André Blignaut, South Africa

Independent

Tell us about yourself:

I’m currently freelancing as a barista trainer, surf coach, and personal trainer. I’ve been competing professionally now for one year. The desire to learn more about coffee, meet people in the industry, and drink good coffee is what inspired me to compete.

Fun fact: I’m a qualified Aircraft Maintenance Engineer and I’m not afraid of jumping out of planes (skydiving).

I got into the coffee industry by drinking really good coffee and falling in love with the endless pursuit of making the next cup better than the one before.

What are you excited to do while you visit Chicago?

Visit all of the specialty coffee shops. See lake Michigan, visit millennium park, and go to the field museum.

What are your interests outside of coffee?

CrossFit. I love exercise and the community of friends that’s formed when being part of a CrossFit box.

Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize or who helped you to prepare for the WCTC?

Cedar coffee roasters in Cape Town for helping me train for the world stage and SCASA for their support in helping me get to Chicago.