TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Yi-Chen Xie (謝溢宸), a Taiwanese barista, clinched the title of the 2024 World Latte Art Champion at the World of Coffee in Copenhagen in June, emerging victorious among contestants from 36 countries. Xie impressed the judges with intricate designs of a dragon, moose, and whale, showcasing his decade-long practice.
Xie, 28, began competing for Taiwan's representative spot in 2019, securing it only last year after three attempts. During the competition, Xie narrated in English while executing his designs, blending Eastern and Western elements. Each pattern took him just one to two minutes to complete, demonstrating his proficiency and speed.
"I think it's the mentality," he said. "If I didn't do not pour very well, I will give myself another chance." He added that he is a perfectionist and continues to challenge himself.
Wu Yi-ling (吳怡玲), the vice chairperson of the Taiwan Coffee Association (台灣咖啡協會), praised Xie, stating, "A good competitor can do what they want over and over again, and it would be just as good. This is the performance of a world champion. "
Since age 20, Xie has participated in both domestic and international competitions, amassing 17 championships and eight runner-up titles. His relentless practice and interaction with global competitors have paid off, marking a significant achievement for Taiwan in the world of coffee art.
