for the craft. This is Nikos Antzaras’ coffee story.

 

 

“Whatever you do, have faith and love for what you do. If you have faith in something you love, then you’re going to find your way.”

 

Nikos’ coffee journey officially began during his university days, when he worked as a barista to make ends meet. What started as a way to cover expenses soon turned into a full-blown passion that would steer his life’s course, and despite completing his military service and graduating with a degree in medical engineering, Nikos realized his heart belonged to coffee.

 

“This is what I have to do. I want to get really involved in coffee.”

 

Bringing his best to the spotlight—Nikos Antzaras competingThe road wasn’t easy. His decision to step away from a career in engineering met with some resistance, but Nikos was headstrong and threw himself into learning the art and science of coffee. From enrolling in SCA courses to dedicating a year to earning his coffee diploma, he pursued his dream with unwavering focus. His first competition in the 2015 Brewer’s Cup marked the beginning of his rise in the Greek coffee scene, though he still laughs about it today.

 

“I have that, my presentation and every year I’m watching this because it’s, it’s like a lesson for me.”

 

He recalls his nervousness, how he spoke really fast, sweating and being a prime lesson on what not to do. Now, as a two-time barista champion, Nikos’ journey inspires many. He hasn’t just become a better competitor; he’s embraced his role as a mentor, coaching others and showing them what not to do based on his own experiences.

“They say you never lose; you always win something. Maybe you don’t get first place, but you learn something new every time. For me, it was exactly like that because every year I learn something different. I learned what I did wrong.”

 

Nikos’ ability to see beyond podium finishes is what sets him apart. He doesn’t see the competitions as just about the prize, but instead about the opportunities, the partnerships, and the growth along the way.

 

This mindset has led him to expand his influence beyond competitions, taking on the role of CEO and co-owner of Roasting Warehouse, Athens, located in the vibrant Neos Kosmos neighborhood, close to the heart of the city. The open-roastery concept allows customers to witness the entire coffee process, from roasting to cupping, fostering a deeper appreciation for every cup.

 

“Your own business is a small representation of your barista competition presentation. You deal with people, you have to communicate with them. You have to tell them your story and convince them that your coffee is the best.”

 

While Nikos continues to build his business, his passion for learning and teaching remains strong. In 2018, he became a Q-grader, allowing him to evaluate the quality of coffee with precision. His Q-grading knowledge opened new doors, including a transformative visit to Colombia in 2019, where he spent time in the Tolima region, working with coffee farmers. One particular experience left a lasting impression. During a cupping session, a cupper was ready to label the coffee as defective, but Nikos stepped in.

 

“Let’s cup it tomorrow in a street place. I will have everything ready. Just come at nine o’clock. Let’s do the cupping. And you will see that this coffee has no issue.”

 

After cupping the next day, they saw that the coffee was flawless. For Nikos, it wasn’t just about proving a point. It was about understanding the stakes—how a misjudgment could affect the lives of the farmers who worked tirelessly to produce that coffee.

 

“It’s not just a cup of coffee. There are hundreds of people behind that cup, struggling every day to bring those beans to your hands.”

 

This experience led to the creation of “Farmer’s Camp”,  a free course for farmers and producers in Colombia. The camp teaches them how to grade and evaluate their own coffee, empowering them to understand and improve their product. He collaborates with champions like Diego Campos to bring knowledge to farmers.

 

“Every producer knows how to produce coffee and knows how to harvest the coffee, but they have never tasted it. They just produce it and sell it.”

 

Back in Greece, Nikos sees a growing interest in specialty coffee, with more people eager to support local roasters. He’s optimistic about the future, believing that the key to elevating the coffee industry lies in consistency and faith.

 

“Whatever you do, have faith and love for what you do. If you have faith in something you love, then you’re going to find your way.”

 

For Nikos, the next chapter of his journey isn’t just about competition wins or business growth—it’s about giving back. As a CEO, he is committed to supporting the baristas who work with him, teaching them everything he knows to help them succeed, whether they want to run their own businesses or compete on the world stage.

 

Nikos plans to return to the competition stage one day, with his sights set on a top-three finish at the World Barista Championship. But for now, his focus remains on building Roasting Warehouse, expanding Farmer’s Camp, and continuing to learn.