Australian coffee champion Jack Simpson is set to defend his Australian Barista Championship title for an unprecedented third consecutive year in 2025. His remarkable journey from a small-town barista to international competitor has established him as one of the most influential figures in Australia's specialty coffee scene, with his second-place finish at the 2024 World Barista Championships cementing his global reputation.
Key Takeaways
- Jack Simpson has achieved a historic three-peat in the Australian Barista Championships, dominating the national scene
- His competition routines frequently feature premium coffee beans, including natural Geisha and Pacamara varieties
- Simpson's background as an apprentice carpenter gave him unique exposure to Melbourne's diverse coffee culture
- Team collaboration with Axil Coffee Roasters has been crucial to his competitive success
- His championship performances have helped elevate Australia's reputation in the global specialty coffee industry
A Remarkable Championship Streak
Jack Simpson has created coffee history by securing his third consecutive Australian Barista Championship title, a feat that has established him as a dominant force in the national coffee scene. His impressive second-place finish at the World Barista Championships in May 2024 further highlighted his extraordinary skill and dedication to the craft. Simpson's competition routines consistently showcase his commitment to excellence, often built around themes of "constant improvement" while featuring exceptional coffee beans from renowned origins.
For his winning presentations, Simpson has frequently selected the natural Geisha variety from Hacienda La Esmeralda in Panama, Finca Deborah in Panama, and Finca Zaria in Colombia, celebrated for its distinct notes and remarkable clarity. This careful selection of competition beans demonstrates his deep understanding of coffee qualities and his ability to highlight their unique characteristics through precise preparation techniques. His attention to detail and mastery of extraction have become trademarks of his championship performances.
From Carpentry to Coffee Excellence
Simpson's journey into the world of specialty coffee follows an unconventional path that began far from championship stages. His first exposure to quality coffee came while working at a local bakery in a small country town, where he learned from someone connected to Melbourne's thriving specialty coffee community. Before becoming a barista, Simpson worked as an apprentice carpenter, a career that unexpectedly provided him with opportunities to explore Melbourne's diverse coffee landscape.
This carpentry background gave Simpson the flexibility to visit various cafés throughout Melbourne, exposing him to different brewing techniques, flavour profiles, and service styles. According to a Coffee Magazine interview, these experiences shaped his unique approach to coffee and eventually inspired his transition from construction to competition. His distinctive background has contributed to his fresh perspective on coffee preparation and presentation, setting him apart in competition settings.
The Team Behind the Champion
While Simpson stands on stage alone during competitions, his success is built on strong collaborative relationships with his team at Axil Coffee Roasters. The partnership includes skilled roasters like Matthew Crowley and other specialists who help develop his championship-winning routines. Simpson regularly acknowledges this support system as essential to his competitive achievements, highlighting how team input shapes his presentations and coffee selection.
The synergy between Simpson and the Axil team has created a virtuous cycle of success. His championship victories have raised the profile of Axil Coffee Roasters nationally, while their expertise and resources have enabled him to refine his competition approach continually. David Makin, another team member, has played a significant role in developing the sensory aspects of Simpson's routines, helping identify the subtle flavour notes that judges look for in competition settings.
Key elements of this successful collaboration include:
- Collaborative development of competition routines and themes
- Expert roasting profiles tailored to competition parameters
- Rigorous practice sessions with detailed feedback
- Strategic selection of competition beans and processing methods
- Unified approach to technical and presentation elements
Elevating Australia's Coffee Reputation
Simpson's remarkable success has had ripple effects throughout Australia's specialty coffee community. His achievements have helped position Australian coffee expertise on the international stage, demonstrating that the country's baristas can compete with the best in the world. The Australian Barista Championship has become an important platform for showcasing innovation and excellence, with Simpson's performances setting new standards for competitors.
According to BeanScene Magazine, Simpson's approach to competition has inspired a new generation of baristas to pursue championship-level skills. His willingness to share knowledge and techniques has contributed to raising overall standards within the Australian coffee industry. The impact extends beyond competition, influencing café practices and consumer expectations across the country.
This elevation of Australia's coffee scene can be observed through:
- Increased international recognition for Australian coffee professionals
- Higher technical standards in cafés nationwide
- Greater consumer appreciation for specialty coffee characteristics
- More innovative approaches to coffee preparation and service
Future Challenges and Innovation
As Simpson prepares to defend his title for a third consecutive year, he faces the significant challenge of maintaining his competitive edge in an increasingly sophisticated field. The standards of barista competitions continue to rise globally, requiring constant innovation and refinement of techniques. Simpson's future success will depend on his ability to evolve his approach while staying true to the fundamental principles that have brought him championship success.
The broader coffee industry watches closely as Simpson pushes the boundaries of barista craft. His competition routines often preview techniques and approaches that later become more widely adopted in specialty cafés. As noted in a recent YouTube feature on his World Championship journey, Simpson's commitment to exploring new coffee varieties and processing methods continues to drive innovation throughout the specialty coffee sector.
Looking ahead, Simpson's influence on the Australian and global coffee scene seems likely to extend beyond his competition career. His role as both champion and innovator positions him to shape the direction of specialty coffee for years to come, whether through competition, education, or product development. The coffee community eagerly anticipates his next creative direction as he continues his remarkable championship journey.