Erhan Dizbay, Turkey

Kaizen Specialty Coffee

Please tell us a little about yourself:

My name is Erhan Dizbay, and I proudly represent Türkiye.

I am an Authorised Specialty Coffee Trainer, the 2026 Turkish National Barista Champion, and the 2026 National Cup Tasters Champion. My journey in coffee began more than a decade ago through education, curiosity, and a desire to understand every aspect of coffee—from green beans and roasting to brewing, sensory science, and coffee technology.

For me, competition is more than pursuing a title. It is an opportunity to challenge myself, continue learning, and inspire others within our industry. After several years of competing, including multiple national runner-up finishes and many valuable lessons along the way, I earned the opportunity to represent my country on the world stage.

Outside of competition, I spend much of my time training baristas, supporting coffee professionals, and working at specialty coffee events across Europe. I believe coffee is a lifelong journey of continuous improvement, and I am passionate about sharing knowledge with the next generation of coffee professionals.

What are you excited to do while you visit the Panama city?:

I'm excited to experience the local coffee culture, meet coffee professionals from around the world, and learn from different perspectives. Every World Coffee Championship is a unique opportunity to exchange ideas, build friendships, and be inspired by the incredible level of craftsmanship within our community. I'm also looking forward to exploring the city's culture, food, and history, and taking in everything the host city has to offer beyond the competition stage. I believe coffee connects people!

What are your interests outside of coffee?:

Outside of coffee, I'm passionate about continuous learning and self-improvement. I enjoy reading books on psychology, philosophy, and personal development, especially those that explore discipline, adaptability, and mastery. I also love traveling, discovering different cultures through their food and traditions, and spending time in nature. These experiences inspire both my personal life and the way I approach coffee.

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

First and foremost, I would like to thank my mom—my biggest supporter, always.

A special thank you to Jasper de Waal, my coach, whose guidance has been invaluable throughout this journey. To Defne and Eray, thank you for standing by my side every step of the way.

I am deeply grateful to Steven and Joel from Flying Pumas, Jhoan Vergara from Finca Las Flores, Nestor Lasso from Finca El Diviso, and Eva and Oscar from Finca Nogales for sharing their knowledge, passion, and incredible coffees.

A heartfelt thank you to my sponsors, Puqpress and Vestel. Without your trust and support, this journey would not have been possible.

Finally, I want to thank the countless friends and coffee professionals around the world who have encouraged and supported me along the way. From Japan to Vietnam, Thailand, Australia, Iran, Kenya, the Netherlands, Panama, Colombia, Canada, and so many other places—this journey has never been mine alone. I am incredibly grateful to be part of such a generous and inspiring global coffee community.

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