Luiz Motta works at So Coffee Roasters in Porto, Portugal, where he manages the main café and serves daily as a barista. Originally from Brazil, Luiz moved to Portugal a few years ago—but his coffee journey began long before that, in a small kitchen where an accident unexpectedly led him behind the bar. Fifteen years later, his passion for service, precision, and connection has taken him to the top: he is the current Brewers Cup Champion of Portugal. Now, Luiz is preparing to represent his adopted home on the world stage in Jakarta.

How did you become a barista?

15 years ago, in my hometown in Brazil, I was working in a kitchen—doing dishes. One day I broke a glass and cut myself. I couldn’t work in the kitchen for a while, so they moved me to the bar. That was the first time I ever touched coffee professionally. The owner at the time saw something in me. He told me I had talent. From that moment, I started working as a barista. And I’ve been here ever since.

What does "here" mean for you now?

Still a barista. And I love it. I realized this is how I can be who I am—professional, polite, friendly, empathetic, sympathetic. Day by day I’m still learning. I keep growing, and I’ll continue to increase my coffee knowledge.

What’s your daily work like?

I’m working as a barista and assistant manager at So Coffee Roasters, in our main café. We have many customers each day. When I close the café, I head to the roastery and train until late at night. It’s a full day, but I love it.

Why does service mean so much to you?

It’s the deepest connection I have with people. Service is an art. It’s so beautiful—the way you talk about coffee, the way you bring pleasure to the customer.

That final moment, when you serve and pour the coffee, people are always so happy watching me do it. I’ve loved that part from the very beginning.

What did competing mean to you?

Competing was a dream. It didn’t even feel real. I remember watching the World Brewers Cup / Barista Championships on YouTube and thinking, this is crazy! These baristas were so serious, so skilled. I was just a baby barista back then. It felt impossible to be on that stage.

But now I know—nothing is impossible.

Why the Brewers Cup, not the Barista competition?

When SCA Portugal released the competition dates, my friend and coach and the owner of SO coffee Roasters João encouraged me to enter Brewers Cup. He told me I already had the skills. What I was doing at the brew bar— with scales, drippers, precision—it was already so close. So I said yes.

Why did you choose this specific coffee?

A year ago, we were cupping many coffees to choose one for the nationals. I wanted something different—something with bright acidity and sweetness. I was considering Ombligon and the Duo Cherry Velvet coffees from Lohas Beans. But Ombligon was too intense for me. I needed something more elegant.

Honestly, I don’t like overly funky coffees. So I asked myself and my co-workers: Does it have to be funky and super sweet? Or can I go for something more delicate and floral? I still wanted it to be unique. And then I found this coffee. The Duo Cherry Velvet Sidra Bourbon from Adrian Lasso.

It was amazing. I won the nationals with it, and that presentation became a memory for me. After that, I trained with this coffee with even more passion. Now I love it more than ever.

And now you’re going to Jakarta.

Yes. I remember when they called my name as #1. In that moment, I realized: Jakarta.

What do you expect from yourself in Jakarta?

I don’t want to focus on a number or a ranking. Of course, I’d love to make the finals. But more than that, I want to be happy and confident, and I want to show the judges who I truly am.

This is my first world presentation. Luiz is a happy guy. I love service. That’s the best part of the competition for me. It’s such a special moment.

Are you ready?

Yes. I am. I’ve been working towards this moment for years—without even realizing it at first. From washing dishes in Brazil to pouring coffee on the world stage, every step has taught me something.

Now, I’m not just here to compete. I’m here to share who I am, to celebrate the beauty of service, and to represent everyone who ever thought a dream like this was out of reach.

Jakarta, I’m coming—with calm, with passion, and with a coffee I truly love.